Charleston County School Board Elections Bring New Faces and Continued Controversy

Charleston County School Board Elections Shake Things Up!

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. — On November 5th, locals had their say in the Charleston County School Board election, and oh boy, did it stir the pot! With half of the seats on the board up for grabs, voters turned out in full force, eager to reshape a board that many have criticized as dysfunctional. And while there are some fresh faces in the mix, the conservative-backed candidates still hold the majority, ensuring that changes will continue to keep everyone on their toes.

A Year of Controversy

Let’s take a quick rewind. The past year has seen the Charleston County School Board embroiled in a whirlwind of controversy. From placing Superintendent Dr. Eric Gallien on paid administrative leave to a shake-up in the Health Advisory Committee, tensions ran high among educators, parents, and community members. Many have been pleading with board members to set aside their political squabbles and just focus on the main thing: the education of students!

Friction reached a crescendo that included the decision to not initially hire interim chief academic officer Michelle Simmons—though she was eventually appointed in late 2023. These contentious choices have raised eyebrows and fueled discussions on improving the board’s effectiveness.

Turnover at the Top

In case you missed it, Ed Kelley, a district trustee, faced a tough defeat this election. Kelley, who had led the efforts to revamp the Health Advisory Committee, wasn’t able to hold onto his seat and was overtaken by newcomer Carolina Jewett. She is a dedicated mother from Mount Pleasant and a small business owner, implying that a fresh approach could be just what this board needs.

Meanwhile, in District 4, long-time trustee Kevin Hollinshead came back with a victory against Craig Logan, grabbing 54% of the votes! Hollinshead previously held the seat from 2016 to 2020 and seems keen to make his mark again. As Courtney Waters chose not to run for reelection, it’s clear there’s been a shift in the status quo.

Meet the New Faces

Another noticeable turn of events was in District 6, where incumbent Daron Lee Calhoun II was defeated by Michele Leber, who won by 11 points. Leber, the wife of Republican state Senator-elect Matt Leber, expressed her commitment through her campaign to prioritize education excellence, ensuring safe schools, and enhancing trust and transparency in the community.

And let’s not forget about District 8, where incumbent Darlene Dunmeyer-Roberson successfully defended her seat against challengers Michelle Faust and Charles Glover. Her victory ensures that at least one familiar face remains on the board.

What’s Next?

Despite the turnover, the outcomes of these elections mean that the group dubbed Moms for Liberty will hold onto their five-member majority on the board. This group has positioned itself as a driving force in local education advocacy, focusing on parental rights in the educational system.

In 2022, voters turned their attention to the board and gave it a complete shakeup when all nine trustee positions were up for election due to a legislative switch to single-member districts. This change has allowed voters to select trustees who truly represent their neighborhoods.

As the newly elected board members embark on their four-year terms, a collective breath of anticipation hangs in the air. Will they be able to put aside the political tension? Will they come together to focus on the students? Time will tell! Charleston County is surely watching closely.

Remember, folks, it’s not just about who’s on the board; it’s about what they’ll do for our kids’ futures!