Straight Talk from the Superintendent - January 13, 2023

What a great week in CCSD. The sun was shining, the weather was mild for January, and most importantly, I had the opportunity to spend time out in the community and with our students and staff, which always brightens my week.

I had the privilege of beginning my week with our partners at Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) at the Bees Ferry West Ashley Library. I was invited to the kickoff event of their new Storytime Early Literacy Program which supports both children and parents in increasing reading skills in our early childhood learners. It was great to connect with one of the many organizations that comprise our PreK-12 ecosystem and see their demonstrated commitment to providing our future students and families with the foundational literacy skills needed to achieve educational attainment and Vision 2027. 

On Monday evening, our Board of Trustees held their monthly Committee of the Whole meeting. They discussed several items including the Superintendent search. I wanted to take a moment and share some thoughts with you all directly on this topic. As I’ve shared before, I was on active military duty with the Air Force. In joining the service, I made a commitment to fulfill my promise, fulfill my duty, wherever, whenever throughout the world. With that commitment came a lot of change: changes in duty assignments, changes of commanders, changes of personnel. However, one constant through my repeated navigation of change was my focus on achieving the mission. My who, what, where, and when may have changed, but my why remained the same. Withstanding the change required focus; focus on the mission of the Air Force, and focus on continuing to serve that mission. My focus on my why allowed me to keep striving toward achieving the mission despite the different circumstances at the various bases where I served. 

I see the search process for the district’s superintendent in a similar manner. Our district’s focus is to move children forward, to achieve positive student outcomes for all students. No matter who is serving in the capacity of the superintendent, the mission remains the same and I encourage all of us to remain focused on achieving our mission no matter the circumstances that may change around us. 

It is a pleasure and honor to serve as your superintendent and I do so with joy, gratitude, and steadfast commitment to achieving our mission, vision, and goals alongside you. 

Thank you for all you do for the students and families of CCSD. I hope you have a great weekend.

Regards,

Don