Rock Hill School Board Sees Major Changes After Election
Rock Hill, SC— The recent election on November 5 has resulted in significant changes to the Rock Hill School Board, with four new trustees joining the team. This new team is already expressing a strong commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the city’s schools. At their first meeting on November 12, Montorio Belton, newly sworn-in trustee and a former educator, voiced the urgency of improving academic performance in Rock Hill schools, where some schools are among the least successful in the state.
Who are the New Members?
The newly elected members of the Rock Hill School Board include: Montorio Belton, Jennifer Hutchinson, Lacy Daniel, and Melissa Harris. Belton, who has a background as an attorney, teacher, and principal, stressed the importance of addressing the academic struggles at Rock Hill High School and Richmond Drive Elementary School. Both schools rank in the bottom 10 percent in South Carolina according to recently released S.C. School Report Cards.
What Challenges Does the Board Face?
During the meeting, Belton highlighted the alarming findings from the school report cards, stating, “I want us to recognize that that’s an issue.” He pointed out the need for decisive action to boost academic success over the next four years, underscoring this issue as the primary focus for the board.
While there are some areas of success, the overall performance of Rock Hill schools shows room for improvement. No schools in the district achieved an “excellent” rating; seven were categorized as “good,” and 13 schools received an “average” rating.
Why Change Was Needed
The election results reflected a clear desire from the community for fresh perspectives on the school board, as evidenced by the defeat of several incumbents. Lacy Daniel unseated Bryan McAlinden, who was appointed last year, while Melissa Harris ran against former trustee Windy Cole. In another contest, James Burns transitioned from an at-large seat to take the Seat 3 position, defeating incumbent Mildred Douglas.
Looking Forward
During the meeting, there was also a call to celebrate successes within the district. Belton gave recognition to Sunset Park Elementary School, which was awarded as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence last year, celebrating its achievements amidst the larger context of need for improvement across other schools.
As the new board members begin their tenure, they face the dual challenge of addressing significant academic shortcomings while also building on existing strengths. The community is eager to see what steps will be undertaken under this newly assembled board to enhance the educational landscape within Rock Hill.
Conclusion
With the fresh energy and commitment from the new trustees, there is a cautious optimism about the direction of the Rock Hill School Board. The board aims not only to scrutinize current performance metrics but to implement actionable solutions that will lead to marked improvements in the education system and better outcomes for students.
