Reinstate Dr. Gallien, Hire Michelle Simmons, and Reinstate Health Advisory Board Members for a Better Charleston Education System

We, concerned citizens of Charleston, SC, USA, urge the Charleston County School District Board of Trustees to take immediate action to reinstate Dr. Gallien as the rightful Superintendent of Charleston County School District (CCSD). Additionally, urge the hiring of Michelle Simmons as Chief Academic Officer and call for the reinstatement of members of the Health Advisory Board whose terms had not yet expired. 

1) Reinstate Dr. Gallien as Superintendent:
Dr. Gallien was hired just over 90 days ago as the CCSD Superintendent. He has not yet had the opportunity to prove his ability to lead CCSD, and in fact, all his efforts to hire support personnel have been thwarted by certain members of the board. Charleston County deserves transparency in understanding why Dr. Gallien has been placed on administrative leave. If valid reasoning cannot be provided, he must be reinstated. 

2) Hire Michelle Simmons as Chief Academic Officer:
As the current interim Chief Academic Officer, there is currently no candidate more qualified for the position. Michelle Simmons possesses an impressive track record in educational leadership with a proven ability to drive academic excellence within CCSD. Her expertise lies within implementing evidence-based strategies that enhance teaching practices while fostering a supportive learning environment for all students. Her deep roots in Charleston County School District, from Burke Alum to teacher to principal to Executive Director of Elementary Schools, lend an invaluable perspective on how best to serve scholars. A national search firm reviewed candidates from across the country and found Ms. Simmons to be the best candidate for serve as Chief Academic Officer. 

By allowing Michelle Simmons to do her job as Chief Academic Officer at CCSD, we can leverage her experience to further improve instructional quality across schools within our district. Her leadership will ensure that educators receive appropriate support and professional development opportunities necessary for delivering high-quality instruction tailored to meet diverse student needs.

3) Reinstate Members of the Health Advisory Board:
The Health Advisory Board has played a crucial role in safeguarding the health and well-being of our students amidst various challenges such as pandemics or other health crises. Their expertise has been instrumental in implementing effective health protocols within schools while prioritizing student safety above all else.

Removing the dedicated members of this board before their terms expired is a disservice to our community's health interests. We urge the CCSD Board of Trustees to reinstate these members of the Health Advisory Committee to ensure continuity in addressing health concerns within our schools.

In conclusion, we believe that reinstating Dr. Gallien as Superintendent, hiring Michelle Simmons as Chief Academic Officer, and reinstating members on the Health Advisory Board, will contribute significantly to maintaining educational excellence within the Charleston County School District.

Together with these changes implemented by competent professionals who understand our unique community needs intimately, we can create an education system that prepares our students for a prosperous future.

We call upon all concerned citizens, parents, educators, students, and community leaders to support this petition by signing below. Together, let us advocate for a brighter future for our children through exceptional education.

PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR DISTRICT OR THE AREA OF CHARLESTON COUNTY IN WHICH YOU RESIDE.