Officials in Berkeley County are preparing for major school growth as two new campuses — Midtown Middle School in the Nexton area and Bee Tree Elementary in Jedburg — get ready to open. With the additional classrooms comes a significant hiring push ahead of the August 2026 launch.
District leaders say staffing the new facilities is a top priority, along with filling vacancies across the district’s existing 49 schools.
Job Fair Set for Stratford High School
To meet hiring needs, the district will host a job fair Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Stratford High School. All 49 schools will be represented, with the greatest staffing needs expected at the two new campuses.
Natalie Locklier, director of human resources, said the district typically hires between 100 and 300 employees each year. Currently, they are looking to fill roughly 100 to 200 positions, though the exact number may shift as retirements and relocations occur.
“Putting on the Ritz” Recruiting Experience
The hiring event will feature a red-carpet theme dubbed “Putting on the Ritz,” designed to create a welcoming and engaging atmosphere for applicants. On-site interviews will be available, and some candidates may even receive contract offers the same day.
District officials say they want the event to feel less like a traditional resume drop-off and more like a VIP experience, with a designated space for interviews and opportunities for meaningful conversations with school leaders.
