Strong public schools are the foundation of a strong community. But in District 44, rapid growth, overcrowded classrooms, and underpaid teachers are putting pressure on students, families, and educators alike.

Katie Crosby believes every child deserves a high-quality public education — and she’s running to strengthen our schools, support teachers, and prepare students for bright futures right here at home.

Fully Funding Public Schools

Public schools serve the vast majority of families in District 44, and they deserve stable, reliable funding that stays in our community.

Katie believes education dollars should strengthen neighborhood public schools — not be diverted to private voucher programs that lack accountability and don’t even exist in this district.

She will fight to:

• Fully fund public education

• Oppose private-school voucher programs that drain resources from local schools.

• Ensure education funding is spent on students and classrooms, not bureaucracy.

Strong schools require investment, transparency, and accountability.

Respecting Teachers as the Professionals They Are

Teachers shouldn’t have to work second jobs, create Amazon wish lists, or beg for basic supplies. Yet South Carolina continues to lag behind the region in teacher pay and retention.

Katie will fight to:

• Make teacher pay competitive across the Southeast

• Hire and retain highly qualified educators

• Add more teacher assistants and paraprofessionals

• Lower student-to-adult ratios so teachers can teach

When teachers are supported, students succeed.

Addressing Overcrowding and Growth Head-On

District 44 is one of the fastest-growing areas in South Carolina, but school infrastructure hasn’t kept up. Overcrowded classrooms and mobile units are becoming the norm, creating learning and safety challenges for students and staff.

Katie supports:

• Building new schools to keep pace with growth

• Reducing reliance on mobile classrooms

• Long-term planning so growth doesn’t outpace classrooms

Our children shouldn’t be learning in temporary solutions.

Safe Schools Where Students Can Learn and Thrive

Every child deserves to feel safe at school - physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Katie will fight for:

• Evidence-based bullying prevention programs

• Training for teachers and staff to recognize red flags and intervene early

• Properly trained School Resource Officers who understand child development, mental health, and special needs.

• Proactive school-safety strategies focused on prevention not fear

Safety starts with preparation, compassion, and common sense.

Supporting Student Health and Well-Being

Schools are often the first place where health concerns are identified, but too many schools lack the resources they need.

Katie supports:

• Adequate nurse-to-student ratios with proper training

• Licensed mental-health therapists in schools, not just guidance counselors

• AEDs and staff training for medical emergencies

• School environments that treat mental health as seriously as physical health

Healthy students are better learners.

Letting Teachers Teach

Classrooms should be places of learning, curiosity, and growth, not political battlegrounds.

Katie believes:

• Teachers should be trusted to teach

• Curriculum decisions should be driven by educators and evidence, not political agendas

• Schools should focus on literacy, math, critical thinking, and real-world skills

Education works best when politics stay out of the classroom.

Feeding and Supporting Every Child

Students can’t learn if they’re hungry.

Katie supports:

• Free school meals so every child can focus on learning

• Summer meal programs to support families year-round

• Accountability to ensure education funding directly benefits students

Meeting basic needs helps students reach their full potential.

Building a Better Economy Through Better Schools

Strong schools don’t just benefit students. They strengthen the entire community.

Katie believes:

• Better schools mean a stronger workforce

• Education is economic development

• Investing in public education keeps families and businesses in South Carolina

Bright futures start with strong schools.