Richland One releases statement following death of elementary school principal

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)–

Richland County School District One has released a statement following the death of an elementary school principal’s death. According to the school district, they learned of Forest Heights Elementary School Principal Dr. Jason Koepke death on Thursday, June 20. Koepke served as principal of the school for three years, when he started working there in July 2021.

The district’s Crisis Team has been activated to provide support and counseling to any students and staff who may need assistance in dealing with the news of his death. Dr. Jason Koepke’s funeral will be held on Monday, June, at 4:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Spartanburg (250 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306). Flowers and condolences can be sent to Seawright Funeral Home (26 East Main Street, Inman, SC 29349).

Statement from Richland One Superintendent Dr. Craig Witherspoon:

“We were shocked and saddened to learn yesterday (June 20, 2024) of the death of Forest Heights Elementary School Principal Jason Koepke. Dr. Koepke served as principal at Forest Heights for three years. Before he began his duties at Forest Heights in July 2021, Dr. Koepke was an assistant principal at St. Andrews Middle School. The district’s Crisis Team has been activated to provide support and counseling to any students and staff who may need assistance in dealing with the news of Mr. Koepke’s death. We extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Koepke’s family, and we ask everyone to keep his family and the students and staff at Forest Heights in your thoughts and prayers.”