McGinley Upbeat for School Start

School buses roll on Tuesday as the glory days of summer end and students return to the classroom. Few people are more optimistic about the start of a new school year than Charleston County School Superintendent Nancy McGinley.

“I think this promises to be our best year yet,” said McGinley, head of the 44,000-student school system.

At the start of her fifth year as superintendent, McGinley now says she has the best team of administrators yet, and that’s important for student success.

“I feel very positive about the principals leading our schools,” she said. “I think we have world-class teachers … but good teachers won’t work for bad principals.”

Over the summer, McGinley appointed 14 new principals, including four administrators in West Ashley. Shannon Cook is the new principal of C.E. Williams Middle School for Creative and Scientific Arts. Lacarma Brown McMillen is the new principal of West Ashley Middle School. Michael Ryan is the new principal at St. Andrews Middle School.

“I personally interview every principal,” McGinley said. “A lot of superintendents hand off that task, but I think that’s my most important obligation; to know the person leading our schools.”

Aside from the principals and teachers, parents also play a huge roll, McGinley said. Recognizing that back-to-school time can be complicated, the system has activated its back-to-school helpline for parents.

The line can be reached by dialing 843-937-6366. The service will be available each weekday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Wednesday, Aug. 17.

“Parents can start getting ready by being positive about the start of a new school year,” McGinley said. “And I say to parents that they should stay active at school beyond the early grades. Don’t just come to class in kindergarten.”

It’s easier to stay plugged in with teachers through e-mail. Teachers gladly communicate with parents that way, McGinley said. Parents can also follow the school system on Facebook and Twitter for important updates.

In addition to new administrators, McGinley is positive about the school system’s takeover of the local Head Start program, which provides summer and pre-K education to low-income families.

“That means we are taking over 1,000 additional early childhood education seats,” McGinley said. “Now we can ensure that these children are on grade level and ready to enter kindergarten.”

McGinley hopes the changes like the Head Start takeover and a new first-grade reading academy, underscore the system’s commitment to achievement.

“We’re offering a diverse and challenging school environment,” McGinley said. “We’ve doubled the number of magnet, partial magnet and charter schools. We have a whole portfolio of choices.”

She also highlights performance, saying Charleston-area kids score higher on reading proficiency tests than their peers across the state. Last year, graduating seniors received $45 million in scholarships.

“In every subject, I feel good about where we are as a district,” McGinley said.