Charleston County School Board Welcomes New Members Amid Calls for Student-Focused Governance

Charleston County Welcomes New Faces to School Board

CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston County School District’s Board of Trustees made headlines Monday night as they gathered for the first time with several new members officially sworn in. The ceremony took place at district headquarters and featured a warm atmosphere filled with family and friends supporting the newly elected officials.

In this new lineup of board members, four individuals took an oath to serve: three newcomers and one re-elected member. While fresh faces are stepping in, the major power still appears to rest with the more conservative board members, and the board’s voting patterns have historically leaned towards party lines in crucial decisions.

A Call for Integrity

During the public comment section of the meeting, community member Cynthia Smalls voiced her hopes for the new board members. “Do what is right for our children, please; that’s all I’m asking,” she stated passionately. “Please do what is right, no side deals.” Her sentiment struck a chord with many present as they look toward a future focused on the well-being of students rather than political agendas.

Highlights from the Election

Among the newly elected members, Carolina Jewett emerged victorious in District 2, defeating incumbent Ed Kelley. Jewett expressed optimism about steering the focus back to the students. “I think it’s really important to just continue to bring it back to the kids and take all the politics out of it,” she stated. Meanwhile, Kevin D. Hollinshead, who previously served on the board, won the District 4 seat against Craig Logan.

In a close race for District 6, Michele Leber secured her position by defeating incumbent Daron Lee Calhoun II by roughly 1,500 votes, showing the community’s desire for change. Leber is married to State Representative Matthew Leber, who was absent from the ceremonial event. Darlene Dunmeyer-Roberson was the only board member to successfully defend her seat in District 8, receiving 46% of the vote over competitors Michelle Faust and Charles Glover.

An Engaging Start

Following the swearing-in ceremony, the newly formed board took part in their first official meeting. This meeting allowed the public and district staff to witness how the new board would operate. The members proceeded to vote on key positions, including Board Chair, Vice Board Chair, and several other crucial committee roles. It is notable that the new board’s power dynamics remain largely influenced by members supported by Moms for Liberty, a group known for its conservative stance in educational policies.

“Maybe we can change some of the policies in the way they actually decide on who gets to do what,” Jewett remarked, highlighting a desire for improved governance. She was seen aligning with fellow board members Dunmeyer-Roberson and Carol Tempel, which indicates a possible shift in collaboration strategies within the board.

Community Engagement

Although not many community members signed up to speak, three out of four public comments centered on the board’s direction moving forward. Maurice Washington commended the board, mentioning that “your commitment to open dialogue and shared governance will ensure a brighter future for our community.” This encouragement reflects the community’s hope for a board that values transparency and collaboration.

While the immediate decisions from the new board are still unfolding, interestingly, Hollinshead chose to abstain from two votes during the meeting, showcasing the complexity of aligning differing party views. With the next Board of Trustees and Committee of the Whole meetings scheduled for December 9, there’s plenty of anticipation in the air regarding how this new configuration will tackle more controversial matters.

As Charleston County looks toward the future, all eyes will be on the board’s performance and its promise to keep students’ best interests at heart.