State Representative Deon Tedder on Wednesday condemned the actions of five members of the Charleston County School District Board of Trustees who voted to place Superintendent Dr. Eric Gallien on paid administrative leave.
“I am deeply disappointed and concerned by the actions of five members of the Charleston County School District Board of Trustees who voted to place Superintendent Dr. Eric Gallien on paid administrative leave,” Rep. Tedder said. “Dr. Gallien is a highly qualified and experienced educator who has only been on the job for three months. It is unacceptable for the board to take such drastic action without providing any clear explanation. The board’s actions are a betrayal of the public trust. The community elected these board members to represent the best interests of our children, not to advance their own political agendas.”
Tedder also expressed concerns about allegations of racism and political motivations behind the board's decision.
“I am especially troubled by the allegations of racism and political motivations behind these decisions,” he said. “It is clear that the Moms for Liberty group, which is known for its opposition to diversity and inclusion in public schools, is trying to exert undue influence on the school board and undermine public education in Charleston County. This move by the board has created a climate of fear and uncertainty in the school district. This will make it difficult to attract and retain qualified teachers and administrators, and it will ultimately hurt our students.”
Additionally, Tedder praised the four board members who voted against placing Dr. Gallien on leave.
“I commend the four board members who chose to put our students before politics: Daron Calhoun, Courtney Waters, Dr. Carol Tempel, and Darlene Dunmeyer-Roberson. They appear to be the only members of the board who are putting the needs of our students first. I strongly urge the board to reconsider its decisions and to reinstate Dr. Gallien. I also urge the community to come together and stand up for our public schools. We cannot allow a small group of extremists to dictate the future of education in Charleston County.”
