South Carolina is a dynamic state with highly trained educators and staff members. These highly trained individuals come together to accomplish one of the most critical objectives required for economic growth at the individual and state levels. Recognizing that education is one of the pillars of economic sustainability, Dr. Brooks plans to continue to support school choice, but believes that public tax dollars should stay within the public school system. The concept of keeping public tax dollars for public schools ensures that there will be an adequate stream of funding coming into the school system, and this option has the best potential to benefit the majority.

We have struggled as a state to close the educational gaps with provided state funds and grant-based assistance; diverting those funds will widen the gap, which will take decades to fix. The support and buy-in from the parents and the local and state governments are crucial as we push to improve our academic standing in this nation. Dr. Brooks supports reinforcing the establishment of individual student goals, realistic teacher/school expectations, and specific guidance on parental assistance. Building bridges and appropriate placement of resources will join the school system with the parent (s) by encouraging frequent involvement for all walks of life while considering contributing factors such as work schedules and home dynamics.

Education is one of the pillars of society and has the potential to close many economic-impacted gaps. Therefore, emphasizing the development or expansion of programs/policies and procedures that strengthen this system would prove beneficial. How do we identify the appropriate programs, policies, and procedures to develop or expand? We ask teachers – those currently working and retired!

I intend to create or expand legislation that allows educators to work to strengthen the outcomes of South Carolina’s public school system. Our children deserve programs that support all education components including personnel such as bus drivers, custodian workers, substitute teachers, teacher assistants, teachers, etc. I will support these programs to deliver measurable outcomes with direct impacts.

Women have built and supported civilizations through the centuries. In the United States, women have always worked, both inside and outside the home. Women have NOT always been paid for nor had their work acknowledged. Women have NOT always had the right to vote in elections that directly impacted them.

In 1919 the Federal Government gave women the right to vote by passing the 19th Amendment. They gave women a right to have a say in their futures. The state of South Carolina did NOT ratify the 19th Amendment until 1969 – 50 years later! In 1963 the Federal Government passed the Equal Pay Act. The state of South Carolina has NOT passed an equivalent law – 61 years later!

Today’s woman is expected to maintain all types of familial structure while fighting to secure leadership roles and gain equal benefits in their chosen fields of employment. Women have secured education and training but are still hindered when they try to advance and be equally compensated. Women need wealth opportunities, not just wage opportunities.

Recognizing that all genders have and require the opportunity to make a lasting impact on our society, we must acknowledge that the impact of women’s work has long exceeded expectations. Federal laws have demonstrated that ideology, but South Carolina lags.

Women’s ability to aid in progression is not trapped in one sector, but all of them. As women, we can make positive change to all things that must grow and lead South Carolina to the forefront of the country.