As part of our continuing effort to bring local news that’s impactful to our readers, we’ve proactively reached out to the six candidates running for the Fort Mill School Board and offered then a chance to submit an article for our readers. As we receive responses, we will share them here, unedited.
Below, we introduce you to Denise Casey. For a list of all candidates, please refer to the original article published in our sister paper several weeks ago: https://tegacaysun.com/2023/09/08/candidates-for-tega-cay-city-council/
Dear Readers,
I am Denise Casey, candidate for Fort Mill School Board. It is with great pleasure that I write to you today to encourage you to VOTE on November 5th!
For over 30 years, I have been a proud resident of York County, SC! I have watched it grow and evolve while raising my family here. As an experienced nurse educator, I have dedicated my career to nurturing growth, compassion, and understanding in our future healthcare providers. I now want to bring my skills and passion for holistic development to serve the students, teachers, and families of Fort Mill.
As a nurse, I see firsthand the challenges that our students face beyond the classroom. I see the impact of stress and anxiety. In my work, I have come to understand how deeply connected academic success is with emotional and physical well-being. I’ve seen teachers and staff who care deeply about our students but are often overwhelmed with the demands of balancing academic benchmarks with the emotional and behavioral needs of students.
I believe that a school board has the responsibility of focusing on more than just academic achievements; it should also prioritize the emotional and social development in each child. Our schools should remain safe, supportive environments where every student has an opportunity to thrive. My platform is built on these principles, with a commitment to:
Prioritize Mental Health & Wellness: We must prioritize improving the mental health of our students, teachers, and staff. This means investing in more counselors, social workers, and in programs that address mental health and conflict resolution. Schools should develop high emotional intelligence, encourage critical thinking, and build resilience in our children.
Academic Excellence through Personalized Learning: Every child is different so let’s tailor their education to meet their individual needs. Fort Mill is the #1 school district in the state. I want to keep it that way and shine a light on our district across the country. This means advancing as needed to meet the needs of the students beyond acquiring new technology and reducing class sizes. It means, forward thinking in how we help teachers manage classrooms; perhaps using tax dollars to invest in human capital vs. structural capital.
Parent and Community Involvement: It takes a village to raise children! Our schools should be at the heart of that village. I am committed to increasing the transparency and collaboration between not only schools and parents, but also the community as a whole…aunts, uncles, seniors alike. We need to seek the guidance and assistance of our community to affect positive change and growth!
In this ever-changing world, our kids need more than knowledge. They need guidance, empathy, and encouragement. Let’s work together to ensure that we are strengthening their confidence, not just in passing a test, but in their ability to face life’s challenges head-on.
I am asking for your support, your trust, and your VOTE so that we can continue to keep Fort Mill School District 4 AHEAD OF THE CLASS!
Please follow me on Facebook. Check out my website or email me at [email protected].
Thank you for your time!
Denise Casey, Candidate Fort Mill School Board, At-Large Seat
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