Berkeley County Council approves $100,000 for Daniel Island School

To Fund Handicap-Accessible Playground Equipment

At its meeting on Monday, February 26, 2024, Berkeley County Council voted unanimously to approve $100,000 for Daniel Island School to fund handicap-accessible playground equipment for special needs students and expand the school’s community sensory garden.

Daniel Island School’s Student Council President, eighth-grader Emily Hughes, addressed County Council on the matter, requesting $72,000 for the project; but Council surprised the Student Council by exceeding that request.

“We’re interested in making recess accessible to all students. We want to make this school a better place by adding special needs playground equipment and a sensory garden. We want to expand the play area to include handicap accessible equipment such as swings. We would love to expand the nearby community garden, which includes our current small sensory garden to be used by all of our students. We see kids with wheelchairs who sometimes get left out of recess or cannot physically use the equipment we currently have…and we want that to stop.” -Emily Hughes, Student Council President, Daniel Island School

The funding stems from Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Funding (LATCF) and Accommodations Fee Discretionary Funds.

“These students challenged themselves to improve their school for all students and in turn challenged Council by going to their local government to help them. It was the easiest of votes for us and I am honored to represent these incredibly kind and brilliant students.” -Josh Whitley, Finance Committee Chair, Berkeley County Council

“On behalf of Berkeley County Council, we are proud to make this monetary donation for such an essential quality of life project for our children. It is encouraging to see children looking out for their peers; and this Student Council’s selfless and inspiring mission is proof that we have incredibly promising leaders in our County’s next generation.” -Johnny Cribb, Berkeley County Supervisor

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Councilman Josh Whitley, Supervisor Johnny Cribb, and all of County Council for their incredibly generous donation to the Daniel Island School Student Council. Their support will make a significant impact in building a playground tailored to the needs of students with special needs, fostering inclusivity and joy for all. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our community’s children.” -Dr. Anthony Dixon, Berkeley County School District Superintendent

“We are so grateful to Councilman Josh Whitley, Supervisor Johnny Cribb and the rest of the Berkeley County Council for their generous donation last night. A powerful message was sent to our youth last night! Your voices matter! And they heard our County Council members, loud and clear! We are so grateful for our community and their unwavering support, especially in this initiative that is so important and near and dear to the hearts of our students. Thank you so much!” – Laura Blanchard, Daniel Island School Principal