Dear Island Neighbors,
It is my privilege and honor to serve you as your Ward 1 representative on Town Council. Thank you.
I’ve been thinking a lot about gratitude for this community we call home. While we hear plenty about division, Hilton Head Island is at its best when we come together and work toward the common good. And on behalf of the common good, I thought this was a good time to share some positive examples of what collaboration and commitment can accomplish. Please note, my Ward is not up for re-election this Fall.
So now, and over the coming weeks, I’ll share a series of short stories from my perspective as a fifth-generation Islander and Town Council member about the people and efforts making our Island better for everyone.
Our Extraordinary Island Home
Stories of a Community Working Together
Chapter One – Education
Education – Great Opportunities for All
I’m a product of our Island’s public schools, which are part of the countywide Beaufort County School District. Success in our schools is facilitated by a huge group of dedicated people working together – teachers, parents, administrators, volunteers, coaches, counselors, and the students themselves. On our Island, both public and private schools and non-profit organizations play an important collaborative role in education initiatives as well – Boys & Girls Club, Children’s Center, Island Rec, United Way of the Lowcountry, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, Neighborhood Outreach Connection, Churches and many others.
Here are just a couple highlights of their collective efforts:
A New Home for Hilton Head Island High School – My Alma Mater!
There’s something especially meaningful about standing inside the brand-new Hilton Head Island High School as a former student – and as an elected representative on Town Council.
Bringing this vision to life took enormous effort by the School District, contractors, Town and County governments and especially you, supportive taxpayers to raise the necessary funds and skillfully fit the new building onto the existing campus. At the ribbon cutting I witnessed excited students, which to me means engaged students! Take a look at the photos to see the outstanding result – it’s a very strong statement about the value that our community places on proper education for our children, and for our future.
“One of the features that makes the new high school truly special is the wall graphics showcasing artwork created by our students,” said Superintendent Frank Rodriguez. “Their work reflects the beauty of the island and brings that sense of place into the learning environment every day.”
Record Improvements In Math and ELA
Dr. Frank Rodriguez has been our School District Superintendent for the last seven years. Since 2021, our schools have recorded record improvements in both Math and English-Language Arts testing. After the most recent results were posted, Dr. Rodriguez said “Both of those are the highest the school district has ever had. Particularly important in Math because that has been the hardest to move since the pandemic. We recognize that there is still room for opportunity and room for growth, but we are excited about what we have seen in that initial phase of data.”
Private School Opportunities
Heritage Academy, through a new partnership with Hilton Head Island Community Church, allows students daily access to a professional stage where they can learn, perform, and experience all aspects of theater firsthand.
There are always plenty of challenges to address in our schools and community. But our Island is a shining example of all the good that we can do together to make this an exceptional place to live for all our residents. “Kudos” to all for your belief and trust in knowing that in working together we can do much more for the good of our community.
Thanks for being part of that continuing effort, and stay tuned for more chapters in our compelling story of the place we all call home.
With gratitude,
– Alex, Ward 1 Councilman & Mayor Pro-Tem
