Public meeting held about combining West Ashley middle schools

CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - The Charleston County School District released a list of six “Mission Critical -Actions” for the West Ashley part of the district.

The big talking point of the night being the possibility of combining C.E. Williams Middle and West Ashley Advanced Studies Middle School.

About 60 parents came out to the West Ashley High School meeting to share their opinion and concerns.

“The most important thing to do before making a decision is to gather input and gather intelligence,” said Anton Gunn, the meeting facilitator.

Parents say they came to talk about the middle schools with CCSD officials, but instead were broken into groups to discuss all the items amongst each other.

They say that’s not what they thought they would be doing at all.

“I’m confused. I thought it was about the middle schools combining. They put other topics in I didn’t know to be prepared for,” said Kathryn Powell, a West Ashley mother.

The district says they are considering the combination option because they think it may improve the advanced studies programs.

“I don’t think they should combine it at all. I don’t think they should keep it the way it is and fix the system,” said Kimberly Hamilton, another mother.

With many even saying they want the opposite of a school merger.

Parents say they think a third middle school in West Ashley is needed instead. These parents say they hope their notes are listened to and acknowledged in the future meetings.

The findings will be presented by the committees at the June 24 meeting to the school board.

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