After nearly 30 years in education, Lexington County School District Two Superintendent Brenda Hafner will retire at the end of the 2025-26 school year. No decisions have been made regarding a permanent new hire. 

The announcement came at a board meeting; she said her family "must take priority." 

“The retirement decision has been incredibly difficult,” Hafner wrote in an email to employees. “I have had many wonderful opportunities and experiences in my education career and I would dare say the role of Lexington Two Superintendent is at the top of that list.” 

Prior to becoming superintendent for the district, Hafner served as a social studies teacher at E.L. Wright Middle School in 1998; an AP U.S. History and social studies teacher at Mayo High School for Math, Science, and Technology in 2000; and a social studies teacher in the Leadership Academy at Wright in 2002. 

From 2004-08, she served as a curriculum effectiveness specialist and later as assistant principal at E.L. Wright Middle. In 2009, she was named the principal at Blythewood Middle School, and in 2014, she became the principal of Blythewood High School. 

In 2018, she transitioned to Sumter School District, serving as chief of schools, chief administrator and assistant principal. 

Hafner joined Lexington County School District Two in 2022. 

“Dr. Hafner has done great work in our district, evidenced most recently by the growth our students have shown in the recent rounds of SC READY testing as well as SC State Report Cards,” Board Chairman Kevin Key said in the press release. “She has been a true champion for growing academic opportunities for students at all levels, promoting college and career offerings at the high schools and Innovation Center and expanding our fine arts programs. Most of all, though, Dr. Hafner is a true champion of our children, this district, and the greater community.”

Angela Cooper, chief human resources and organizational development officer, who has worked in the district for 18 years, will serve as “superintendent designee” when Hafner needs to be away from the office in the upcoming months.

In July 2025, Cooper won the 2025 Herb Salinger Personnel Administrator of the Year Award, which is given to those who are involved in functions and programs, have had an impact on public education and demonstrated creativity in their approach to personnel administration. 

“This community is so special, with great school and district leadership, great teachers and staff, and amazing students. It has been an honor,” Hafner said in her statement.