Keep Stono Park Elementary School open as a neighborhood school
The Issue
The Problem:
Charleston County School District has proposed their plans to dissolve Stono Park Elementary School as a full-service neighborhood elementary school and repurpose the building to house 3K-4K on the ground floor beginning with the 2028-2029 school year. Some of the glaring concerns that we need answers for are:
- The building, which was completed in 2019, was built for elementary-aged classrooms and is not compliant for Head Start-4K classrooms. The entire upstairs would not be able to house children and/or would require significant remodeling of a facility that is less than a decade old.
- Other CCSD Title 1 schools have been targeted in other regions without data/proof of success/benefits to warrant the pace of this transition.
- Community voices have not been considered.
The Impact:
- Displacement: 260 kids + 60 teachers/staff - without cause. the possibility of losing current teachers before the dismantling of Stono Park
- Taxpayer money funded the rebuilding of Stono Park Elementary School for $ 27 million less than a decade ago.
- The school has been serving the neighborhood community since 1950.
- The proposed 3K-4K use is not legally compatible with serving children under 6, rendering the entire second floor unusable.
- Title 1 funds and resources - This includes but is not limited to: losing highly trained teachers who provide specialized instruction family engagement resources and support
- Overcrowding of nearby schools (St. Andrews Math & Science, Ashley River Creative Arts Elementary)
- Possible changes to sibling-based priority for enrollment and enrichment program(s) availability for current SAMS and ARCAE families
- Traffic concerns/unwalkable options for transportation
The Ask:
Provide an alternative proposal for expanding universal Pre-K to West Ashley that does not include displacing Stono Park Elementary students and staff.
Provide the public with all data contributing to this decision and timeline.
To learn more click here: Save Stono Park
PLEASE email CCSD Board Members with your questions/concerns:
Superintendent Anita Huggins - anita_huggins@charleston.k12.sc.us
Pamela McKinney – Board Chair, District 3
Email: pamela_mckinney@charlestoncountyschools.gov
Carlotte Bailey – Board Vice Chair, District 5
Email: carlotte_bailey@charlestoncountyschools.gov
Keith Grybowski – District 1
Email: keith_grybowski@charlestoncountyschools.gov
Carolina Jewett – District 2
Email: carolina_jewett@charlestoncountyschools.gov
Michele Leber – District 6
Email: michele_leber@charlestoncountyschools.gov
Craig Logan – District 4
Email: craig_logan@charlestoncountyschools.gov
Darlene Dunmeyer‑Roberson – District 8
Email: darlene_roberson@charlestoncountyschools.gov
Dr. Carol Tempel – District 9
Email: carol_tempel@charlestoncountyschools.gov
Leah Whatley – District 7
Email: leah_whatley@charlestoncountyschools.gov
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The Issue
The Problem:
Charleston County School District has proposed their plans to dissolve Stono Park Elementary School as a full-service neighborhood elementary school and repurpose the building to house 3K-4K on the ground floor beginning with the 2028-2029 school year. Some of the glaring concerns that we need answers for are:
- The building, which was completed in 2019, was built for elementary-aged classrooms and is not compliant for Head Start-4K classrooms. The entire upstairs would not be able to house children and/or would require significant remodeling of a facility that is less than a decade old.
- Other CCSD Title 1 schools have been targeted in other regions without data/proof of success/benefits to warrant the pace of this transition.
- Community voices have not been considered.
The Impact:
- Displacement: 260 kids + 60 teachers/staff - without cause. the possibility of losing current teachers before the dismantling of Stono Park
- Taxpayer money funded the rebuilding of Stono Park Elementary School for $ 27 million less than a decade ago.
- The school has been serving the neighborhood community since 1950.
- The proposed 3K-4K use is not legally compatible with serving children under 6, rendering the entire second floor unusable.
- Title 1 funds and resources - This includes but is not limited to: losing highly trained teachers who provide specialized instruction family engagement resources and support
- Overcrowding of nearby schools (St. Andrews Math & Science, Ashley River Creative Arts Elementary)
- Possible changes to sibling-based priority for enrollment and enrichment program(s) availability for current SAMS and ARCAE families
- Traffic concerns/unwalkable options for transportation
The Ask:
Provide an alternative proposal for expanding universal Pre-K to West Ashley that does not include displacing Stono Park Elementary students and staff.
Provide the public with all data contributing to this decision and timeline.
To learn more click here: Save Stono Park
PLEASE email CCSD Board Members with your questions/concerns:
Superintendent Anita Huggins - anita_huggins@charleston.k12.sc.us
Pamela McKinney – Board Chair, District 3
Email: pamela_mckinney@charlestoncountyschools.gov
Carlotte Bailey – Board Vice Chair, District 5
Email: carlotte_bailey@charlestoncountyschools.gov
Keith Grybowski – District 1
Email: keith_grybowski@charlestoncountyschools.gov
Carolina Jewett – District 2
Email: carolina_jewett@charlestoncountyschools.gov
Michele Leber – District 6
Email: michele_leber@charlestoncountyschools.gov
Craig Logan – District 4
Email: craig_logan@charlestoncountyschools.gov
Darlene Dunmeyer‑Roberson – District 8
Email: darlene_roberson@charlestoncountyschools.gov
Dr. Carol Tempel – District 9
Email: carol_tempel@charlestoncountyschools.gov
Leah Whatley – District 7
Email: leah_whatley@charlestoncountyschools.gov
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Petition created on September 27, 2026