CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - More than 20 state lawmakers have signed a letter asking the Charleston County School District to delay voting on any of their proposed changes.
“We do not make this request lightly but in all honesty, there is more confusion and concern being expressed about these proposals and the direction of our public schools than at any time in recent history," the letter states.
The district is considering a number of changes that affect almost two dozen schools, includinge liminating the partial magnet status of all but one Mount Pleasant school,combining three North Charleston elementary schools, and closing Minnie Hughes Elementary School.
“We are respectfully requesting that the administration and the Board of Trustees delay any official action on these proposed changes," the letter said. The 21 signers went on to request a copy of the proposed changes, a chance to meet with the board, and an opportunity to discuss the changes with parents and taxpayers.
The letter was spearheaded by South Carolina state Sen. Marlon Kimpson who said he’s received many calls about this from concerned parents.
“We can’t tell them what to do, but I think it’s pretty telling that over 95-percent of the Charleston County delegation signed the letter,” Kimpson said. “I don’t think not meeting with us is an option.”
CCSD Superintendent Dr. Gerrita Postlewait is set to present new recommendations in regard to the proposed changes to the school board at their next meeting on Nov. 11.
“I’m not just concerned about magnet schools. I’m concerned about schools a part of the partnership plans,” Kimpson said. “We need to slow down and make sure the proposals will increase diversity which is the goal.”
School Board chairman Rev. Dr. Eric Mack has invited the lawmakers to a meeting with the board on Friday morning.
“We received your letter requesting to better understand the suggested changes that are being recommended, in our effort to ensure academic equity for all CCSD students,” Mack wrote. “We will share information that has been shared during our public listening sessions, and hear your concerns.”
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