Principals, teachers and students praise Renaissance program at citizens forum

Multiple principals, assistant principals, teachers, students and parents used the citizens forum to describe how the Johnsons Renaissance framework has been implemented in Berkeley County Schools and to urge continued district support for schools that want to participate.

Speakers from Tomahawk Intermediate, Spring Hills High School, Potomac Intermediate, Spring Hill Middle School, North Middle School, Berkeley Heights Elementary, Mill Creek Intermediate, Musselman High School and others described core components: school-wide rallies or assemblies, student leadership programs, weekly or quarterly recognition systems, staff-nomination awards, and community partnerships that support events. Several principals said the conferences training and program structures helped them create consistent recognition systems that they tie to attendance, behavior and academic goals. Student speakers described pep rallies, leadership activities and events such as Fun Fridays, senior walk traditions and club days.

Presenters gave both anecdotal and measurable outcomes. Mill Creek presenters said their ELA scores rose from 31 to 45 and math from 27 to 43 since starting the program; they also cited climate-survey results they reported as higher than county and state comparisons. Multiple speakers emphasized teacher retention and morale improvements, student engagement and increased leadership opportunities. Parents and a public defender who works with juvenile truancy also said Renaissance helped address truancy and staff retention, noting many leadership activities are student-led and student-funded in some schools.

Several speakers requested continued or expanded district support so schools that choose to participate can attend conferences and implement programs; presenters emphasized that many schools fund attendance with student fundraisers and community donations. Board members received written materials and heard repeated requests that the district continue to allow schools to participate in Renaissance conferences and programs.

Speakers (selection): Krista Matrudo (Tomahawk Intermediate principal), Michael Gordon (assistant principal, Spring Hills HS), Michelle Steshoski (Potomac Intermediate principal), Kelsey Dussing (North Middle School), Melissa Galvez (Berkeley Heights Elementary principal), Mill Creek leaders (April Cecil and colleagues), student leaders from Musselman and Huntsman High Schools, and parent Matt/Matthew Freeman. The comments were part of the public-comment segment and did not require board action at the meeting.