District 45 educators attend Hill Day at State House

Barnwell School District 45 (BSD45) Teacher Forum representatives were recently able to experience a Hill Day sponsored by the Palmetto State Teachers Association (PSTA). Representing the BSD45 Teacher Forum were Deanna Grubbs, Jenny Raines, and Jared Thrasher.

After arriving at the State House, the day began with a Legislative Update from Patrick Kelly, PSTA Director of Government Affairs, and the Barnwell Delegation including Representative Lonnie Hosey and Senator Brad Hutto. During this time, the team members were able to speak directly with their area’s representatives.

Thrasher, Assistant Principal at Barnwell High School, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, “Representative Hosey and Senator Hutto made this a first-class experience for our team of educators who were lucky enough to attend. I speak for all three of us when I express our gratitude for those two gentlemen taking time out of their busy schedules to sit down and talk with us while we were there. We are also thankful to Craig King from the PSTA for all of his hard work in helping set up the experience. It was an honor to represent Barnwell 45 alongside two phenomenal teachers: Jenny Raines and Deanna Grubbs."

The BSD45 team was also able to take part in a Senate Education Committee Meeting with Chairman Greg Hembree and Vice-Chair Nikki Setzler. The day concluded as Grubbs, Raines, and Thrasher were introduced by Representative Hosey and Senator Hutto in both houses of the Legislature, where they also observed floor debates to learn more about the legislative process.

According to BSD45 Teacher of the Year Deanna Grubbs, “Hill Day was an amazing experience. We were able to sit down and have conversations with our representatives and give updates about our individual classrooms and schools. They shared information with us about upcoming legislation that would impact our profession and our district.”

When asked to describe the day, Grubbs shared, “We also sat in on the Senate Education Committee meeting and listened to discussion on new legislation that would be soon voted on that could change requirements for our certification. It was a humbling experience to be introduced and recognized on the Senate floor before they went into session to elect new judges. Overall, the day was filled with learning and showed me how important it is for teachers to get involved. Our state leaders need to hear from us and know how we feel on issues that directly affect our students and the learning process.”

Jenny Raines, President of the Barnwell School District 45 Teacher Forum, also expressed what this day meant to her, “This was a great experience to see the inner workings of our state government in regards to education. It was very eye-opening in many aspects for myself and my colleagues. I can honestly say that our work is not done. It is imperative that everyone involved in education use their voice to advocate for themselves, their respective schools, and school districts. We are hoping to attend next year and take more educators with us. There is strength in numbers and we will continue to strive to showcase how amazing Barnwell School District 45 is!”

Barnwell School District 45 salutes these teacher leaders!