The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee (Chamber PAC) is pleased to announce its endorsement of Regina Duggins, Chris Fraser, Charles Monteith, Hunter Schimpff and Courtney Waters for election to the Charleston County School Board.

To be considered for the endorsement, candidates for open seats completed a written questionnaire and participated in an interview with Chamber PAC members. The process revealed candidates’ perspective on critical issues facing the Charleston County School District such as budgeting, properly allocating funds, finding solutions to equity disparities and addressing the district’s greatest challenges and opportunities.

“The Chamber PAC proudly endorses candidates who support equity, opportunity and livability for schools, teachers and students and who understand the connection between local decisions and the continued economic prosperity of the larger region,” said David Hand, chairman of the Chamber PAC.

In addition to alignment with the Chamber’s priorities, each candidate was endorsed based on their individual experience and vision.

North Area

Charles Monteith has been a Software Quality Assurance Engineer since 1999 and previously served as Vice Chair of District Four (North Charleston) Constituent School Board. Monteith recognizes the importance of improving Board/Community relations and believes Board members should model behavior that emphasizes trust and teamwork to deliver a shared vision. Monteith supports increased autonomy for teachers, empowering them to use their professional training and skills to create best practices in the classroom. He is committed to improving literacy performance and providing students with a strong foundation in the ability to read, write and speak.

Courtney Waters leads the External Affairs Team at Teach for America, South Carolina. She previously taught ninth grade and holds a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Waters believes that the effectiveness of social and emotional support and wraparound services should be examined to improve the experiences of all students. She supports expanding the availability of programs and curricula that teach critical thinking skills needed in a changing world and is committed to adjusting funding to meet the needs of students in a COVID-19 world.

Peninsula

Regina Duggins is a teacher and parent and holds an Educational Specialist Doctoral Degree. She is a Constituent Board Member for District 20 (Downtown Charleston). Duggins supports equitable education for all students and is a proponent of increasing teachers’ pay. She is also committed to creating and implementing appropriate re-entry plans due to COVID-19.

West Ashley

Chris Fraser has served nearly eight years on Charleston County School Board, two of which he served as Chairman. Fraser is also a past Chair of the Charleston Metro Chamber Board and past President of the Charleston Association of Realtors. Fraser’s top priority is restoring equity and access to disenfranchised communities, especially given the effects of COVID-19. He also believes that as a result of increasing fiscal challenges, the Board must explore better ways to fund schools.

Hunter Schimpff is a former high school math teacher and K-12 district administrator. Schimpff holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Policy and currently serves as Director of Finance for a national nonprofit that provides leadership training to public schools. Schimpff is committed to providing every child with access to a high-quality education with excellent school leadership. He supports more decentralized spending on classroom instruction.

All of the candidates running for Charleston County School Board are passionate about serving the schools, teachers and children in the Charleston County School District. The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee believes these five endorsed candidates will consistently make decisions that promote enhanced equity and opportunity for students and support for teachers within the district.

Contact:
Erin Aylor, Senior Vice President of Marketing
843.805.3053
eaylor@charlestonchamber.org

The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee (Chamber PAC) is an autonomous organization governed by an independent  board of directors. Its mission is to evaluate and support candidates for local and state elected office who are aligned with the business community’s top priorities: mobility, livability and a strong business climate.