CCSD leaders ask for community help in improving literacy, math, and college and career readiness

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)– Charleston County School District is working to tackle issues like attendance, homelessness and immigration policy. Wednesday night, CCSD held a community meeting with the superintendent and school board leaders.

Superintendent Anita Huggins said poverty is the number one barrier to students learning, and the district is working to improve that. She wants to close the historical achievement gap between students.

“We are working really hard to close the achievement gap. Data suggests nationally a gap exists between black and brown children and their white peers. First and foremost, we’re making sure kids have access to high quality materials in the classroom, high viable curricula across the system were always making sure to progress monitor, assess students and give feedback and providing the necessary wrap around to ensure students that come to school not ready can quickly catch up,” said Anita Huggins, the CCSD superintendent.

Her three goals are to improve literacy, math, and college and career readiness. She called on community leaders and pastors for their support in learning outside the classroom.

“At our church we’re looking to do some literacy. We just obtained our nonprofit 501 C-3, and we’re looking to partner with the school district and do some things with the Union Heights community and surrounding areas,” said Clifford H. Brown, a pastor at Unity Missionary Church in North Charleston

“The dialogue was awesome because it gives the church and the school system the opportunity to come together to see how we can help and benefit our children,” said Timothy R. Simmons, a pastor with the Oak Grove Missionary Church in North Charleston.

Other issues addressed were homelessness and absences. The district said chronic absenteeism affects students learning and they need to address the barriers causing students to miss school. They are working on family outreach and support to help students attend class.

School leaders also revealed 453 students in the district are currently experiencing homelessness. They say when a student has a consistent place to come home to they are more likely to be able to go to class.

As for immigration policy, Superintendent Anita Huggins says students can feel safe in their schools.

“We’re working closely with local law enforcement and the sheriff to ensure our schools are safe places for all our children, so we want to encourage families to send their children to school where they are safe,” said Huggins.