Clear skies. Low 63F. Winds light and variable..
Clear skies. Low 63F. Winds light and variable.
Updated: September 3, 2025 @ 7:28 pm
Dorchester School District Two Superintendent Chad Daugherty (left) and board chair Dr. Ashley Wimberly (right) recognize teacher Malinda Schulknight (center) at the Monday, August 25, board meeting for earning a Palmetto State Teachers Association Grant.
Dorchester School District Two Superintendent Chad Daugherty (left) and board chair Dr. Ashley Wimberly (right) recognize Ashley Ridge High School student Hope Thornton (center) at the Monday, Aug. 25, board meeting for earning a Chen Family Scholarship Grant.
Aeon Bailey is a general assignment reporter for The Summerville Journal Scene.
Dorchester School District Two Superintendent Chad Daugherty (left) and board chair Dr. Ashley Wimberly (right) recognize teacher Malinda Schulknight (center) at the Monday, August 25, board meeting for earning a Palmetto State Teachers Association Grant.
The Dorchester School District Two (DD2) school board meeting Monday, Aug. 25, spotlighted achievements throughout the district, introduced new safety and security measures, approved a bus driver incentive program and reviewed the district’s financial outlook for the 2025-26 school year.
Ashley Ridge High School senior Hope Thornton earned a $1,000 scholarship from the 2025 Chen Family Scholarship Grant, one of five students in the United States to receive the award.
Dorchester School District Two Superintendent Chad Daugherty (left) and board chair Dr. Ashley Wimberly (right) recognize Ashley Ridge High School student Hope Thornton (center) at the Monday, Aug. 25, board meeting for earning a Chen Family Scholarship Grant.
Also recognized was Malinda Schurlknight, the media specialist at Reeves Elementary School, a recipient of the Palmetto State Teachers Association Grant.
“Ms. Schurlknight’s grant is going to support two sets of novels for her book club featuring genres ranging from mystery, adventure, humor and science fiction,” said Brian Bohannon, executive director of community engagement at DD2. “Students will receive their own copies of the books to read and will participate in discussions and extension stations to further enhance the plot, settings and characters. Congratulations, Ms. Schurlknight.”
During the first week of the 2025-26 school year, all high schools began using OpenGate Weapons Detection Systems, according to a presentation. Middle school staff received safety training during the first 10 days of school, and the implementation process for OpenGate systems has begun in middle schools. Security screenings, assisted by the weapons-detection K-9 Chester, have occurred at all middle schools.
Citing absences and turnover among bus drivers, DD2 Assistant Superintendent for School Operations and Facilities Kenny Farrell announced plans for an incentive program for the 2025-26 school year. The program, approved unanimously by the board, pays eligible drivers an extra $100 per 10-day pay period for maintaining perfect attendance, avoiding at-fault accidents, and not committing moving violations or safety rule infractions.
In addition to rewarding current drivers, district officials emphasized the importance of substitute drivers, who help keep transportation services running in the absence of full-time staff. Community members interested in joining the transportation team can learn more at ddtwo.org/bus.
Alongside the transportation incentive, the board also approved a new wellness initiative for employees. Beginning Sept. 2 and running through Aug. 31, 2026, all DD2 employees are eligible for a discounted YMCA DD2 membership. Supported by a $120,000–$150,000 district investment, the program covers part of employees’ membership costs and waives the joining fee.
The membership provides access to all Summerville Family YMCA facilities and nationwide partner locations, free group fitness classes, discounted personal training, indoor and outdoor saltwater pools, sports complexes, child care during workouts and reduced rates for programs such as after-school care, youth sports, swim lessons and summer camps.
DD2 Chief Financial Officer Tina Meunier said the district has a $300 million budget for the 2025-26 school year, with the majority of funds allocated to salaries and benefits.
“We don’t have a lot of wiggle room in our budget,” she said. “But we’re doing the best we can with this money.”
Meunier also presented the balance sheet for the district’s general fund. Assets total approximately $83 million, and liabilities total approximately $10 million, with a fund balance of roughly $72 million.
Meunier also said board member Jim Lee is spearheading an initiative to make finance reports more accessible for the public.
“I agree,” she said. “We can do some things differently.”
Aeon Bailey is a general assignment reporter for The Summerville Journal Scene.
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