What’s At Stake in DD2 in 2022
DD2 has some strengths over other local districts like CCSD, but it also has some of its own weaknesses. A great deal is changing right now in the district with the long-term superintendent, Joseph Pye, stepping down. One thing positive that he has been able to maintain for the most part is keeping the district strong with neighbor schools, keeping the segregation minimal (at least in recent years), and not giving space for many charters and other privatization groups to come in. In these respects, DD2 is currently ahead of Charleston County whose schools at least on the Peninsula and North Charleston have unbelievable levels of segregation.
However, with Pye stepping down and the privatization moguls getting a foothold in CCSD and Berkeley counties, it is only a matter of a time before they set their eyes on Dorchester County as well. What has made Dorchester County strong are its neighborhoods schools. The last thing we need to do is surrender to the forces of privatization of even expanding public magnets, which have tended to lead to a grossly two-tiered school system in CCSD. Unfortunately, CCSD upholds its schools like Academic Magnet as examples to follow when it is really a model we should run away from.
Another danger DD2 is facing though is a far-right movement that this past year essentially intimidated the board into preventing basic safety protocols like a mask mandate-event in the midst of the Delta variant’s rise. They no doubt will also be on the front lines of intimidating teachers who dare to talk about issues of race or other important social issues. Two of the leaders of this far-right group, one who was banned from even attending any of the board meetings due to his outrageous behavior, are talking about running for the school board. The board is already very conservative, but the last thing we need are these reactionary, anti-teacher voices to get a hold.
I know 2022 is going to be a reactionary election across the board against the Democrats. However, I hope the voters in DD2 realize the long-term consequences of putting anti-teacher, anti-public education voices on their board who will damage our children’s schools. DD2 is not perfect, but it is far superior to many districts in this state. That is at risk in 2022. I hope we get can high quality to run in the elections, a strong superintendent to support the community schools vision of Joe Pye, and a community that realizes the importance of a vibrant, diverse, and free public education system.
