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8432247727
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CHOOSE LIBBY TISDALE
Education
TRIDENT TECHNICAL COLLEGE / CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Experience
Community Leader, Substitute Teacher, former CCSD Student Data Clerk, CCSD Receptionist In Charge, Student Bus Driver
I’m running because I believe in what is possible. I believe we can and should expect more for every student, every family, and every classroom. And it’s because of this belief, that I'm running to reach every corner of District 5. For far too long, the conversation has focused on conflict instead of classrooms. For too long, persistent achievement gaps have left some students behind, particularly Black and Brown students, students with disabilities, and students living with low-incomes. And for too long, parents and families asking for more have been told what isn’t possible.
For the past couple of decades, I spent my career serving the young people, families, my community and as a CCSD staff and substitute teacher. These experiences shaped how I see public education and evolving as a real public servant. At the core, I believe that every child deserves a high-quality education that prepares them for success in college, careers, and life.
Closing the achievement gap.
It takes more than good intentions.
We must partner with community leaders, civic associations, and churches so families stay informed about their schools and everyone shares the same goals for student success. Expand opportunities in career and technical education alongside strong academics, so every student has a route to succeed.
Connect academic goals to real outcomes families can understand and track. Focus resources on proven strategies that strengthen reading and math, support great teaching, and help students who are falling behind catch up. - Prioritize proven reading and math instruction in the early grades, when catching students up makes the biggest difference. Support small-group tutoring several times a week so students who are behind get focused. Track reading and math progress at each school so the Board can see where students are gaining ground and where they need more support.
Strengthening Special Education
Students with disabilities deserve more than a seat in the classroom. Strengthening begins with providing regular training for teachers, assistants, substitute teachers, administrators, security personnel, and other staff who work with students with disabilities. Listen directly to special education teachers and support staff about what they need to safely and effectively serve students.
Put Department of Exceptional Children staff in classrooms one to two days a month to see firsthand what students need and what policies are working. Partner with families to set realistic classroom goals that can be practiced and reinforced at home, so progress made at school carries over to the home. Measure whether new programs and positions are improving student services and redirect funding when they are not.
Creating Safer Schools
Real school safety is about more than one solution. Including substitute teachers and temporary staff in safety training so every adult on campus is prepared. Prioritize practical, real-world improvements that protect students whether they are inside the building or outside on the grounds. Treat student mental health as part of school safety, not separate from it, because supported students are safer students. Strengthen efforts to prevent bullying and address conflicts before they grow into something more serious. Create clear, trusted ways for students and families to report concerns and know they will be taken seriously. As your trustee, listening will always be a priority. I will create more accessible ways for families to engage and share feedback and I commit to acting on what is learned.
Many parents do not have access to early learning for 3 and 4 yr olds. The district must review its funding priorities to better support these families, because the earlier a child starts learning, the greater their opportunity for success. The Peninsula Promise Downtown Charleston took about 2 yrs in planning and meetings. However, North Charleston, the 3rd largest city in South Carolina, just named “All American City” and has more schools than each individual district and booming population growth needs more programs.
I believe weighted student funding is a positive step because CCSD serves students with different needs, and those needs are not the same across every school. This policy should be reviewed every 3-5 years because the world/population is changing so CCSD must adjust accordingly.
In District 5, many students face higher poverty levels, language needs, disabilities, and community growth challenges. Funding should reflect those real life issues. However, there must be accountability to ensure dollars reach the schools, classrooms, and students they are intended to support. Results should be measured, adjustments should be made where needed, and updates should be provided to the Board and the public.
Create clear, trusted ways for students and families to report concerns and know they will be taken seriously. As a neighborhood president former receptionist and student data staff, I have learned that taking the time to listen to constituents should always be a priority especially when student/parent feels they are not being heard. I will create more accessible ways for families to engage and share feedback and I commit to acting on what is learned.
Supporting access to counselors and mental health resources so students who are struggling get help early. Finally strengthen efforts to prevent bullying and address conflicts before they grow into something more serious.
As a neighborhood president, I often work with residents, community leaders, city staff, law enforcement, and code enforcement who may have different perspectives. My role is to listen, keep the conversation respectful, and help everyone focus on the shared goal. I have learned that collaboration does not mean everyone agrees at first; it means we are willing to hear one another, ask questions, and work toward a solution that serves the community. As a school board trustee, I would bring that same approach by focusing on students, families, teachers, and the best interests of our schools.
