Public Education Partners Presentation

By Dr. Sharda Jackson Smith

On Sunday, January 18, the League hosted an engaging and well-attended session featuring Catherine Schumacher, President & CEO of Public Education Partners (PEP). Catherine grounded her remarks in the organization’s long-standing commitment to strengthening public schools through evidence-based insights, strong community partnerships, and strategic advocacy. Catherine highlighted not only the significant “wins” occurring across Greenville County Schools, but also the persistent systemic challenges that continue to shape student outcomes - especially for the district’s most vulnerable learners.

 

Key Themes

  • Community Voice is a Lever for Change - Catherine emphasized that policy decisions - from budget allocations to program supports - are most effective when shaped by community engagement. She noted that parents, educators, and citizens often bring forward insights that data alone cannot fully capture.

  • Data Should Inform, Not Just Describe - The approach Catherine described is grounded in using data to identify both strengths and opportunity gaps. Data is not merely for reporting; it should drive decision-making, resource allocation, and accountability.

  • Partnerships Strengthen Public Schools - Catherine highlighted how collaborations among nonprofits, districts, educators, civic groups, and families create more robust educational ecosystems. LWV’s involvement and credibility in public policy spaces position the organization as a vital partner in this work.

 

What Should We Do Next: Show Up and Speak Up

Attend meetings or submit written comments to emphasize priorities such as:

  • Equitable school funding

  • Evidence-based educational practices

  • Transparent budget and policy decisions

  • Protection and strengthening of public schools as community anchors

  • How community engagement is essential for strong schools

  • Data transparency

  • Policy decisions that reflect the realities facing students/educators today (not assumptions or political narratives)

 

Learn More

Greenville County School District Website

Greenville County School Board of Trustees (find information on meetings, agendas, how to speak, etc.)

Public Education Partners

Simple Civics Greenville Ed Talks – A weekly podcast by Catherine Schumacher about education issues.

League of Women Voters of SC Bills of Interest related to Education  (scroll down the page)