The Morning News recently sent out a questionnaire to the candidates running for the Florence School District One Board of Trustees. Here are the answers from Alexis D. Pipkins, Sr. who is running for another term representing District 4; he faces one challenger.

1. What do you feel you have contributed during your current tenure on the board?

My background as a lifelong resident of the Florence Community, and working closely within the region has given me a clear sense of both the educational and economic issues and needs that we face. Over the past 15 years, as a member of the Florence School District 1 Board of Trustees, I have ensured that I have been knowledgeable of the issues, needs, and concerns of my constituents, and I have represented and I have been a voice even during turbulent of challenges. Further, I understand that leadership must be politically astute to represent the views and concerns of those you represent even though others may not agree, or do not care, and only want to advance their own agenda that is only best for “their community” and not all communities. I have attained the Level 6 on the SCSBA, which is the highest level for a school board member, and presently I serve as the President of the SC Caucus of Black School Board Members which provides dialogue on educational issues and concerns to address the full growth and development of Black and other minority children, and I am also affiliated with the National Local Progress Movement which focuses on progressive thought and insight for local officials

2. What are the issues that you think need to be addressed?

Student achievement, and recognizing the individuality and creativity of each student’s needs

Recognizing that the public schools are becoming more diverse

Equity in funding for all schools

Special Education

Technology infusion and integration for all students

Early Childhood

Career Clusters and Pathways- which is more opportunities for expansion of vocational and career center programs

Funding throughout the district

Special Education and meeting the diverse needs of students, to include the increase diagnosis of Autism

Impact of poverty, mental health, and other risk factors have on today’s learners

Lack of teachers

New and innovative approaches to teacher development and recruitment in order to develop and retain a diverse, qualified, and effective 21st Century pool of educators and staff

3. How have you sought to make changes in those areas?

By asking for items to be placed on the agenda, and engaging staff and others throughout the state and country on best practices and promising practices to ensure that we are utilizing the best program for all of our children. Also, researching the issues and knowing the national agenda. I have always committed myself to being engaged and welcoming to constituents and having a listening ear to see what the children are saying and feeling. As an educator and advocate for children and families, I always empathize and evaluate how I would feel when making decisions and question if policies or procedures that are guiding discussion or the direction of the Board are relevant today. I have demonstrated that my approach to knowing what the educational needs and issues are not based on perception or a one way train rail.

4. What specific program are you most proud of in FSD1 and why?

Small Learning Communities at our schools to decrease class sizes

Implementation of the Parents As Teachers Program to address 0-3, to provide parents with skills and supports to ensure that their children are ready to enter school

Montessori which provides learners the opportunity to be creative

Career and Technology which provides students the opportunity to enter the work place upon graduation

The work that was done by the previous Discipline Code Committees which has ensured the district recognized inequalities and unfair discipline practices and the underutilization and non-utilization of support services for students with complex needs and behaviors. This dialogue that I led was the foundation for the present Code of Conduct which will have to be assessed over the next few years to evaluate its effectiveness and impact on student learning and behavior.

Early College which provides students the opportunity to receive college credit and even an Associate Degree when they graduate from high school

Present dialogue on a Middle School Concept that has been talked about for years

5. How do you handle inquiries and complaints from the community?

I refer families to the Superintendent’s Office or to the appropriate office for support. I also follow-up with families and community that approach me to ensure that their complaints and inquires have been addressed. I also request items be placed on the agenda for discussion and action.

6. What do you think the role of the board is, in the district and in the community?

The board is responsible for establishing the Vision and Mission for the local school district, and ensuring that the Superintendent has the resources to implement the vision by having good policies and procedures, and good stewards of the district’s Operational Funds and Capital or Building Funds. This role must be student centered and family centered by recognizing the diverse needs of students within our community. Not all students learn in the same manner, thus the board must be aware of such and hold the administration accountable for creating programs and services which will help students achieve and be successful. It is the job of the board to be knowledgeable, and current on educational issues and trends, and not just be a “rubber stamping board” but ask questions, communicate with the public- and not just those who share your personal beliefs and positions.

7. What are your past/other areas of service? (church, civic organizations, etc.)

Professional:

I am an advocate, teacher, educator, trainer, and servant-leader. Presently, I am employed as the Executive Director of Lee County First Steps, and the Lee County Adult Education Family Literacy Coordinator.

Educational attainments include:

1990 graduate of the historic Wilson High School

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and a concentration in Secondary Education Graduate from Winthrop University

Master of Arts Degree in Management from Webster University

Education Specialist Degree Specialization in Leadership in Educational Administration from Capella University

Completion of the Non Profit Leadership Institute from Francis Marion University

Completion of the Francis Marion Rural Leadership Institute

Church:

My faith walk began at my home church, Snow Hill Baptist Church where I was active during my youth, and I was licensed to preach at Maxwell Baptist Church where I was Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Minister of Christian Education and Membership Services, Boys Scout Troop Master. Presently I am a member and ordained Elder of the Gospel (2010) and serve as an Associate Minister and have served as a Youth Advisor at the Greater Gethsemane Apostolic Church in Florence, South Carolina.

Past and Present Civic:

Gate City Masonic Lodge 276

Florence 1 Local Education Association (SCEA) Treasurer, President

Weed and Seed Steering Committee

Queenie’s Helping Hands Ministry

Angel Tree Prison Ministry

The School Foundation Board

Pee Dee International Festival Planning Committee

PTA (North Vista Elementary, Williams Middle School)

PTSA (Wilson High School)

By Melissa Rollins

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