MORNING NEWSBREAK | Ten people are candidates for four seats on the Charleston County School District Board of Trustees after filing for the November school board election ended Thursday.
Veteran trustee Courtney Waters, who represents District 4 in the North Charleston area, did not file for reelection to the board, which has faced significant leadership controversies in the two years since it moved to single-member districts. She was the only holdover trustee in a 2022 election that yielded eight new members.
Part of the board’s problems have stemmed from that election after voters picked trustees for all nine seats, instead of a typical staggered process in which about half of the board was elected every two years. That special process was needed after state legislators switched from countywide elections for all candidates to single-member districts.
In 2022, voters in even-numbered districts – 2, 4, 6 and 8 – picked trustees for two-year terms, while trustees in odd-numbered districts had four-year terms. With the 2024 election, the staggered election process returns. Those filing for the November election include:
- District 2 (Mount Pleasant): Carolina Jewett; Ed Kelley (incumbent).
- District 4 (North Charleston): Kevin Hollinshead; Craig Logan.
- District 6 (West Ashley): Daron Lee Calhoun II (incumbent); Michele Leber; Samuel Whatley II.
- District 8: Michelle Faust; Charles Glover; Darlene Roberson (incumbent).
In City Paper news today:
CP OPINION: Is the Cogswell administration more style than substance? “And while all of this might not be all that off-putting, it raises another question: Is the Cogswell administration trying to quietly move away from the city’s historical strong-mayor form of government toward a structure administered by a manager?”
CP CARTOON:
- Ariail: A little A.I. couldn’t work
- Stegelin: State execution
CP FOCUS: State of SKATE in the 843. The Charleston skate scene is strong, and the skate parks in Charleston today are the results of lasting community effort and dedication. The story of Charleston’s relationship with skating is more like a full-blown saga, according to local skate legend Hank Biering.
CP NEWS: Wentworth’s new books muses on shared emotions. Former S.C. Poet Laureate Marjory Wentworth released her new book on Aug. 12, One River, One Boat, a collection of poems and stories covering critical times in South Carolina’s history — from the Mother Emmanuel AME massacre, to the Confederate flag coming down at the statehouse — as well as milestones and emotional moments in Wentworth’s personal life.
CP NEWS: State’s lawsuits against feds: partisan or needed check on power? When S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson sued the Biden administration for what his office said was at least the 50th time last week – in this case, over health care for children brought to the United States illegally – some Palmetto State political observers think Wilson is shooting for a chance in the governor’s chair next cycle
CP FOOD: 9 places in Charleston to enjoy long lunches. While summer Fridays may be dwindling down, cooler days are just on the horizon — and a nice breeze seems like the perfect excuse to take an extra long lunch. Whether you need a break from the cubicle or you’re entertaining out-of-town guests, these are some of our favorite spots for noshing, sipping and staying a while.
In other recent headlines:
Ernesto grows into Category 2 hurricane as it aims for Bermuda. Hurricane Ernesto strengthened into a Category 2 storm Thursday night as it barreled toward Bermuda after leaving hundreds of thousands of people in Puerto Rico without power or water.
North Charleston approves Midland Park purchase to Charleston schools. The North Charleston City Council approved the final vote to sell a property in the Midland Park community to the Charleston County School District at its meeting on Thursday night.
SLED says N. Charleston police ‘justified’ in deadly December shooting. The State Law Enforcement Division has wrapped up their investigation into a deadly shooting that left nearly a dozen law enforcement officers on leave and one man dead.
Aerial photos show a bird’s eye view of Charleston. About two months ago, local photographer Andrew Whitaker started an ongoing series called “Charleston From Above” that gives a different view of our community through drone images along with DSLR, or digital single-lens reflex, photographs made from up high.
Four arrested in connection to Lowcountry actor’s death
Officers with the Los Angeles Police Department arrested four people in connection to the murder of “General Hospital” actor Johnny Wactor, according to reports.
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