Lisa Allison selected to permanently lead CCSD Department of Student Support Services

Charleston County School District (CCSD) announced Lisa Allison as Executive Director of Student Support Services. Allison has served in this role in an interim capacity since October 1, 2022.

Over the last 20 years, Allison has served CCSD and held the safety and wellness of students at the heart of her work. From 2001 to 2016, she served as a school psychologist, collaborating with school teams and families to support the academic, behavioral, and social emotional learning needs of all students. Following this school-based service, she transitioned to the district’s Learning Services Division, supporting students in their efforts to read on grade level through the Primary Grades Academy (PGA) and Middle Grades Academy. During that time, CCSD students noted significant growth in reading.

Lisa Allison Executive Director of Student Support Services

From 2016 to 2018, Alison worked as a School Climate Coordinator as a member of the district’s former Department of Alternative Programs and Services (DAP). In that role, she supported and implemented Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) for students districtwide, as well as Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Social Emotional Learning. During her tenure with DAP, she worked closely with climate coaches, CCSD’s social work team, and the behavior support team.

Allison was named Director of Intervention and Psychological Services in 2019 during which time she led CCSD’s school psychologists. Under her leadership, CCSD adopted a K-2 Dyslexia screener and enhanced the literacy intervention framework to include curriculum materials aligned to the science of reading. Allison also developed a system of support for math intervention that led to a significant increase in the number of math interventionists in the district. Allison was part of a work team that helped CCSD earn a Project Prevent Grant from the US Department of Education for which CCSD received $5 million dollars to support the mental health and wellness of students in North Charleston.

A leader in the district’s commitment to Restorative Practices, Allison has provided Restorative Practices training within CCSD for the past two years. She serves on the Threat Assessment and Crisis response teams and is a certified Behavior Threat and Management (BTAM) trainer and PREPaRE School Safety and Crisis Preparedness trainer.

“Ms. Allison’s exceptional leadership in developing and implementing wrap-around resources and support to ensure every child in CCSD succeeds has been nothing short of excellent throughout her time in the district,” said Interim Chief Academic Officer, Michelle Simmons. “I am extremely pleased to welcome her to this role permanently as I know she will continue to do great things in service to the students and families of CCSD.”

Allison graduated from the University of Richmond with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Music and from Pennsylvania State University with a master’s degree in School Psychology. With two children in the CCSD system, she is committed to providing equitable support to all CCSD’s students.

About the Charleston County School District

Charleston County School District (CCSD) is a nationally accredited school district committed to providing equitable and quality educational opportunities for all of its students. CCSD is the second-largest school system in South Carolina and represents a unique blend of urban, suburban, and rural schools spanning 1,300 square miles along the coast. CCSD serves approximately 49,000 students in 88 schools and specialized programs.

CCSD offers a diverse, expanding portfolio of options and specialized programs, delivered through neighborhood, magnet, IB (international baccalaureate), Montessori, and charter schools. Options include programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); music and other creative and performing arts; career and technical preparation programs; and military.