Middleton Statement on CCSD Superintendent Settlement Agreement

Charleston, S.C. – City of Charleston Mayoral Candidate, Clay Middleton, released the statement below on Charleston County School District Board of Trustees’ unanimous settlement agreement with newly hired, former, Superintendent Dr. Eric Gallien.

“This isn’t over.

Dr. Gallien’s settlement is what he wanted and it was best suited for him and his family. While this was unanimously voted on, the other thing that is unanimous is the outrage and organizing of the community to hold this school board accountable.

Educating our kids is everyone’s business. As Mayor, I will focus efforts on doing that and partner with like-minded individuals and organizations to raise academic achievement, not have any low-performing schools in the city, close the summer losses that exist, and make community centers an extension of learning. I will reinvigorate the Mayor’s Office of Children, Youth, and Families to do this and much more so our youth and families know that their city will invest in them and no limited ideology group, whether it be Moms for Liberty or another to be named group, will not stop that.”

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Clay Middleton is a native Charlestonian who has dedicated his life to public service. A graduate of The Citadel, he is currently a Lieutenant Colonel serving as a Battalion Commander in the South Carolina Army National Guard. He served as Director of Business Services for the city of Charleston, where he led the Business & Neighborhood Services division. Previously, he served in the Obama administration and longtime aide to Congressman Jim Clyburn.