Security, technology, student achievement highlight DD2 board meeting

Safety and innovation were front and center at the June 23 Dorchester District Two Board of Trustees meeting, where officials shared updates on the district’s Citizens Advisory Review Team (CART), digital learning tools and academic highlights.

CART Chair Jay Lombardo reported that 68 active security-related projects totaling $19.3 million are underway. Radio communication upgrades have been completed, though Lombardo noted some “minor software issues.” Districtwide camera systems are now operational, and shatter-resistant film installation is nearing completion ahead of the new school year.

Lombardo expressed concern over the delayed progress of the elementary school at the Ponds.

“As you all know, [it] is still behind for an August 2026 opening, and with the land conveyance still between the county and the developer, it is questionable that the cost will not ride,” he said. “This concerns the CART, and we highly recommend that the community express their concerns with their elected officials at the county.”

Assistant Director of Instructional Technology Deb Daugherty shared a review of the district’s Digital Learning Environment (DLE). The district met two of three goals—improving DLE ratings and increasing observations. However, elementary student engagement slightly declined in 2024–25, according to survey data.

The meeting also included updates and recognitions:

• Discipline Matrix: Directors Carey Ball-Hodge and Maurice Cannon presented a revised district-wide matrix focusing on equity, transparency, accountability and fidelity. The finalized plan will be released at the beginning of the 2025–26 school year.
• Esports: Summerville High’s Green Wave Esports placed first in Super Smash Bros. and fourth in Valorant; Ashley Ridge’s Swamp Fox Gaming earned second in Super Smash Bros.
• Individual winners included Brandon Williams (first), Max Jones (third) and Brandyn Lary (fifth) in Smash Solos.
• Athletics: Fort Dorchester High’s archery team was recognized for state and national competitions.
• Ashley Ridge’s Alana Braxton won state titles in girls long jump and triple jump.
• Summerville’s Taylor Blackwelder won the women’s 3200-meter run; Nikki Brown took first in the women’s pole vault.
• Summerville High’s unified track team was honored for inclusivity.

Academic Honors

DD2 valedictorians and salutatorians were recognized:

• Ashley Ridge: Victoria Smith (Val), Grace Thorp (Sal)
• Fort Dorchester: Allyson Phillips (Val), Madeline Rowe (Sal)
• Summerville: Chandler Roark (Val), Charles Gross (Sal)

Additional awards 

Jostens Renaissance Schools of Distinction:

• Platinum: Dubose Middle, Oakbrook Middle, Summerville High
• Gold: Alston Middle, Ashley Ridge, East Edisto Middle
• Silver: Gregg Middle

SCPTA Awards

• Oakbrook Middle: Multiple individual honors including Principal of the Year (Julia Solustri)
• Joseph R. Pye Elementary: Award of Excellence in Membership
• Rollings Middle School of the Arts: Multiple SCPTA accolades
• Summerville High: SCPTA Membership Mania

Ashley Ridge student Chloe Enslin was also recognized for her selection to the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Business Week program.