A Big Thanks

I want to thank the voters in Rock Hill School District Three for supporting me during the election. It means a lot to me. Contact me at any time if I can help or just to share ideas.

I also want to thank  those who offered themselves as candidates for the school board. It is important  we have choices - did you notice how many positions on the ballot didn't have another choice?

And last, I want to thank the community for supporting the many  initiatives the district has started since I've been on the board. I often make the comment that public education is like a battleship, slow to turn, but in retrospect, we've initiated many things:

• Added a third high school
• Added a 4th and 5th middle school
• Added 3 elementary schools and a 4k children's school
• Replaced a middle school and converted the old school to flexible learning opportunities
• Started 3 choice elementary schools and continue to look for other opportunities
• Started IB programs in one elementary and two middle schools to compliment the programs in all our high schools
• Started elementary foreign language programs
• Started "hands on" learning opportunities with the Brattonsville Academy and The Carrol School.
• Started a swimming program for all 4th graders and swimming teams at all high schools.
• Partnered with the City of Rock Hill on their Tennis Center
• Had two Palmetto's Finest Schools
• Finished best in state in: marching band, chorus, jazz, football, soccer, basketball, wrestling, cross country,
• Started Robotics teams and the Applied Technology Center has the only high school training program in the country for Inventory Control.
• Started "Back The Pack" to help needy children
• Tried to minimize pockets of high poverty in our schools
• Hired the first African American and Female Superintendent and (I think) first female high school principal.
• And many, many student and staff awards, including the state teacher of the year.

As you can see, a lot has actually taken place - but we also have a lot of opportunities before us. Thanks for your past hard work, and for the work that is left to be done.

Jim

Don't forget the Upper State Volleyball Championship game at Rock Hill High School tonight (6 PM, Thursday, November 4, 2010).