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Public education, as an enduring entity to teach children of all races, creeds, and colors, is primarily a 21st Century construct in Charleston County, South Carolina. Those who chose to leave the system after integration occurred have given little moral support to Charleston County public schools and have fostered a lack of trust in the public schools in segments of the community. Into this environment steps Charleston County Parents for Public Schools (CCPPS). Since 1998 CCPPS has envisioned a role for parents in helping to bring about school improvements by building unprecedented dialogue in this community of historic divisions. "Wing walking" is a skill perfected by this chapter that describes the balancing act that these parent leaders face in building a community-based structure to support public school advocacy, while tackling the daily challenges of public school reform. It also depicts the constant vigilance that is required to get and keep disparate groups to the table. CCPPS has accomplished a lot in a short period of time and has earned a reputation for getting things done by taking risks when others are paralyzed, complacent, or entrenched.
The most far-reaching effort of CCPPS has been its work to secure adequate funding for the Charleston County School District (CCSD). State legislation limited the amount of revenue the CCSD could generate from local property taxes. This local limit law conflicted with other State mandates resulting in a financial crisis that forced the district to threaten teacher layoffs and curtail many programs. After thorough study of the issue, CCPPS established that the district was truly under-funded. In response, the chapter initiated a "friendly" lawsuit (joined by the City of Charleston) to alleviate this stalemate. The State Supreme Court ruled in favor of CCPPS allowing the School Board to move ahead with necessary collections and expenditures.
At present, CCSD has moved past its funding crisis. A new optimism among parents, teachers, and administrators is evident throughout the county. People are returning to the public schools. CCPPS has turned its sights to increasing accountability within the system and, in particular, taking steps to ensure every school gets the resources needed to provide quality instruction.
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