Keep Stono Park Elementary School open as a neighborhood school

941

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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 

 

 

 

 

avatar of the starter
Chelsea KirklandPetition Starter
Media inquiries

The Decision Makers

Charleston County School Board
6 Members
1 Responded
Carol Tempel
Carol Tempel
Charleston County School Board - District 9
“I am planning to attend the Stono Townhall to hear the perspectives and ideas of that school i look forward to seeing you. Carol Tempel [Note: The Change.org Civic Engagement Team reaches out to decision makers to let them know about petitions in their community and to help facilitate engagement with supporters. The above was an email response we received regarding this petition.]”
Pamela McKinney
Pamela McKinney
Charleston County School Board - District 3
Craig Logan
Craig Logan
Charleston County School Board - District 4
Carolina Jewett
Carolina Jewett
Charleston County School Board - District 2
Responded
“Thank you so much for your email. I truly believe that neighborhood schools are the pentacle of our communities and I understand your concern. From my understanding nothing has been decided but I will let the district respond. I do think that the district tries really hard to do what is best for all children and will do its best to support your community. [Note: The Change.org Civic Engagement Team reaches out to decision makers to let them know about petitions in their community and to help facilitate engagement with supporters. The above was an email response we received regarding this petition.]”
Anita Huggins
Anita Huggins
Superintendent of Schools, CCSD (Board Executive Secretary)
Responded
“Thank you for reaching out and for sharing these concerns; I appreciate the opportunity to respond directly to the Stono Park community. Our priority in this work is children. We have an ambitious vision to dramatically expand access to high-quality early childhood education across Charleston County because we know the difference that reaching children earlier can make in their academic trajectory and in the lives of their families. Universal Pre-K is an important part of that vision. At the same time, our commitment to expanding early childhood opportunities does not diminish the value we place on strong neighborhood schools. In fact, last year CCSD launched our own effort focused specifically on strengthening and celebrating neighborhood schools, and that work included engagement with Stono Park families. As we consider how and where to expand Universal Pre-K, we have a responsibility to examine enrollment, facility utilization and capacity, program needs, geography, long-term sustainability, and, most importantly, the impact on children and families. Community engagement must also be part of that process. We are beginning these conversations now because we want the time to engage thoughtfully with our communities, examine the data, understand the implications of various options, and make responsible recommendations rather than waiting until a decision is imminent. We share the community's desire for Stono Park students to be well served, and we share the belief that strong neighborhood schools are an important part of a strong public school system. As this work continues, we will remain focused on the question that should guide every decision we make: What is best for children? Thank you, again, to the Stono Park families and community members who care deeply enough about their school to make their voices heard. We value that engagement and look forward to continuing the conversation. Anita [Note: The Change.org Civic Engagement Team reaches out to decision makers to let them know about petitions in their community and to help facilitate engagement with supporters. The above was an email response we received regarding this petition.]”
Michele Leber
Michele Leber
Charleston County School Board - District 6

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Petition created on September 27, 2026