Principal- Mrs. Kristen Eubanks

Phone: 803-476-4600        Email: keubanks@lexrich5.org

Kristen Eubanks proudly serves as the Principal of Lake Murray Elementary. Along with the staff at Lake Murray, she believes that it is the primary role of educators to educate, empower, and encourage all children in a safe and nurturing environment. Mrs. Eubanks looks forward to the continued partnership with the LMES teachers, parents, and the community to ensure every student is challenged, yet nurtured in a positive atmosphere where they are capable of reaching extraordinary goals.  

She began her career as a Teacher at Lake Carolina Elementary in Richland School District Two. She was promoted to serve as Assistant Principal, and was later named Principal of Bridge Creek Elementary. She joined the District 5 team as Principal of Lake Murray Elementary in 2023. This year will be her thirteenth year serving as a Principal. 

Mrs. Eubanks earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of South Carolina. After deciding to change her career to pursue her dream of making a positive difference for others, she earned a Masters of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education degree from the University of South Carolina.  Mrs. Eubanks later obtained her Education Specialist degree in Educational Administration from Capella University. 

Prior to coming to Lake Murray, she led the way to transform Bridge Creek Elementary into an award winning STEAM-Medical magnet school. Under her leadership, the school was named a South Carolina ASCD Whole Child School, as well as a  Magnet Schools of America New and Emerging School of Distinction, National Demonstration Magnet School, and Magnet School of Excellence. 

Since arriving at Lake Murray two years ago, Lake Murray Elementary has been named as the #1 Best Public School in the Columbia Area and one of the Top 2% of schools in the Nation, according to Niche. Lake Murray Elementary was also voted as the #1 Overall Best School among public and private schools in Columbia (Kidding Around Columbia-Kaboom Award).  Under her leadership, Lake Murray has reigned as back to back Attendance Champions with the lowest chronic absenteeism rate in the District 5. 

Mrs. Eubanks has been named the Richland County Educational Office Professionals and South Carolina Educational Office Professionals' Administrator of the Year. Mrs. Eubanks currently serves as the President of the Board of Directors of South Carolina ASCD. 

Mrs. Eubanks has been married for twenty two years and has a son, Joseph, who will be a senior this year.  In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending quality time on the lake with her family and friends and her sweet dog Ali (who looks very much like our very own Captain).

Assistant Principal- Mr. Brian Scott

Phone: 803-476-4613

Email: bscott@lexrich5.org

My name is Brian Scott, and I am honored to serve as one of the Assistant Principals at Lake Murray Elementary School. I am a proud local, having grown up in the area and graduating from Chapin High School in 2000. I went on to attend the University of South Carolina's Darla Moore School of Business, where I earned a degree in Finance and Business Management. After spending a few years in banking and real estate, I realized my true passion was in working with children, which led me to return to USC to pursue a Master’s in Elementary Education.

In the early part of my career, I had the privilege of working as an upper elementary teacher. Later, I earned my Master’s in Educational Administration and served as the Administrative Assistant at Irmo Elementary. I am now entering my ninth year at Lake Murray Elementary and look forward to continuing to build strong relationships with our staff, students, and the community.

Outside of school, my family means the world to me. My wife, Anne, and I have two wonderful children: our eight-year-old son, Benjamin, and our five-year-old daughter, Barrie. Our administrative team and I are excited to serve your family in any way we can during the upcoming school year.

Administrative Assistant Principal- Mrs. Elizabeth Knott

Phone: 803-476-4612

Email: eknott@lexrich5.org

I’m so excited to begin my third year as the Administrative Assistant Principal at Lake Murray Elementary School! Working alongside our incredible teachers and staff to support our students each day is an absolute joy. I truly believe that when schools and families work together as a team, amazing things happen for kids—and I’m so thankful to be part of a community that shares that belief.

As a proud Chapin native and Chapin High School graduate, it’s special to serve the school that helped shape me. My journey as an educator began right here at LMES, where I served as a Teacher Cadet during high school. That experience sparked a deep love for working with children that has only grown stronger over the years.

This school year marks my 20th year in education. I began my career teaching 2nd grade at Red Bank Elementary before coming home to Lake Murray Elementary. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to serve in a variety of roles, including Teacher, Reading Interventionist, Response to Intervention Specialist, and Reading Coach. I was honored to be named LMES Teacher of the Year in 2010–11 and District Teacher of the Year for Lexington-Richland School District Five in 2011–12, which reflects the amazing students, colleagues, and leaders I’ve been blessed to work with.

I earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Marketing with a minor in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education, both from the University of South Carolina. Most recently, I completed my Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Western Governors University.

Outside of school, I love spending time with my husband, Chad, and our daughter, Caroline, who is currently a senior at Chapin High. We love being outdoors, especially hiking to waterfalls in the Carolinas or spending time on the lake. We also adore our playful pup, Murphy, who is a proud member of Captain's Crew!

I’m honored to serve the students, families, and staff of Lake Murray Elementary, and I look forward to a fantastic year of learning and growing together. Please don’t hesitate to reach out, as I’m always here to support you and your child!