Betty Dowling's School Board Platform

Children are gifts from God to their parents. Education is a parental, state and local responsibility and it is in the best interest of the Timmonsville community for every child in District 4 to earn a high quality education in a safe environment. The education they earn should empower them to secure their own freedom and contribute to the betterment of our community.


It is through education that the people of Timmonsville ensure the transmission of the American culture, and values we hold in common. Education is essential to competitiveness in the world today. Timmonsville should emphasize and focus our efforts on more vocational training. Civic education should be a cornerstone of all American public education. In District 4, this training should take place in both the classroom and through service learning. As a trustee, I am committed to restoring the civic mission of our schools in Timmonsville.


While serving as a school board member from 2005 to 2008, I supported the implementation of uniforms for all of our students. I believe the uniform dress code puts all students on an equal social standing. With the implementation of uniforms, social status and competition in our schools is removed and students are given the opportunity to experience true competition in striving to learn and achieve.


Accountability for student academic achievement is essential. Students should be tested periodically on the fundamentals of learning which include: math, science and reading. I believe the people of Timmonsville deserve accountability and transparency and that includes our school board. I believe parents and the general public deserve to know exactly how our board, the teachers, the administrative staff and the schools are serving the students. As your trustee, I will be an advocate for both accountability and complete transparency.


Innovation is the key to the future. District 4 teachers, staff and administration deserve the flexibility and freedom to innovate in our school system. The development of consistent discipline concepts in conjunction with improvement to alternative school is essential to our growth and progress. Innovative educational environments and after school programs, which stimulate academic achievement, are all areas where we can improve in Timmonsville.


It is my belief that all American students must be literate in English, our common language, to participate in the promise of America. Our schools and district must think outside of the box so that we can best meet the needs of our students and I am a trustee who is willing to do that for our future and the future of our children.


A one-size-fits-all approach to education is not the answer to our problems in District 4. Believing the responsibility of a child's education lies first with the parents, I support parental choice in educational options including home schooling and transferring out-of-district.


I believe we must build on the basics, including phonics and reading. We must end social promotion and we must require classroom discipline. Parental involvement and strong leadership by school principals is key to the success of District 4. As a school board member, I will advocate for policies and methods that have been both proven and effective. Our community deserves nothing less.


Sincerely,

Betty Dowling


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Vote November 3rd!

Betty Dowling
for
Florence County School Board
District 4