Govan elected SCSBA President

Mr. Charles Govan.

By Stephan Drew, Editor

editor@newsandpress.net

Charles Govan, a long-serving member of the Darlington County School District (DCSD) Board of Education, has been elected President of the South Carolina School Board Association (SCSBA). Govan’s appointment, made official in December 2024, marks him as only the third individual from Darlington to hold this prestigious role. The others include Mr. Hucks in the 1950s and Mr. Ed Hursey in the late 1970s.

A native of Orangeburg, South Carolina, Govan’s educational journey began at Christ the King Catholic School and continued in public schools, where he graduated from Wilkinson High School in 1963. He went on to earn a degree from Claflin University in 1967. Over the years, he furthered his education at USC/Francis Marion University, graduated from the South Carolina Police Academy, and completed training at the South Carolina Department of Corrections Academy.

Govan’s professional career reflects a deep commitment to public service and education. He taught Special Education and Social Studies in the Lee and Marlboro County School Districts. Additionally, he worked as a social worker for the South Carolina Department of Mental Health and spent 18 years with the Department of Youth Services. His diverse experiences also include serving as an agent for the Alcoholic Beverage Control Department and contributing to the South Carolina School District’s Retention and Recruitment Board.

Govan’s tenure on the DCSD Board of Education spans 24 years, during which he has demonstrated a steadfast dedication to supporting students, educators, and the community. Reflecting on the challenges facing public education, Govan noted the growing competitiveness of private schools as a significant issue. He emphasized the importance of discipline, community involvement, faith, and collaboration among community entities to address the ongoing loss of teachers and other educational challenges. “Increased wages alone are not the solution,” Govan stated.

He also highlighted the crucial role of every DCSD employee in providing a comprehensive educational experience. “Every DCSD employee is valued and important,” he said.

Govan’s sense of humor and approachability have endeared him to many in the community. He chuckled when recounting one of the more amusing misconceptions about his role on the school board: “People call me to fix roads and sidewalks, even though the school board doesn’t handle those things.”

Govan’s personal life reflects his dedication to family and faith. He married Carolyn McCoy in 1977, and the couple settled in Darlington, where they raised three daughters: Michelle, Wanda, and Dione. They are proud grandparents to four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

As Govan steps into his role as SCSBA President, he acknowledges the trailblazers who came before him, including Dr. Clemmie Webber from Orangeburg. He expressed gratitude for Dr. Webber’s leadership and praised hardworking educators like Dr. Thelma Dawson, underscoring his admiration for those who dedicate their lives to shaping the future of education in South Carolina.

Author: Stephan Drew

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