CCSD Superintendent receives ‘overall effective’ on her evaluation
October 12, 2018
During executive session Monday evening, the Charleston County School District Board of Trustees reviewed Dr. Gerrita Postlewait’s report on the district’s goals and their progress. The Board had an opportunity to discuss the district’s overall progress on its goals as well as discuss areas of focus for the current school year including growth across all content areas and grade levels, resultsdriven decision-making that supports student achievement, and continued targeted alignment of resources to address equity and student needs.
2017-2018 Accomplishments
● Implemented a district Strategic Plan that was approved in December 2017 and designed to meet the crucial need of our public education system to ensure all of our students can access equal opportunities.
● Approved Salary Increases for all teachers by the Board of Trustees with pay band increases established in high needs schools.
● Completed the district’s first-ever AdvancED accreditation evaluation process in September 2018, with an outcome announcement expected in October.
● Improved SC READY ELA and math scores in 11 out of 12 areas in grades 3- 8, based on the percentage of students who met the grade level readiness standards. ALL grades are above the state average.
● Received “high” MAP Reading and MAP Math achievement and growth rating across all grades against the national comparison by NWEA.
● Received an updated district bond rating by the nation’s two largest rating agencies, confirming the stability of the CCSD financial outlook.
● Continued the district’s fund balance restoration for the second year and increased it to around $62 million during the last two years to overcome the budget emergency that existed.
● Achieved 100% completion of CCSD capital projects on time and within budget last year.
● Increased the number of students taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses and maintained the percentage of students scoring a “3” or higher at 71% which is above the national average.
“Dr. Postlewait’s lead in guiding us through the year-long focus on the Strategic Plan was just one of the many successful, systematic approaches applied toward making a difference in our achievement,” said CCSD Board Chair Kate Darby.
Gerrita Postlewait became Charleston County’s Superintendent of Schools on July 9, 2015. She brought with her a wealth of experiences as an education practitioner with her leadership qualities recognized at district, state and national levels. She has served as an executive in the private sector, as chair of the state Board of Education, as a member of the national governing board of the American Association of School Administrators, and as a consultant for several district, state and national organizations. As Chief K-12 Officer for a foundation, she helped establish the national Innovation Lab Network and co-founded Transform SC, a statewide business-education partnership that fosters systemic educational change.
Dr. Postlewait’s goal is to work with educators, students, parents, and community partners to dramatically increase the percentage of students who are ready to step successfully and productively into careers, college, and life. She is specifically focused on student achievement and putting resources where they are most needed in the district. Student achievement data presented this year will serve as a baseline for her future evaluations. The intent is to focus on all academics and place a priority on getting children reading on grade level by grade three.
“It is an honor to serve the children, parents, educators, and community members of Charleston County. I appreciate the Board’s confidence and look forward to working together with our focus on student achievement and well-being,” said Superintendent Postlewait.
Information about all the district’s highlights and accomplishments over the past three years can be found in the 2015-2018 Highlights and Accomplishments document available on ccsdschools.com.
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 districtwide, 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.
