A new North Area commission will seek to improve education outcomes for North Charleston students, according to an announcement today by the city of North Charleston and the Charleston County School District.
Outgoing North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey, Mayor-elect Reggie Burgess and Charleston County School District (CCSD) acting Superintendent Anita Huggins met Nov. 28 at North Charleston City Hall to plan the launch of the program, according to a Dec. 5 press release. The commission, planned for a launch in January 2024, will include members selected by North Charleston city officials and CCSD. It will be led by Henry Darby, who serves as a Charleston County councilman and is principal of North Charleston High School.
“I am humbled that, as the new mayor of the great city of North Charleston, one of my first opportunities will be to change the trajectory for its children and young adults,” Burgess said in a press release. “I am dedicated to supporting this commission and the resources we will need to improve outcomes for our students and families.”
Summey agreed.
“In 29 years as mayor of North Charleston, this is the first time a superintendent has requested to meet with me with specific strategies to improve outcomes for our children,” Summey said in the release. “I’m hopeful about what Reggie and Anita will do together for the students of North Charleston. They have served this community for decades and have a genuine love for our children coupled with a no-nonsense leadership style. It’s time for our students to have a seat at the table.”
Actions developed by the commission will be recommended to North Charleston and CCSD to be implemented as early as August 2024. The commission will focus on several areas, including equity in school facilities, stabilizing staffing in schools, assigning success mentors to students, expanding health clinics and mental health services, increasing familial and community support, and addressing chronic absenteeism.
“The partnership represents a significant step toward building a stronger, more resilient community through education,” Huggins said. “I am delighted to work alongside visionary leaders like Mayor Summey, Mayor-elect Burgess and Mr. Darby to ensure equitable and improved outcomes for all of our children.”
S.C. Rep. Marvin Pendarvis, D-North Charleston, expressed support of the new commission, too.
“I commend the Charleston County School District and the city of North Charleston for their proactive approach to addressing the educational challenges faced by our students,” he said. “This collaborative effort demonstrates a shared commitment to providing every child in North Charleston with access to a high-quality education that will empower them to succeed in the years to come.”
Pendarvis has been pushing for legislation that would allow North Charleston schools to leave the district and form their own school district, a move that drew deep and heated conversations earlier this year. Pendarivs, however, previously said the proposal was designed to address existing concerns, and if those concerns were addressed, a new district might not be necessary.
“I have consistently advocated for the improvement of educational opportunities in North Charleston, and it is heartening to witness the commitment of our community leaders to address these issues head-on,” Pendarvis said. “This collaborative effort is a significant step toward fostering an environment in which every student can thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.”
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