Carolinas Academic Leadership Network Welcomes Eloise Robinson and Pamela McKinney to its Board of Directors
Carolinas Academic Leadership Network (CALN) is proud to announce the election of two distinguished education leaders to its Board of Directors, Eloise Robinson of North Carolina and Pamela McKinney of South Carolina.
Both lifelong educators, Robinson previously taught in elementary schools in Georgia and North Carolina and was an instructor for two years in the Department of Education at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She has also spent countless hours volunteering in classrooms with students, and most recently has been a teacher of English as a second language (ESL) for refugees. She is a strong advocate for phonics instruction and the Science of Reading.
McKinney, who taught AP Calculus and other high school math courses in the Charleston County School District for a decade, is currently a member of the Charleston County School Board and previously served as its board chair. After leaving the classroom full-time, McKinney retained her passion for education and became a substitute teacher. Today, she teaches Sunday School for children and adults and Bible Study classes for women in South Carolina.
CALN, a collaborative initiative between the John Locke Foundation (Locke) in North Carolina and the Palmetto Promise Institute (PPI) and the South Carolina Policy Council (SCPC) in South Carolina, is dedicated to enhancing the role of school board members in both states. Its mission is to empower these leaders with the necessary tools and professional development to foster student achievement and parental engagement, free from the divisive influences of contemporary politics.
When asked about the essential role CALN plays in supporting school board members, student achievement, and parental rights, Mrs. Robinson and Mrs. McKinney shared the following:
“As the U.S. has fallen to the second tier of schools internationally, we must all focus on what it takes to achieve academic excellence above all other considerations. Carolina Academic Leadership Network is a crucial component in educating and assisting school board members in this endeavor. Through its national partnerships and broad local network, CALN provides information and resources on topics that school board leaders need to understand. A well-informed board member can challenge the status quo and more effectively advocate for the parents and children in their districts.” – Eloise Robinson
“CALN caught my eye at the very beginning due to its association with the three collaborative organizations. After attending the inaugural meeting, I knew we had common goals. First and foremost: student achievement. To accomplish that goal, we need committed school board members learning how to promote it and speak up for it. In addition to its workshops, offered both in person and online, CALN provides timely emails with an extensive reading list addressing many important topics. This support is crucial if we are to strive for academic achievement in our schools and to persevere when there is opposition.” – Pamela McKinney
“Pam and Eloise are a tremendous addition to our board and mission, bringing decades of educational expertise and a deep passion for helping students,” said Bryce Fiedler, Director of CALN. “I am thrilled to have their leadership in steering CALN’s future and elevating our service for school board members.”
CALN is also excited to announce the appointment of Donald Bryson, CEO of the John Locke Foundation, as Chair of its Board of Directors. As a committed leader for academic excellence, Bryson also serves on the board of the North Carolina Coalition for Charter Schools.
Oran Smith, PhD, has been named as Treasurer of CALN’s Board of Directors. In addition to his role as senior fellow at the Palmetto Promise Institute, Smith sits on the Board of Trustees at South Carolina’s Coastal Carolina University and serves on the state’s Commission on Higher Education.
CALN’s mission is clear: to be the foremost advocate for student achievement, parental authority, and exemplary school board service throughout the Carolinas. By providing crucial resources and promoting a collaborative approach, CALN aims to elevate educational standards and promote a positive, productive environment within school districts.
About Carolinas Academic Leadership Network (CALN):
CALN is a 501c3 joint project of the John Locke Foundation, Palmetto Promise Institute, and South Carolina Policy Council. Dedicated to promoting student achievement and effective school board governance, CALN equips educational leaders with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate today’s educational challenges.