SC Public Charter School District Kids First Podcast

Legislative Wins for South Carolina Charter Schools

There are moments when the work happening behind the scenes finally steps into the spotlight, and this episode of Kids First is one of them. Host Keven Cohen sits down with South Carolina Public Charter School District Superintendent Chris Neeley to break down a legislative session that delivered some meaningful wins for charter schools, students, and taxpayers across the state. From a landmark accountability bill seven years in the making to sweeping changes in how the South Carolina High School League is governed, the conversation covers ground that affects every family with a child in a public school. The discussion also takes on one of the more thought-provoking policy shifts to come out of this session, the elimination of grade floors in South Carolina schools. No more automatic 50s for unfinished work. No more cushion for missing assignments. Just a return to the idea that grades should reflect what a student actually earns. Keven and Chris bring their signature passion and candor to all of it, making the case that accountability is not a burden; it is the foundation on which everything else is built. 🔗 Learn more: sccharter.org ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Nanette Davis | Greer Preparatory Academy

There is something special about a school that feels like home from the very first day. In this episode of the Kids First podcast, host Keven Cohen and Brad Henry sit down with Nanette Davis, Principal of Greer Preparatory Academy, to celebrate a first year that exceeded every expectation. From a robotics team that earned their way to Worlds to an outpouring of community support that showed up before the ink was even dry, Greer Prep has already proven that its classical, low-tech approach to education is exactly what families in the Upstate have been looking for. The episode also honors a well-deserved milestone as 6th and 7th-grade ELA teacher Anna Hart is named the South Carolina Public Charter School District Teacher of the Year for 2026-27, selected by the students, parents, and colleagues who know her best. Year two promises to be even more extraordinary. With a stunning new campus set for a ribbon-cutting on June 5th, enrollment expanding, and new programs like music, art, band, and Spanish joining the lineup, Greer Prep is building something truly lasting. Tune in to hear how Principal Davis and her team are growing a school where every child is known, every teacher is celebrated, and the best is yet to come. 🔗 Learn more: https://greerprepacademy.org/ ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Josh Trahan | Fox Creek High School

There is something deeply moving about walking into a school and immediately feeling like you belong. In this episode of the Kids First podcast, host Keven Cohen and Superintendent Chris Neeley sit down with Josh Trahan, Executive Director of Fox Creek High School in North Augusta, to celebrate what they call the Fox Creek Way. Since opening their doors in 2004 with just 98 students, Fox Creek has grown into a thriving community of over 700 young people, all supported by a culture built on belonging, holistic growth, and helping every student find their voice. Josh shares how the school meets each child exactly where they are, whether their path leads to college, the military, or straight into the workforce. The conversation also touches on an exciting new chapter for Fox Creek as they prepare to open a brand new middle school, giving even more families the opportunity to experience this special culture from a younger age. From active clubs and arts programs to a dedicated athletic program, this episode is a beautiful reminder that school choice is not just about academics. It is about giving every child the space to discover who they are meant to be. Tune in to hear how Fox Creek is building a legacy of student success one family at a time. 🔗 Learn more: https://www.foxcreekhighschool.org/ ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Todd Helms | Mountain View Preparatory

On this episode of Kids First, Keven Cohen welcomes Todd Helms, a retired Army colonel, passionate education leader, and founder of Mountain View Preparatory, who has helped launch seven charter schools across South Carolina. Todd shares his inspiring journey from recovering from a deployment injury while reading "The Blind Side" to accidentally writing a business plan that became Gray Military Academy. This postgrad prep school gave second chances to students who needed help getting academically eligible for college. With legendary coaches like Willie Jeffries, Jim Carlin, and Danny Ford on his advisory board, Todd's first school became a launching pad for what would grow into a network of high-performing charter schools, including Gray Collegiate, Oceanside Collegiate, Legion Collegiate, Atlantic Collegiate, and Mountain View Prep, with Marina Vista Prep currently in development. Todd credits his passion for education to his experience as a father of five, a grandfather of three, and a former school board member in Lexington District 2, emphasizing that it all began with a men's Bible study and a commitment to putting students first. 🔗 Learn more: https://www.mvpstars.org/ [https://www.mvpstars.org/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Oran Smith & Ryan Dellinger | Palmetto Promise Institute

When we think about the legacy we leave for our children, we have to ask ourselves if we are truly giving them the best possible start. In this episode of the Kids First podcast, host Keven Cohen and Superintendent Chris Neeley sit down with Dr. Oran Smith and Ryan Dellinger from the Palmetto Promise Institute for a deeply important conversation about the future of education in South Carolina. At the heart of this discussion is a simple but powerful belief. A child's potential should never be limited by their zip code. By advocating for policies where education funding follows the student, they highlight how every family can gain access to the unique opportunities that best meet their specific needs. We customize almost everything else in our lives, so why should education be a one-size-fits-all system? The group explores the recent push for universal school choice, the impact of open enrollment, and how healthy competition among schools ultimately benefits every single student. Whether a family chooses a traditional public school, a charter school, or another alternative, the ultimate goal remains exactly the same. We must empower parents to make the right choices for their own children. Listen to the full episode to hear why putting kids first is the key to transforming our educational landscape and building a brighter future. 🔗 Learn more: https://palmettopromise.org/ ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.