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One of the biggest problems facing education today is the lack of certified personnel. With the increasing growth more faculty are needed especially in critical needs areas such as special education where speech therapists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists are in short supply. Math and science are also critical needs with a shrinking candidate pool. Teachers are leaving the profession for many reasons including: student behavior, better pay and in some cases lack of parental support. I will say that teachers and administrators who love working with children are the foundation for student development and learning. I see that in the majority of our staff and that is a culture that we try to instill in York School District One.

In York District One Safety has always been at the forefront. Each year during my tenure on the Board of Trustees we have taken steps to improve school safety & security for our students and teachers. From buses to each school campus, we have improved security by updating camera and surveillance systems. Building design as well as security protocols, drills, and security surveys must be addressed to ensure that we are keeping up with safety and security practices. Our interaction with local law enforcement is critical to ensure they are familiar with our security protocols and our school facilities. Our students must feel safe in order to focus on learning and our parents must have the trust that their students are in safe secure school.

I believe that each school district should have the right to make their own decisions about the students within their district as long as they are meeting the standard. School administrators and the Board of Trustees in the local district understand the needs of their community and the students. In York District One there is a high expectation for each student to graduate and have the tools and education necessary to help them excel in the future, whether it be college, the military, or the service industry. Accountability to the citizens of South Carolina is important; however, we do not live in a one size fits all society and districts should be allowed to make decisions that best meet the needs of "ALL" students in their community.