Education
Ed.S - Counselor Education, M Ed. Education Adminstration, M Ed. Elementary School Guidance, BS- CRJU
Qualifications
Secondary School Principal, K-12 School Counselor, CTE Teacher, National Board Certified Teacher
Campaign Phone
803-575-0612
Campaign Email
kimgilbertforourschools@gmail.com
Based on my experience in classrooms. I have seen how distracting Chromebooks and other devices can be when they are used throughout the entire
school day. I believe technology should be used intentionally when it strengthens a lesson, such
as for research, presentations, or other activities. I support age-appropriate guidelines based research & age that balance technology with direct instruction, discussion, handwriting, reading from printed materials, and hands-on learning. At the same time, I have seen how technology can be life-changing for students who are nonverbal or who have difficulty communicating due to their disability. My position is not to remove technology but to make sure the use is but to make sure it is
used appropriately.
I believe before students learn to use AI they should be able to demonstrate that they can read, write, apply reasoning skills and solve problems on their own. I do support teaching students about AI once the prior skills have been learned. Students will need to be taught responsible use of AI and how to question its results. Teachers will need to set clear expectations and the criteria for cheating. Teachers need to prepare students for a world that uses AI while celebrating independent thinking and original work.
Charter schools are public schools under South Carolina law, and I believe innovative educational models can provide useful ideas and opportunities for students. The school board needs to pay attention when families leave us for another educational option. I want to know why they left and what we can learn from it. Our goal should be to make District Five the public-school system families actively choose. At the same time, the board needs to actively recommend to the SDE that charter schools receiving public resources should be held to the same strong standards for academic performance, financial transparency, student services, and accountability as School District 5 and report on those standards to our community.
Good teachers are the heart of a good school district, and hiring decisions shouldn't be rushed, incomplete, or narrowed down before principals ever see them. Board members need full, accurate information before they vote to approve any contract, and principals deserve the same. Every qualified applicant should get a fair, transparent look, not just the names that make it through to them. When that process isn't open, families and educators alike lose confidence, and that confidence is hard to rebuild. As your Trustee, I'll push for clear, consistent hiring procedures so every candidate is evaluated fairly and every principal has the full picture before making a decision. Teacher salary should be competative at all levels.
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Education
Bachelors in Business Administration
Qualifications
I believe my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration gives me a strong foundation in financial responsibility, management, and decision making skills that are important when overseeing a school district and its resources. As a parent with a child in our schools, I understand the importance of having a school board that listens to parents, supports teachers, asks questions, and keeps students at the center of every decision.
Campaign Phone
803-730-5693
Campaign Email
kphelpsford5@gmail.com
I support limiting screen time in our schools. Tech should serve as a tool and resource that enhances learning, not replacing the foundational skills and traditional methods that are essential to a well-rounded education.
AI should not be used if the School District cannot ensure protecting student privacy, student safety, and ensure students aren’t being used to train AI models.
The board should closely monitor enrollment trends, accurately project their financial impact, and build budgets around the actual numbers. Whenever possible we should track the reasons parents are choosing Charter Schools over our District and use that information to identify where our schools can improve.
Our educators are one of our greatest assets in the success of our students. Recruiting and retaining quality educators should be a priority. Our board’s role is to provide competitive compensation and support a positive working environment. We should seek regular feedback on why our educators choose to stay so we know what we are doing right and when our educators leave we need to listen and understand why so we know what we can improve on.
Education
Bachelor of Science- Clemson University; Master of Science- Clemson University; Doctor of Nursing Practice-The University of Alabama
Qualifications
Concord Elementary PTSO Treasurer, Irmo High School School Improvement Council, Irmo High School PTSO, Irmo High School Irmo Yellow Jacket Club, Irmo High School Student Council Volunteer of the Year 2025
I would support policies following the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for high-quality media content with an emphasis on physical activity and reading. I would support policies that limit the time used on devices based on ages, particularly in elementary students. I would support frameworks that utilize screens as meaningful and interactive tools for learning versus the use of screens for passive learning. I would support policies that avoid defaulting to screens for classroom management and that avoid use of screens for homework.
AI has an important use in our society to help foster creativity and increase engagement based on personal interests. AI, however, can also reduce a student’s ability to critically think and research without consistent prompts. When students don’t understand how to critically evaluate evidence to determine truth versus fiction, their ability to analyze data is reduced. AI could also produce a bias of results based on search terms which could further limit students’ knowledge. The use of AI in schools should only enhance, not replace, cognitive thinking and should be limited and closely monitored.
As students transfer from traditional public schools to charter institutions, district enrollment drops and funding declines, directly reducing essential resources for the students who remain most in need. The School Board must take proactive and strategic steps starting with monitoring and analyzation of enrollment trends.They must maintain open communication regarding enrollment figures and actively consult with community members to understand the key factors driving families toward charter schools. They must strengthen the district's appeal through innovative academic programs, teacher retention with competitive salaries and supportive leadership, expansion of athletic offerings, and creative inclusive environments for all students.
Recruiting and retaining exceptional teachers requires a School Board dedicated to demonstrating genuine appreciation for teachers' daily contributions. When board members are perceived as unsupportive, a district struggles to attract and keep top talent. To address this, the Board must prioritize competitive compensation and benefits packages. Trustees must implement policies that promote teacher safety and well-being, ensuring a secure and supportive work environment. Cultivating encouraging leadership, offering competitive pay, and maintaining safe, nurturing workplaces are critical to retaining the dedicated professionals who educate our students.
