Exciting Changes on the Charleston School Board After Election Night!
Hey there, Charleston! Grab your party hats, because Tuesday’s elections brought some fresh faces to the Charleston County School District Board of Trustees! The results are in, and it looks like there’s a new vibe coming to our local schools.
Shifting Seats and New Leaders
After years of a *majority faction* dominated by the right-wing group Moms for Liberty (M4L), the board welcomes three new members. One of the biggest upsets of the night came in District 2, where incumbent Ed Kelley took a *staggering loss* to newcomer Carolina Jewett. Jewett, who made a splash with her campaign promising an *apolitical* approach to education, snagged a whopping 11,889 votes (56.9%) while Kelley only mustered 8,990 votes (43.1%).
In her victory speech, Jewett emphasized that “these positions should not be political in any way” and that decisions should be driven by what’s best for all students. She believes that it’s high time we put politics aside and focused on *quality education* instead!
District Highlights
Moving on to North Charleston, excitement bubbled over in District 4 as former board trustee Kevin Holinshead reclaimed his seat. He won against Craig Logan with a total of 3,873 votes (53.9%), ensuring that parents in North Charleston will have a voice that represents their needs. Logan, while not victorious this time, managed a respectable 3,310 votes (46.1%).
Meanwhile, in District 6, it was a tight squeeze with Michele Leber defeating incumbent Daron Lee Calhoun II. With a final tally of 6,392 votes (48.7%) to Calhoun’s 4,879 votes (37.2%), and Samuel Whatley II trailing with 1,857 votes (14.1%). Leber is also the wife of Republican state Rep. Matt Leber, adding a dash of intrigue to the results!
And let’s not overlook District 8, where incumbent Darlene Dunmeyer-Roberson solidified her role for another term, scoring 8,672 votes (46.2%). Her opponents, Michelle Faust and Charles Glover, managed 7,043 votes (37.5%) and 3,049 votes (16.2%), respectively. Darlene seems to be a crowd favorite for sure!
What’s Next for Charleston Education?
School board members are gearing up for four-year terms, with another set of elections on the horizon for 2026 when five seats will again be contested. The community will have the chance to weigh in on the future direction of education right here in Charleston!
Curbing Political Influence
The shake-up on the board comes with hopes of reducing political influences in our education system. Voters have clearly expressed a desire for more of a focus on what truly matters: our kids and their future. Carolina Jewett’s victory was especially telling, as many constituents voiced their frustrations over past controversies and political jockeying that took center stage.
This election cycle has shown that families in Charleston are looking for leadership that prioritizes the students and their educational experience, rather than making decisions along party lines. As parents breathe a sigh of relief and excitement, we look forward to hearing how these new leaders will work together to create a supportive environment for our local schools.
The Election Doesn’t Stop Here!
Don’t forget, Charleston folks! The excitement isn’t over yet. Join us at the Commodore for the City Paper Music Awards at 7 p.m. on November 6. Celebrate local music and show your support for our incredible artists! Let’s keep the musical spirit alive while cheering on the changes in our community.
As always, stay tuned for updates, and keep supporting independent journalism that gives voice to the stories that matter most to you.
