Charleston County School Board of Trustees approves 2018-2020 goals

The Charleston County School Board of Trustees approved strategic goals presented Monday night by School Superintendent Dr. Gerrita Postlewait.

The 2018-20 goals are derived from the Charleston County School District’s (CCSD) Strategic Plan, the AdvancED Accreditation Review, and the Shared Future Scenarios/Inclusion and Equity Study.

Charleston County School District, the second largest district in South Carolina, serves more than 50,000 students in over 80 schools and several specialized programs.

In spite of the talents and plentiful opportunities in Charleston County, the district faces a mounting imperative for our system of public education to ensure that all students can access these opportunities.

As part of the directive to address the wide achievement gap for CCSD students and schools with the most significant needs; Postlewait reiterated the critical need of providing equitable access to programs and schools that prepare students for success.

The goals outlined and approved help to ensure that CCSD programs and instructional models prepare students for 21st century local and global job markets and opportunities. Goals such as these, she explained, put student learning and well being first in every decision made.

Goals include:

• Significantly more students will achieve on a pathway to graduate college and career ready. More students showing one year’s growth
• Bold new approaches for our lowest-performing schools
• Improve governance effectiveness
• Determine optimal school size for delivery of high quality curriculum
• Intent focus materials, training, and supports for reading and math
• Revamp magnet and school choice for quality and equity
• New budget model to provide greater support for underserved students
• Innovative pilot program for new leadership structures and training
• Expand career programs, the arts, health curriculum, safety measures.

About the Charleston County School District

Charleston County School District (CCSD) is the second largest school system in South Carolina representing a unique blend of urban, suburban, and rural schools that span 1,000 square miles along the coast. CCSD serves more than 50,000 students in 86 schools and specialized programs. With approximately 6,100 employees district-wide, CCSD is the fourth largest employer in the region.

CCSD offers a diverse, expanding portfolio of options and specialized programs, delivered through neighborhood, charter, magnet, IB (international baccalaureate), and Montessori schools, and is divided into three Learning Communities. Options include specialized programs in science, engineering and mathematics; liberal arts; music and other creative and performing arts; career and technical preparation programs; and military and other public service enterprises.