The Charleston County School District Board of Trustees officially announced Wednesday that it has approved Dr. Eric Gallien’s contract to be the county’s new superintendent.
The board reported it voted 6-3 to approve Gallien’s contract, despite the unanimous vote to even be considered for the role. However, an online CCSD document said the motion passed 6-2. Voting to approve the contract were trustees Daron Calhoun, Keith Grybowski, Pamela McKinney, Darlene Roberson, Carol Tempel and Courtney Waters. Voting against were Edward Kelley and Leah Whatley.
Gallien is to assume the role July 1, starting his 100-day entry plan as the district’s new leader.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Gallien to CCSD,” said CCSD Board Chair Pam McKinney in a statement. “His decades of successful leadership in public education and record of service in the United States Marine Corps will serve him well as he leads our district into the future.”
During a much-criticized search process, two of three finalists dropped out in the final days.
In other headlines:
CP: Charleston metro area has nation’s 9th best gig economy, report says. A CommercialSearch report ranked Charleston ninth among the country’s 20 best metro areas for the gig economy and opportunity. The city’s gig economy has grown significantly in the last five years, according to the report.
CP: Tomatoes freshen up summer eats. To take advantage of the tomatoes this season, head to your local farmers market or check out local restaurants that incorporate this summer delight into their dishes.
CP: Puddleducks release new EP. Four-piece rock outfit Puddleducks released their new EP Prince of Tides, packed with plenty of lyrics about destructive tendencies and wondering what’s on someone else’s mind. Meanwhile, in other Charleston music news, Belle aims high with new single.
Charleston city council fails to agree on former Piggly Wiggly site. Charleston City Council failed to agree on a path forward to redevelop the former Piggly Wiggly property in West Ashley that some hoped would revitalize the area. The council voted 3-3 on one of the three proposals, turning the debate into a power struggle.
Charleston couple swaps restaurant concepts, switches focus to pizza. Ryan and Kelleanne Jones have rebranded their Mount Pleasant Kiki & Rye to BarPizza, featuring wood-fired pizza, sandwiches, pasta, whipped ricotta, meatballs and milkshakes. The interior underwent a renovation, adding more family-friendly activities like an arcade for children and pool table for adults. Meanwhile, Santi’s Restaurante Mexicano plans to open later this year in the former D.D. Peckers’ Wing Shack at 1660 Savannah Highway in West Ashley. The property is under renovation, with no opening date announced.
Group calls for city to find permanent home for Calhoun statue. The American Heritage Association is calling on the city of Charleston to find a home for the John C. Calhoun statue that once stood at Marion Square.
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