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News from Carol...June 2025
We are already in the middle of our summer break and I wanted to reach out to you with an update of 2025.
It looks to be a year of more progress. Based on preliminary reports, our students are doing well. Each month at our Committee of the Whole and Board Meetings, our Superintendent gives updates on student achievement, school climate, and various academic programs.
Did you know CCSD started the 2024-25 school year without any teacher vacancies. With another historic budget in place, we currently only have 24 teacher openings.
Let me give you a few more specific updates.
SAVE the DATE of Monday August 4 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. It's a time for welcoming
Ms. Virginia Sayer as the new principal of Camp Road Middle School. Ms. Sayer brings over 15 years in public education, with a proven record of instructional leadership, student support, and school wide improvement. Read More
News about Constituent Boards. It's with gratitude to honor the D3 Constituent Board members who faithfully served our students and families. They are: Katy Calloway, Donna Jenkins, Sue McManus, Reverend Cynthia Smalls, and Dr. George Tempel. Their advocacy and dedication for our neighborhood schools significantly impacted quality public education for the students of James Island and Folly Beach.
CCSD Constituent School Boards were disbanded by the Charleston Legislative Delegation and Governor McMaster via Bill 4014. Read More
Another Historic Budget for CCSD Public Schools. A balanced budget was passed in May that let’s schools begin planning for the upcoming year. The board continues its efforts to pay teachers and classified staff the professional wages they deserve for supporting teaching and learning. Schools are receiving additional funds via the Weighted Student Formula to help students with learning needs and this strengthens our neighborhood schools.
“This budget is more than a financial plan; it is a values statement,” said Superintendent Anita Huggins. “We are investing in excellence and access for every child while supporting the adults who make learning possible. I’m grateful to the Board and our financial team for their leadership and vision.”
Registration for the 2025-26 School Year is Underway. Annual registration is essential. It allows schools to obtain parents and.or guardians most up-to-date information, including emergency contacts and student medical updates. It also ensures that our neighborhood schools are staffed appropriately when school starts.
Click here for On-Line Registration. Then scroll down for the 2025-26 registration area and select a category such as: returning students, new students, head start/early head start; students for K3 and K4. Click here to find your school for On-Site registration.
Summer Meal Program. Summertime brings a break from school...but the need for good nutrition doesn't take a break. Click here for Summer Meal Sites in our community.
On James Island:
James Island County Park. Tuesday: 12:45-1:30
Here you pick up a bundle for the week.
Daily, fresh cooked means for breakfast and lunch. Monday to Friday
Thomas Johnson Park. 1443 Secessionville Road. 12:30-1:30
EME Apartments, 1815 Central Park Rd. 12:00-1:00
Baxter Patrick Library, 1858 S. Grimball Rd. 11:00 am (15 minutes)
St. James Presbyterian Church, 1314 Secessionville Rd. 12:00-1:00
Meal pick up at County Libraries
Other Island News. 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, expanded to the former James Island Middle School. Have you visited our islands impressive career and technology center located on the James Island Charter High School campus?
School Board News: The CCSD School Board 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.
Our Neighborhood Schools. Our community is working together to be JAMES ISLAND #1. Schools are partnering to expand their art and music programs. The island schools hosted a fabulous Science Fair and Math Competition. Schools have robust art, dance, and music concerts. 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 students' acts of kindness. Efforts are 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 continue to advocate for best practices in public education. My priorities include: working with Superintendent Anita Huggins to accomplish the board's achievement goals for all students and the district's strategic plan; supporting our School Improvement Councils and school events; attending education and school board workshops; continuing to support teachers and the staff financially; lowering class size; and advocating for innovative programs to enhance our neighborhood schools.
Let me know what your priorities are for the schools. Let's make it happen together!
Respectfully,
Dr. Carol Tempel
CCSD School Board Trustee, District 9
carol_tempel@charleston.k12.sc.us
Upcoming dates:
- 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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