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"Tell me, and I forget. Teach me, and I remember. Involve me, and I learn."
-- Benjamin Franklin
Dear Friend of Pubic Education
Our student body is diverse, ranging in age from Pre-K to 12th grade. Students live across Charleston, James Island, Folly Beach, Johns Island, Seabrook Island, and Kiawah Island. They come from diverse socioeconomic and racial backgrounds and bring a wide range of talents, experiences, and aspirations.
One thing remains throughout the District. Nothing is more important than our students. As board members, it is our responsibility to create a school system that provides high-quality education for every student.
Our schools must offer a comprehensive curriculum that includes language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, fine arts, technology, physical education, athletics, and foreign languages. Student-centered curriculum and its instruction should encourage creativity and critical thinking. Students should have many ways to learn and demonstrate their learning through projects and hands-on activities.
Early childhood education is especially important. Strong early learning experiences build the foundation for lifelong learning and are essential to closing the achievement gap for under-resourced children. As students move into middle and high school students, they need access to college and career exploration, mentoring, internships, and apprenticeships to inspire their futures.
We must be vigilant in monitoring student progress. Assessment should be ongoing to inform teaching and learning. Educators should conduct their own evaluations and should not rely solely on standardized tests. We also have an obligation to protect students' privacy and keep their information confidential.
One of the most rewarding things I do as a board member is visiting schools and spending time with students. I attend band concerts, science fairs, performances, graduations, and community events. It is also exciting to see students succeed. This year, James Island ES had three students with perfect math scores on the state test. It doesn’t get much better than that. At one elementary school, I watched a group of students proudly present their science project and explain how they designed a simple water filtration system. Their curiosity and teamwork were remarkable. At a middle school STEM showcase, students demonstrated robots they had programmed themselves to complete complex tasks—solving problems together and explaining their thinking with confidence.
At the high school level, I’ve been especially moved by students who combine academic work with service—organizing community food drives, leading peer-mentoring programs, and presenting thoughtful research projects about real issues facing our community.
Moments like these remind me why strong public schools matter.
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