FMSD IS ONCE AGAIN THE TOP-RANKED DISTRICT IN THE STATE
We’re #1!
WE HAVE A LOT TO BE PROUD OF
FMSD is #1 for a reason - and…
What got us here won’t get us through our next phase of accelerated growth.
In my last four years serving on the Fort Mill School Board I have asked a lot of questions, listened more than I spoke, and engaged with thousands of students, teachers, and school staff and district leadership.
Knowing all I have learned, I am focused on the following for the future:
Mitigating Growth
Fort Mill School District has an impeccable academic reputation, influenced by our teachers, support staff, and administrators. Our reputation has brought an influx of families who place a high value on education to the district. While growth brings more opportunity, it also demands increased resources.
Due to FMSD’s reputation, the district continues to grow at a rapid rate. Part of the district’s strategy for mitigating growth has been the successful passage of impact fees working with York County. We currently have funding for 100% of our elementary school that is under construction, and we are continuing to collect impact fees allocated to the new middle school.
Over my tenure as a board member, the budget allocation has swung from roughly 60% state, 40% local to 60% local, 40% state, forcing our funding methodology to increase millage, which I believe is unsustainable. As enrollment continues to increase, budget strain, increased class sizes, and faster wear on our facilities must be addressed with urgency and scrutiny in equal measure for the good of our students, staff, and FMSD taxpayers.
Ensuring Success for All
I believe a successful school board will balance discussion of the seemingly tedious business of running the district while paying close attention to the district’s priorities for academic achievement. With that in mind, I truly believe what got us here won’t get us through our next phase of accelerated growth.
It is evident k-12 education is at a pivotal point, as statistics show how teachers feel undervalued and underpaid. Ensuring success for all doesn’t happen without our teachers and it is critical we as board members challenge and support administration to think outside of the box.
Our district created a new teacher salary scale that will benefit teachers over their career. The district placed a significant amount of emphasis on special ed department by approving more special ed assistants, school psychologists and instructional coaches.
As we prepare for the future, it takes a village ensuring success for all.
Prioritizing Safety
I visited our schools and classrooms more than 200 times over the last three years by invitation. It is quite clear to me our leaders and staff members are concerned about safety, and for good reason.
Adolescents in the U.S. spend much of their daily lives on school grounds. This provides an opportunity to foster their intellectual and behavioral growth, but also to ensure that learning is done in a supportive and safe environment. There’s a growing list of potential threats, all of which can have a long-lasting impact on the physical and emotional well-being of our students. They include bullying, self-harm and suicide, substance abuse, and violence. In my mind, this is an us problem and it will take all of us collectively to help keep our kids safe.
Modeling Unity
These days, our nation, state, and even our own district are experiencing heightened political polarization. With social media as a megaphone, this division can sometimes feel more prominent online than it is in reality.
While I regularly showcase the success of our schools on social media, I live and work in reality. At athletic events, classroom visits, board meetings, etc., I talk to folks in our district every single day. Believe me when I say that despite our differences, the vast majority of us are united in our love and respect for FMSD. It is important to me to model that unity and respect to our students so they, too, can learn to grow in relationship with others while respecting differences.
“Mr. Boddie has been an incredible supporter of all FMSD students during my time as Buzz. As an eligible voter in the 2024 election, I will be making an informed decision and can confidently endorse Mr. Anthony Boddie because he faithfully supports ALL Fort Mill School District students.”
— Roman Phillips, Fort Mill High Graduate & Former Mascot
WE HAVE MUCH TO DO AND
