One of the biggest challenges currently impacting public education is its tendency to overstep its role and encroach on areas traditionally managed by parents.

The focus on addressing social issues can shift attention away from core academic subjects and undermine traditional values. Additionally, there's a concern that critical thinking is being sidelined in favor of teaching to standardized tests. This approach prioritizes test performance over fostering independent thought and problem-solving skills.

To enhance safety in public schools, the district should focus on both strengthening security measures (like secure entrances and metal detectors) and providing comprehensive mental health support. Additionally, addressing bullying through curriculum that teaches students to recognize and respond to it is crucial.

It's important for the state to ensure that educational standards are met and to provide support where needed. Districts should have an autonomy to make decisions that best serve their students and align with the community values.

I believe the absence of individuals entering the teaching profession as well as those leaving is a major challenge. The number one reason individuals do not pursue teaching or the reason they leave is compensation. Statistics show that 20% of teachers have second jobs to afford their lifestyle. In addition to compensation, teachers are also leaving because of the pressure of changing policies, teaching restrictions, student behaviors, fears of safety, excessive workloads and the feeling that their work is not valued by parents and society. To combat these issues, Clover School District has focused on providing competitive salaries, creating positive working conditions and creating opportunities for learning and growth.

The safety of everyone in our schools must be a number one priority. From natural disasters to an intruder situation, our schools must have procedures in place to address these situations. Students and staff must be very familiar with the procedures and practice drills on a regular basis. I believe the Clover School District has taken safety very seriously. The district has employed school resource officers in all schools. In addition to resource officers, automatic door locks have been installed on all outside doors. Clover also uses metal detectors at large gatherings such as sporting events and randomly at the middle and high schools.

When a school district is performing well, one can ask why the state department needs to continue to monitor that district. The State Department of Education has a responsibility to ensure schools in each district are providing high-quality education to all students. The state department may be able to focus more of their resources on district who have challenges such as financial concerns, low student achievement, or districts with low academic performances. As we all know, our district does not have any of these concerns. With the district leadership, Clover has for many years had an excellent rating when it comes to financial planning, operational excellence, and student achievement.