Serving as a firefighter has taught me that strong communities don’t happen by accident. They’re built by people showing up for one another—in emergencies, in hardships, and in everyday life. Over time, I’ve come to believe that strong communities and strong schools go hand in hand.
Several years ago, I learned the small school in my rural community was being closed by the local district. Its students would be sent to a campus twice the size. For some, it may have seemed routine. For us, it meant losing something much deeper. I wasn’t just a parent—I was the proud daddy of the prettiest little girl in that school (probably in the history of the school for that matter). I had also volunteered there for nearly 20 years as a mentor, lunch buddy, and firefighter—teaching safety, spraying kids on water day, and supporting countless events. I had seen how much those children depended on that school—and the difference caring teachers and a connected community can make.
When we heard it might close, we knew we had to act. Most people just complained. I went to work. I found research showing that when a small rural community loses its school, it often declines and may never fully recover. We couldn’t let that happen. My work in the fire service reinforced that belief. I’ve been in the homes of students and seen their struggles. I remember responding to a call where a grandmother was having a heart attack. As I walked in, I passed a young boy from the school, clearly scared. I gave him a quick hug and told him we would take care of her. As I went inside, I heard him say, “It’s going to be okay now, Mama—Mr. Jimmy is here.” That moment stayed with me. In a small community, relationships matter. Familiar faces matter. Teachers provide that same sense of stability every day.
That conviction led us to start Goucher Charter Academy in Gaffney. Charter schools matter because not every child thrives in a traditional system—some need an environment that meets them where they are. I didn’t just want the school to be a community center—I wanted it to be the center of the community. I’ve seen that happen. During a week-long power outage after Hurricane Helene, families had no water, no way to cook, and no way to meet basic needs. So we opened the school. Volunteers, churches, firefighters, and staff came together to serve anyone in need. People shared meals at the same tables, and strangers became friends.
That’s what a school can be.
Starting a charter school isn’t easy. It takes time, sacrifice, and commitment. There will be moments when you feel like giving up—but when you see the impact, it’s worth it. When we started, we were just trying to save a school. We didn’t know how to start one, but we believed it was the right thing to do. After attending my first SC Charter Alliance conference, that belief turned into certainty. And I can tell you now: this work pays off far more than you can imagine.
Schools shape minds. Minds shape people. People shape communities.
So if you’re thinking about stepping up—whether as a board member, volunteer, or advocate—know this: your community needs you now, not someday. Because what you choose to do won’t just impact a school—it will influence learning, strengthen communities, and help create a future that may have never existed without you showing up.