New school year is here

First published in the Brunswick Beacon, 09.03.26

As Brunswick County Schools begin another year, I am forced to consider how we go forward in such unsure times. The next chapter should not be about change for the sake of change, it should be about building on our successes and refusing to accept the challenges we know we can solve.

That starts with our teachers. Great schools depend on great educators, and we must make recruiting, supporting and retaining excellent teachers a priority.

We must also recognize that district averages don’t tell every child’s story. When a school struggles year after year, it deserves focused attention, resources and accountability. We should study what our strongest schools are doing right and bring those successful practices into every classroom.

Academic fundamentals must remain at the center of our mission. Strong literacy and math skills open doors, and we should set clear, measurable goals for improvement and hold ourselves accountable for reaching them.

Students cannot succeed if they aren’t in school. Reducing chronic absenteeism means understanding why children are missing class and working with families to get them reengaged.

At the same time, education must prepare students for whatever comes next. We should continue expanding CTE, industry credentials, AP courses, dual enrollment and workforce opportunities so every graduate has a pathway forward.

And finally, we must prepare for growth. Brunswick County is changing quickly. Our classrooms, facilities, staffing, and resources must grow with it.

Our goal shouldn’t simply be to keep up. we should be setting the standard in SENC.

Brian Rupp, candidate for BCS Board of Education

Winnabow