Lake Murray Elementary principal, Claire Thompson, announces plans to retire

Claire Thompson, principal of Lake Murray Elementary School in Lexington-Richland School District Five, has announced plans to retire at the end of the current school year.

Thompson has been an educator for more than 35 years, including 27 in School District Five. She has been the only principal of Lake Murray Elementary School since it opened in 1997. She will officially retire on June 30.

“It’s been my pleasure to serve students and their families as an educator for the past 35 years,” Thompson said. “I have loved working with parents. I loved working with students and teachers, and it’s those memories I will take with me into retirement. I am proud of the work we’ve accomplished together, and look forward to all the things that will come in this next chapter of my life.”

Thompson earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, a master’s in early childhood and her educational leadership and administration certification from the University of South Carolina. Prior to opening Lake Murray Elementary School, she served as principal of Chapin Elementary School for three years.

In 2015, Thompson was named South Carolina Association of School Administrators Principal of the Year for the elementary school level. She also was named a 2015 National Distinguished Principal by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP).

“Ms. Thompson will leave a strong legacy at Lake Murray Elementary and all of School District Five,” said School District Five Superintendent Dr. Stephen Hefner. “Under her leadership, her students have achieved at the highest levels, her teachers have earned state and national honors…and all of this is a direct reflection of her steady, consistent and exceptional leadership.”