Charleston County School District Welcomes Students with Fresh Changes

Charleston County School District Welcomes Students with Fresh Changes

Charleston, S.C. – As students of the Charleston County School District return to school this Tuesday morning, they will be greeted with a variety of exciting changes designed to enhance their learning experience.

Improved Bus Services

One of the most notable changes is in the bus services. With the growth in the area, school district officials have introduced new bus routes, particularly in the West Ashley region. To assist parents and students, a school bus stop lookup tool has been made available, allowing families to find the nearest bus stop by simply entering their address.

James Lynch, the Executive Director for Student Transportation, emphasized the goal of efficiency. Along with new routes, the Charleston County School District has raised wages for bus drivers. According to Gary Reese, Senior Location Manager for First Student, starting pay for inexperienced drivers is now $22.50 per hour, while those with five or more years of experience can earn $31.50 per hour. The company is also covering the training costs for drivers to obtain their commercial driver’s license (CDL).

Currently, First Student has 97% staffing for its bus drivers, with 21 new candidates in training. Reese assures parents that they will have effective service for transporting students, and they will notify parents via an app in case of any route changes.

Health and Safety Focus

This school year, health and safety policies are a major focus for the district. Ellen Nitz, the Director of Nursing for the district, stated that after experiencing two emergencies last year, the district is now preparing schools for lifesaving situations. They have installed 202 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) across the 88 schools to ensure quick access in emergencies.

Nitz highlighted the importance of having quick response times. In partnership with the American Heart Association, the district is aiming for a three-minute response time for cardiac emergencies. In addition to the existing school nurses and resource officers, plans are in place to ensure that every school has a first responder. To further enhance safety, NARCAN and epinephrine auto-injectors are now accessible at every AED location, prepared for severe allergic reactions.

New Developments and Infrastructure Improvements

The district’s Executive Director of Capital Programs, Jasmeen Shaw, shared updates on ongoing and upcoming projects. A new Early College High School support building is expected to be completed by November, with an opening planned for December. Additionally, the new Johns Island Elementary School is scheduled to open in August 2025, alongside a new Morningside Middle School at the end of next year. A new Ladson Elementary School in North Charleston is also in the works and will serve 900 students.

Shaw noted that these developments align with the one-penny sales tax initiative, which aims to enhance educational facilities. “We want our students to have a sense of belonging and confidence in their schools,” Shaw said, reinforcing the district’s commitment to creating a strong educational environment.

In addition to new buildings, Steve Hamer, who oversees facilities management, reported various infrastructure upgrades happening throughout the district. Schools are receiving updates such as new HVAC systems, painted walls, roof repairs, and renovated bathrooms. Deer Park Middle School is set to welcome a new cafeteria while Baptist Hill High School is getting a modern turf field.

Preparing for a Successful Year

Behind the scenes, the janitorial team has dedicated their summer to preparing over 10 million square feet of school buildings, ensuring cleanliness and safety for students. Over 1,800 acres of school grounds have also been maintained to provide a top-notch educational setting.

With all these updates, the Charleston County students can look forward to a refreshed school experience starting this year.