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News from Carol...December 2024
As we end 2024, I wanted to reach out to you with an update before our schools enjoy a Winter Break and complete the first semester of the 2024-25 school year.
It looks to be a year of progress. The District was accredited by COGNIA and the students are achieving. Based on the recent school report cards from the state, our Superintendent, Ms. Anita Huggins prepared a State of the Schools report for the community. It's good to report that more students are meeting/exceeding grade level expectations, and of course there is more that can be accomplished. At the start of the school year every classroom was fully staffed by a high quality teacher thanks to the historic budget of giving our teachers an $8,000 salary increase and valuing our classified staff with salaries at 100% of market value. Schools (non-title 1) with significant populations of high poverty students, multi-language learners, and students with special needs received Weighted Student Funds to help meet the learning needs. All of these efforts should help strengthen our neighborhood schools.
In November, new school board members were elected Districts 2, 4, 6, and 8. The CCSD School Board as of November 18 includes: Keith Grybowski, Board Chair (D1), Carolina Jewett, (D2), Pam McKinney, Committee of the Whole Chair (D3), Kevin Hollinshead, Policy Liaison (D4), Carlotte Bailey, Vice Chair (D5), Michelle Leber, Strategic Education, (D6), Leah Whatley, Audit and Finance (D7), Darlene Dunmeyer-Roberson (D8, and Carol Tempel (D9). Many of you follow CCSD School Board meetings on YouTube or comment on my social media posts. I appreciate your feedback and encouragement. Working on a school board is challenging and political...so many issues and perspectives to consider; however, I assure you that I speak out on shared & collaborative leadership, ethical, policy, and legal issues while remaining focused on excellence in teaching and learning for all students.
So what's happening? I'm very focused on student outcomes and appreciate the encouraging achievement reports for the district's goals and guardrails. Currently, I am the Chair of the AdHoc Committee to prepare the Superintendent Evaluation Instrument. We expect to adopt the instrument in January 2025. Our elemenary schools are implementing a new English Language Arts program based on the "science of reading. Next year we expect to adopt a new math curriculum.
With foot surgery in September, my mobility was challenging. However, my favorite school board responsibility is visiting schools. My husband George and I enjoyed shopping for a few homeless CCSD students and we can't wait to help serve the hot chocolate and cookies when the children and their guardians come to the Holiday celebration to receive their gifts and some new clothes. I keep up with the island's Constituent Board, School Improvement Council, and PTA/PTSA meetings. Our calendar is full this month with student performances. I'm thrilled to see our students developing their musical and performance talents.
Plans are underway for early childhood centers at Stiles Point Elementary and James Island Elementary (opening August 2026). The Turning Point Academy, an alternative school to help students thrive, will be expanding to the former James Island Middle School. Our island has a very impressive career and technology center located on the James Island Charter High School campus.
In the spirit of supporting neighborhood schools, our community schools are working together to be JAMES ISLAND #1. Schools are partnering to expand their art and music programs. The island schools will host another Science Fair and Math Competition. Schools have robust art, dance, and music concerts. Stiles Point recently achieved the Blue Ribbon Award for it's self-study. If you keep up with each school's FaceBook page, you will see student accomplishments. I really love the focus all of the schools are making to promote a student's acts of kindness. An effort is underway for all schools to implement Restorative Practices..a program that helps students resolve conflict and build relationships with their teachers and peers.
Moving forward, I will continue to advocate for best practices in public education. My priorities for the next few months include: working with Ms. Anita Huggins to accomplish the board's achievement goals and the district's strategic plan, supporting District 9 schools and their School Improvement Councils, working with the D3 Constituent Board, attending education and school board workshops, continuing to support teachers and the staff financially, lowering class size, and enhancing neighborhood schools. Let me know what your priorities are for the schools!
With best wishes for your and your families in the New Year.
Respectfully,
Dr. Carol Tempel
CCSD School Board Trustee, District 9
carol_tempel@charleston.k12.sc.us
Upcoming dates:
- Winter Break: Monday, December 22 to January 6.
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Regular School Board meetings resume in January. Times for the 2nd and 4th Mondays are usually at 5:15pm. Audit and Finance meets at 2 pm on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Here is the calendar for meetings. I look forward to seeing and speaking with you at 75 Calhoun.
- Find each school's FaceBook page to keep up with accomplishments and events.
I carry this motto with me each day to stay focused on the important work that needs to be done. In the words of Maran Wright Edelman...
Education is for improving the lives of others and
for leaving our community and world better than you found it.
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