Thomas Hagerty for 3 in CCSD

As technology and AI continue to shape our world, our schools must prepare students for the future while protecting the fundamentals that help them succeed.

I believe we can embrace innovation without abandoning the value of handwriting, critical thinking, face-to-face discussion, and strong foundational skills. It's not about choosing one or the other—it's about balance.

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Plan for tech advancement
Kudos to The Post and Courier for pairing two seemingly unrelated columns in its Friday edition — "Balancing screen time in school" by Horry County Schools Superintendent Clifford Jones and Charleston County School Superintendent Anita Huggins and "US and China have a common foe. Hint: It's not the USSR." by New York Times columnist Thomas L. Friedman.

One addresses education, and the other geopolitics, yet both wrestle with the same existential question: Will technology — ubiquitous screens and super-empowering artificial intelligence — lift our human species to new heights, or help us obliterate ourselves?

Notably, both columns use the word "guardrails." That's no coincidence. Huggins, Jones and Friedman all acknowledge they cannot see the future perfectly. But rather than retreating from the challenge, they argue we must step forward carefully — bending technology toward human flourishing while guarding against its dangers.

Huggins and Jones want students reading, writing and thinking — and they're willing to make mistakes in pursuit of that. Friedman believes cooperation between the United States and China could turn technological competition away from catastrophe.

Neither camp is blithely hoping for the best. They are laying plans for it.

Early childhood education is widely recognized as the foundation of lifelong literacy and academic success. Superintendent Huggins and her team are making meaningful progress toward establishing Universal Pre-K, an initiative I strongly support. Expanding access to high-quality early learning opportunities is one of priorities and a primary reason I am running. Literacy is my top priority. Every child deserves a strong start, and investing in early education is one of the most effective ways to ensure that success.

SC schools are holding more third graders back because of their English scores. A recent article from The Post and Courier.

SC schools are holding more third graders back because of their English scores More South Carolina third graders had to repeat the third grade this year, even as the state’s English scores improved, new data shows.

Thomas here with exciting news to share.

I’m proud to announce my campaign for the Charleston County School Board of Trustees in District 3.

I was born and raised in Charleston. After a lifetime of careers in military service, law, business leadership, and education that took me around the nation, I decided to return home. My experiences in these roles taught me that a strong education is the foundation for success in every path.

Educating our students in the Charleston County School District matters. I firmly believe our schools are one of the most important investments we make in our community.

As a former classroom teacher, I’ve seen firsthand not only the challenges students face when they struggle to read, but also the confidence and opportunity that come when they succeed. While the school district has made meaningful progress, too many students are still falling behind. Our schools need school board leadership focused on literacy, strong governance, transparency, and supporting teachers in the classroom.

I believe our students, families, and educators deserve steady, thoughtful leadership centered on student achievement and long-term success.

That’s why I’m running.

Learn more about the campaign, watch my announcement video, and find out ways to get involved at:

VoteHagerty.com

Campaigns like this are only possible though the support of people who care deeply about the future of our schools and community. If you are able, I would greatly appreciate your support through a contribution of any size. Most of all, I would be honored to earn your support and vote.
https://secure.fundhero.com/thomas4teamwork

With heartfelt gratitude,

Thomas Hagerty