District 6: West Ashley/ North Charleston

Daron Lee Calhoun II

EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE

Candidate did not respond.

TEACHER VOICES

Candidate did not respond.

TEACHER COMPENSATION

Candidate did not respond.

DISCIPLINE

Candidate did not respond.

Michele Leber

EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE

I graduated from the #1 public school system in the country, and I believe our community deserves a top-tier education as well. I believe we need to study historical examples of successful educational systems that can help our children compete on a global scale.

As a corporate educator, I have authored and taught various technology skills to thousands of people. Additionally, I have developed and taught business skills to Fine Arts and Performing Arts students at Savannah State University.

TEACHER VOICES

Teachers should have a significant voice in critical district decisions, policy-making, and budgeting because they are on the front lines of education and understand the practical implications of various policies and resource allocations. Their insights can lead to more effective and relevant decisions that directly impact student learning and well-being.

To make this happen, several steps can be taken:

1. Establish Advisory Committees: Create committees or advisory boards that include a diverse group of teachers to provide input on district decisions. These groups should have a clear mandate and be empowered to make recommendations.

2. Regular Surveys and Feedback Mechanisms: Implement regular surveys or feedback tools to gather teachers’ opinions on policies, budget priorities, and other critical matters. 

3. Transparent Communication: Maintain open channels of communication between teachers and district leaders. This includes regular meetings, town halls, and forums where teachers can voice their concerns and suggestions.

4. Pilot Programs and Trials: Allow teachers to pilot new policies or initiatives in their classrooms and provide feedback based on their experiences. This can help refine policies before they are fully implemented district-wide.

5. Collaborative Budget Planning: Involve teachers in the budgeting process by inviting them to participate in budget discussions and prioritization meetings. Their input can help ensure that resources are allocated in ways that best support teaching and learning.

By integrating these strategies, districts can ensure that teachers have a meaningful role in shaping decisions that affect their work and their students’ education, leading to more effective and supportive educational environments.

TEACHER COMPENSATION

I believe that fair compensation is crucial for attracting and retaining talented teachers. Teacher pay should not only reflect the value of their work but also cover the basic needs of living comfortably. It’s important to regularly assess whether salaries are keeping pace with inflation and local cost of living.

DISCIPLINE

I would support teachers in managing disruptive and disrespectful student behavior:

a. Professional Development: I’d ensure that teachers have access to ongoing training on classroom management techniques, including strategies for de-escalation, conflict resolution, and promoting positive behavior. This can help teachers feel more confident and equipped to handle challenging situations.

b. Collaborative Approach: I’d promote a collaborative approach where teachers, counselors, and administrators work together to address behavioral issues. By sharing insights and strategies, we can develop a more comprehensive and effective approach to discipline.

c. Clear Expectations and Consistent Policies: Establishing clear behavioral expectations and consistently enforcing them helps students understand what is acceptable. I’d work to ensure that there are well-defined policies in place and that these policies are communicated effectively to both students and parents.

d. Support Systems for Students: Recognizing that misbehavior often stems from underlying issues, I’d advocate for support systems such as counseling services, mentorship programs, and social-emotional learning initiatives. Addressing these root causes can reduce the frequency of disruptive behavior.

e. Positive Reinforcement: Encouraging and rewarding positive behavior can be more effective than punishment alone. I’d support teachers in implementing systems that recognize and reinforce good behavior, which can help build a more positive classroom environment.

f. Parental Involvement: Engaging parents in the disciplinary process is crucial. I’d work to facilitate open communication between teachers and parents to ensure that they are informed and involved in their child’s behavior and progress.

g. Creating a Safe Space: Ensuring that students feel safe and supported in their learning environment is key. I’d support initiatives that address bullying, promote inclusivity, and create a classroom atmosphere where all students feel respected.

By focusing on these areas, we can create a more positive and productive learning environment where both students and teachers thrive.

Samuel Whatley, II

EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE

As someone who grew up in the K-12 public school system and have been around people who have taught it for years, am quite vocal about issues outlined in my platform which can be found at my website (samwhatley.me). The spending keeps getting higher but the quality of education does not. Schools have become essentially indoctrination camps more secure than banks or prisons. 

TEACHER VOICES

The extent to address issues will be to go by the bylaws, CCSD board policy, and federal/state laws that allow for hearing open discussion regarding issues. Issues being anything from the materials being taught to the retention of staff (not just teachers but other supportive personnel such as bus drivers, janitors, and maintenance). 

TEACHER COMPENSATION

Merely increasing pay alone will not be sufficient to address the complex issues facing not only teachers, but any staff at CCSD. Many Americans struggle to afford housing and basic necessities as the cost of living and quality of life continues on the decline based on economic and labor factors affecting the country. As for teacher pay, depending on the details, the prioritization on areas needing to be focused on rather than wasting budgets on multi-hundred million dollar projects going nowhere will need to be reviewed. Despite CCSD making nearly a billion dollars from federal and state government aid money, kids are still struggling to even maintain optimal performance notwithstanding lacking career development and advancement opportunities to be the future workforce based on occupational interest or disadvantaged circumstances.

DISCIPLINE

Am not aware of the source to verify that percentage, but assuming it’s true—it is not surprising. Student discipline or misbehavior as a phenomenon occurs partly due to factors that affect the child’s development and household. Student discipline as a whole is in itself something that could be partly due to various areas to be addressed by family group counseling options. Depending on the circumstances on a case-by-case basis, the solution is not easily a one-size-fits-all solution.