Question #1
What is the status of student academic achievement in your constituent district?
Doyle Costello District #1
Currently, students in district 1 are academically performing well. Roughly 80 percent of kids are at or above grade level.
Keith S. Gryboski District #1
District 1 is fortunate, based on the recent published test scores, to have one of the highest core component proficiency rates in Charleston County. Yet will still have students who are not proficient in mastering literacy and math fundamentals. We must always strive so that all students are proficient in literacy and math.
Elizabeth Moffly District #2
My district is like all school districts across the country. We have proficient and free and reduced lunch low performing.
Sarah Shad Johnson District #2
CCSD single member District 2 includes all of Constituent District 1 and a large part of Constituent District 2. The single member district lines do not align with constituent districts or with school attendance zones. If I am elected, my constituents will be stakeholders in all of the schools located in the East Cooper quadrant. Constituent District 1 is a rural area and has one elementary/middle school. This small Title I school does struggle academically. There are plans to build a new middle/high school in this area. Currently, high schoolers in Constituent District 1 attend high school in Constituent District 2. Constituent District 2 has 16 schools, including a Center for Advanced Studies program school and a CCSD charter school. Overall, these schools do very well academically, though oftentimes, struggling students are hidden in the numbers of the larger schools.
Seana J. Flynn District #2
Academic achievement in district 2 is admirable. However, those students do not represent the financial or racial make-up of the district as a whole. I believe district 2 should be more willing to share their resources and more conscientious of the failure of the county as a whole to educate fairly and equally. We must begin to act out the values that we claim to have: diversity, equity and inclusion.
Grace Bouldin Cowan District #2
Did not respond
Ed Kelly District #2
Did not respond
EJ Milligan District #2
Did not respond
Chris Collins District #3
Ranges from outstanding to not meeting expectations
Pam Mckinney District #3
Did not respond
Thomas Ravenell District #3
Did not respond
Ashley Peele District #3
Of all the districts, many schools in District 3 consistently underperform. Too many students aren't reading at their grade level and aren't where they need to be in math or science. The percent of high school students in District 3 that are college ready is far too low. While District 3 has a couple world-class schools (Academic Magnet, for example), several other schools need substantial improvement.
Courtney Waters District #4
Currently, students in my constituent district are predominantly black and lag behind the entire district in achievement, performing at 23% on SC Ready in ELA and 17% in math. Many of the acceleration schools fall within the D4 zone, signaling they have significant work ahead. What is hopeful in this moment is that the recently released test scores show that the principals and teachers supporting students and making impact. Our schools need the most support because they lag more than 50 points behind their counter parts' scores in many cases.
Kevin D Hollinshead District # 4
The State hasn't released the data yet. There will be a better understanding of the status of students in my district once the new test scores are released.
Vivian S Pettigrew District #5
The current status of the majority of the students in my district is fair. I know the we can and will get better. As candidate, a grandparent and retiree advocate for better education, board member can influence change in our system with better in-house for teacher's and students. Our teacher and principals need us to support them with resources that are needed. We must use our financial resources wisely.
Melissa Couture District #5
Below Average
Carlotte M. Bailey District #5
Did not respond
Erica Cokley District #6
Did not respond
Eric Thome District #6
Did not respond
Samuel Whatley II District #6
Did not respond
Lee Runyon District #6
By and large, the schools in West Ashley (Constituent District 10) are performing at average levels with some exceptions (Springfield Montessori, Ashley River Creative Arts, St. Andrew's Math & Science, Orange Grove Charter). In North Charleston (Constituent District 4) where a portion of my representative precincts reside, academic levels are below average with the exception of SOA and Academic Magnet.
Sydney van Bulck District #7
-- Number of students – Met or exceeded ELA/ Math:
Ashley River Creative Arts Elementary - 575 students– 73%/76.1%
Drayton Hall Elementary 601 students – 58.4%/58%
Montessori Community School of Charleston 270 students – 72.5%/63.8%
Oakland Elementary 354 students – 47.3%/47.6%
Springfield Elementary 629 students – 41%.41.6%
St. Andrew's School of Math and Science 704 students – 58%/64%
Stono Park Elementary - 429 students – 20.9%/21.4%
Carolina Voyager 380 students- 58.9%/55.8%
Orange Grove (Pre K- 8) - 1170 students 75.7%/80.1%
CE Williams 1240 students – 37.8%/25.4%
West Ashley High School - 1776 – 56.7% C or higher in English 39.3% C or higher in Algebra
As we see across the district, state, and country scores are indicative of socioeconomic status of the student population. While these scores give us a snapshot of what is happening in our schools, it is important to note the inequities and racial biases in our standardized tests, and well as the effects that poverty plays in development and learning. We need to make sure that we are providing these schools with the tools that they need to be successful, not just to increase test scores but to truly provide for our students.
Joy Brown District #7
Academic achievement in CCSD is above the state average, but that is not the case for all students. The average ends up masking the real problems of inequity in our district. We are failing the black and brown students and the learning losses from Covid have only highlighted the problems we have had for far too long.
Jennifer Mieras District #7
There are 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools and 1 K-12 school in District 7 but not all students that reside in District 7 students attend schools in District 7. While single-member districts will ensure more direct constituent representation, the Board must work as a whole to ensure the needs of the entire community are addressed. There is a strong correlation between the percentage of students performing at grade level and the percentage of students living in poverty. There is also a strong correlation between performance on standardized tests and race. To increase academic achievement, especially for children of color and those living in poverty, resources and strategies need to be more efficiently and equitably applied.
Leah Whatley District #7
Did not respond
Travis Bedson District #8
Did not respond
Helen Davis-Frazier District #8
My District #8-FY 21 SC Ready ELA scores-E. B. Ellington-3rd grade(64%), 4th grade(84%), 5th grade(48%). Minnie Hughes-3rd grade(48%), 4th grade(62%), 5th grade(58%). Baptist Hill Middle-6th grade(47%), 7th grade(54%), 8th grade(54%).
Doris Johnson District # 8
Preparation is being made that every student is prepared for college and to become productive citizens.
Students are reading below grade level in some areas
Darlene Dunmeyer District #8
Below average and designated as needing comprehensive support for school improvement.
Dr. Carol Tempel District #9
In the District 3 Constituent, the schools include Harbor View ES, James Island ES, Murray Lasaine Montessori, Stiles Point ES, Camp Road MS, and James Island Charter High School.
The poverty rate in the schools ranges from 18.4% to 50%. I have copies of the School Improvement Plan and I've prepared a chart of the schools ELA, Math, Science and Social Studies scores on SC Ready. In ELA scores range from 73.3% to 49.4%; in Math from 52% to 71.1%; in Science from 83.9% to 43.6%; and in Social Studies 91.3% to 61.8%.
All of the elementary schools have pre-K and K programs and report their data for factors like naming, alliteration, number naming, etc. and have action plans for each. MAP data is used by all of the schools for identifying students specific instructional needs.
At the high school students scoring "c" or better on English 1 (72.2%), Algebra (62.4%), Biology (72.8%, and US History and Constitution (43.7%). The graduation rate is (90.2%) with College and Career Readiness at 47.2%) although the Career Readiness is 69.7%. Life Scholarships are at 26.9% and Palmetto Scholarships at 7.0%.
In general the schools score above the district and state levels, however, it's evident that there are achievement challenges that need school and district attention. Each schools plan has action plans and the data tends to trend upwards from the 2017/18 with gaps due to COVID and the embargoed date for 2021-22.
Forest Bjork District #9
Did not respond
Graham Smith District #9
Did not respond
What is the status of student academic achievement in your constituent district?
Doyle Costello District #1
Currently, students in district 1 are academically performing well. Roughly 80 percent of kids are at or above grade level.
Keith S. Gryboski District #1
District 1 is fortunate, based on the recent published test scores, to have one of the highest core component proficiency rates in Charleston County. Yet will still have students who are not proficient in mastering literacy and math fundamentals. We must always strive so that all students are proficient in literacy and math.
Elizabeth Moffly District #2
My district is like all school districts across the country. We have proficient and free and reduced lunch low performing.
Sarah Shad Johnson District #2
CCSD single member District 2 includes all of Constituent District 1 and a large part of Constituent District 2. The single member district lines do not align with constituent districts or with school attendance zones. If I am elected, my constituents will be stakeholders in all of the schools located in the East Cooper quadrant. Constituent District 1 is a rural area and has one elementary/middle school. This small Title I school does struggle academically. There are plans to build a new middle/high school in this area. Currently, high schoolers in Constituent District 1 attend high school in Constituent District 2. Constituent District 2 has 16 schools, including a Center for Advanced Studies program school and a CCSD charter school. Overall, these schools do very well academically, though oftentimes, struggling students are hidden in the numbers of the larger schools.
Seana J. Flynn District #2
Academic achievement in district 2 is admirable. However, those students do not represent the financial or racial make-up of the district as a whole. I believe district 2 should be more willing to share their resources and more conscientious of the failure of the county as a whole to educate fairly and equally. We must begin to act out the values that we claim to have: diversity, equity and inclusion.
Grace Bouldin Cowan District #2
Did not respond
Ed Kelly District #2
Did not respond
EJ Milligan District #2
Did not respond
Chris Collins District #3
Ranges from outstanding to not meeting expectations
Pam Mckinney District #3
Did not respond
Thomas Ravenell District #3
Did not respond
Ashley Peele District #3
Of all the districts, many schools in District 3 consistently underperform. Too many students aren't reading at their grade level and aren't where they need to be in math or science. The percent of high school students in District 3 that are college ready is far too low. While District 3 has a couple world-class schools (Academic Magnet, for example), several other schools need substantial improvement.
Courtney Waters District #4
Currently, students in my constituent district are predominantly black and lag behind the entire district in achievement, performing at 23% on SC Ready in ELA and 17% in math. Many of the acceleration schools fall within the D4 zone, signaling they have significant work ahead. What is hopeful in this moment is that the recently released test scores show that the principals and teachers supporting students and making impact. Our schools need the most support because they lag more than 50 points behind their counter parts' scores in many cases.
Kevin D Hollinshead District # 4
The State hasn't released the data yet. There will be a better understanding of the status of students in my district once the new test scores are released.
Vivian S Pettigrew District #5
The current status of the majority of the students in my district is fair. I know the we can and will get better. As candidate, a grandparent and retiree advocate for better education, board member can influence change in our system with better in-house for teacher's and students. Our teacher and principals need us to support them with resources that are needed. We must use our financial resources wisely.
Melissa Couture District #5
Below Average
Carlotte M. Bailey District #5
Did not respond
Erica Cokley District #6
Did not respond
Eric Thome District #6
Did not respond
Samuel Whatley II District #6
Did not respond
Lee Runyon District #6
By and large, the schools in West Ashley (Constituent District 10) are performing at average levels with some exceptions (Springfield Montessori, Ashley River Creative Arts, St. Andrew's Math & Science, Orange Grove Charter). In North Charleston (Constituent District 4) where a portion of my representative precincts reside, academic levels are below average with the exception of SOA and Academic Magnet.
Sydney van Bulck District #7
-- Number of students – Met or exceeded ELA/ Math:
Ashley River Creative Arts Elementary - 575 students– 73%/76.1%
Drayton Hall Elementary 601 students – 58.4%/58%
Montessori Community School of Charleston 270 students – 72.5%/63.8%
Oakland Elementary 354 students – 47.3%/47.6%
Springfield Elementary 629 students – 41%.41.6%
St. Andrew's School of Math and Science 704 students – 58%/64%
Stono Park Elementary - 429 students – 20.9%/21.4%
Carolina Voyager 380 students- 58.9%/55.8%
Orange Grove (Pre K- 8) - 1170 students 75.7%/80.1%
CE Williams 1240 students – 37.8%/25.4%
West Ashley High School - 1776 – 56.7% C or higher in English 39.3% C or higher in Algebra
As we see across the district, state, and country scores are indicative of socioeconomic status of the student population. While these scores give us a snapshot of what is happening in our schools, it is important to note the inequities and racial biases in our standardized tests, and well as the effects that poverty plays in development and learning. We need to make sure that we are providing these schools with the tools that they need to be successful, not just to increase test scores but to truly provide for our students.
Joy Brown District #7
Academic achievement in CCSD is above the state average, but that is not the case for all students. The average ends up masking the real problems of inequity in our district. We are failing the black and brown students and the learning losses from Covid have only highlighted the problems we have had for far too long.
Jennifer Mieras District #7
There are 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools and 1 K-12 school in District 7 but not all students that reside in District 7 students attend schools in District 7. While single-member districts will ensure more direct constituent representation, the Board must work as a whole to ensure the needs of the entire community are addressed. There is a strong correlation between the percentage of students performing at grade level and the percentage of students living in poverty. There is also a strong correlation between performance on standardized tests and race. To increase academic achievement, especially for children of color and those living in poverty, resources and strategies need to be more efficiently and equitably applied.
Leah Whatley District #7
Did not respond
Travis Bedson District #8
Did not respond
Helen Davis-Frazier District #8
My District #8-FY 21 SC Ready ELA scores-E. B. Ellington-3rd grade(64%), 4th grade(84%), 5th grade(48%). Minnie Hughes-3rd grade(48%), 4th grade(62%), 5th grade(58%). Baptist Hill Middle-6th grade(47%), 7th grade(54%), 8th grade(54%).
Doris Johnson District # 8
Preparation is being made that every student is prepared for college and to become productive citizens.
Students are reading below grade level in some areas
Darlene Dunmeyer District #8
Below average and designated as needing comprehensive support for school improvement.
Dr. Carol Tempel District #9
In the District 3 Constituent, the schools include Harbor View ES, James Island ES, Murray Lasaine Montessori, Stiles Point ES, Camp Road MS, and James Island Charter High School.
The poverty rate in the schools ranges from 18.4% to 50%. I have copies of the School Improvement Plan and I've prepared a chart of the schools ELA, Math, Science and Social Studies scores on SC Ready. In ELA scores range from 73.3% to 49.4%; in Math from 52% to 71.1%; in Science from 83.9% to 43.6%; and in Social Studies 91.3% to 61.8%.
All of the elementary schools have pre-K and K programs and report their data for factors like naming, alliteration, number naming, etc. and have action plans for each. MAP data is used by all of the schools for identifying students specific instructional needs.
At the high school students scoring "c" or better on English 1 (72.2%), Algebra (62.4%), Biology (72.8%, and US History and Constitution (43.7%). The graduation rate is (90.2%) with College and Career Readiness at 47.2%) although the Career Readiness is 69.7%. Life Scholarships are at 26.9% and Palmetto Scholarships at 7.0%.
In general the schools score above the district and state levels, however, it's evident that there are achievement challenges that need school and district attention. Each schools plan has action plans and the data tends to trend upwards from the 2017/18 with gaps due to COVID and the embargoed date for 2021-22.
Forest Bjork District #9
Did not respond
Graham Smith District #9
Did not respond