SC Public Charter School District Kids First Podcast

In this year-end episode of  Kids First Radio , host  Keven Cohen  welcomes  John R. Payne , Deputy Superintendent of Sponsor Performance for the South Carolina Public Charter School District. John shares insight into the rigorous process of starting a charter school, from community applications to ensuring accountability and strong student outcomes. He and Keven discuss the im...

On this episode of  Kids First , Keven Cohen sits down with Emalee Baker, Deputy Superintendent for Support and Implementation at the South Carolina Public Charter School District. Emalee explains how charter schools across the state are rethinking educator recruitment and development to address the ongoing teacher shortage. She highlights the district's Charter Inspire teacher certification...

On this episode of Kids First, Keven Cohen is joined by Dr. Perry Mills from the South Carolina Public Charter School District and Dr. James Thompson, Workforce Development Manager at the S.C. Commission on Higher Education, for a timely discussion on how South Carolina can better prepare students for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Dr. Thompson shares how his statewide role connects K12 schools,...

On this episode of  Kids First  on 100.7 The Point, Keven Cohen is joined by Richard Shepard, high school principal of York Preparatory Academy in Rock Hill. Richard shares how York Prep, a K–12 public charter school, continues to thrive through teamwork, strong family engagement, and an unwavering focus on student success. He discusses the school's "Futures in Focus" program, which conn...

On this episode of  Kids First Radio  on 100.7 The Point, Keven Cohen and Superintendent Chris Neeley welcome Dr. Keith Bailey, founder and executive director of Pee Dee Math, Science and Technology Academy in Bishopville. Dr. Bailey shares the school's journey from humble beginnings on a gravel road to becoming a thriving K–12 community that champions innovation through a problem-based...

On this Thanksgiving edition of Kids First Radio on 100.7 The Point, host Keven Cohen and Superintendent Chris Neeley share a heartfelt conversation about gratitude for students, families, educators, and the communities that make South Carolina's public charter schools possible. Between talk of turkey, football, and time with family, Keven and Chris reflect on the blessing of having children home...

On this episode of Kids First, Keven Cohen welcomes John S. Payne from the South Carolina Public Charter School District and Kim Statler, Executive Director of Polaris Tech Charter School in Ridgeland. Kim recounts the school's growth from its 2018 opening with grades 6 to 10 to becoming a full K-12 program serving over 500 learners. She highlights how Polaris Tech's mission centers on academic ac...

On this special Veterans Day episode of Kids First Radio, host Keven Cohen welcomes Superintendent Chris Neeley and Dr. Sara Jane Arnett from the Military Child Education Coalition, spotlighting the sacrifices and resilience of veterans, military families, and children in South Carolina.  The discussion explores Sara Jane's personal story, her role supporting hundreds of Purple Star Schools,...

On this episode of Kids First Radio, Robbie Compton, head of school at Riverwalk Academy in Rock Hill, joins Keven Cohen to share insights about the K-12 charter school's unique approach to education. With a current enrollment of about 800 students, Riverwalk Academy emphasizes project-based learning, where students engage in hands-on problem-solving connected to real-world experiences rather than...

On today's Kids First Radio, Keven Cohen is joined by Superintendent Chris Neeley for a discussion on the value proposition of charter schools and the landscape of school choice across the country. The episode highlights South Carolina's commitment to educational opportunities, including a new military child preference bill supporting families who relocate for service. It explores how charter scho...

On this episode of Kids First Radio on 100.7 The Point, Keven Cohen is joined by Superintendent Chris Neeley and special guest Dana Abbott, Director of School-Based Mental Health Services at the South Carolina Youth Advocate Program. Dana explains how SCYAP supports charter school communities by providing critical therapy and mental health resources to students and families in need. She discusses...

On this episode of Kids First, Keven Cohen is joined by Superintendent Chris Neeley and Bill Robinson, the new principal of Midlands Middle College. They explore how Midlands Middle College is uniquely positioned on the Midlands Tech campus to offer students a blend of high school and college experiences through dual enrollment. Bill shares how the school serves grades 10 through 12 and provides p...

On today's Kids First Radio, host Keven Cohen welcomes Superintendent Chris Neeley for a lively discussion about the state of charter schools and the school choice movement across the country. The episode opens with reflections on the changing season and academic progress as the fall semester hits its stride, before diving into Chris Neeley's recent invitation to speak at Harvard's school choice c...

On today's Kids First Radio on 100.7 The Point, Superintendent Chris Neeley welcomes Laura McKinney, Senior VP for Talent and Workforce Development at the Columbia Chamber and board member at Midlands Middle College, for an insightful discussion about bridging the gap between job seekers and employers in South Carolina's Midlands region. Laura shares how innovative programs like Launch Columbia an...

On this episode of Kids First Radio on 100.7 The Point, Keven Cohen and Superintendent Chris Neeley welcome Dr. Sharon Williams and Mrs. Ericka Bennett-Bell of Pee Dee Innovation and Leadership Academy in Lake City. The discussion offers a glimpse into the school's inaugural year, highlighting its strong sense of community engagement and the smooth transition as it opened its doors to students in...

On today's Kids First Radio on 100.7 The Point, Keven Cohen welcomes Superintendent Chris Neeley alongside special guests Dr. Trevor Ivey, Ms. Adria Vaughn, and Dr. Michelle McDonald from Liberty STEAM Charter: A School of Inquiry, Innovation, & Impact in Sumter. The episode kicks off with reflections on football season and a deep sense of pride for Liberty STEAM, a school described as a model...

On this episode of Kids First Radio, Keven Cohen hosts Superintendent Chris Neeley for a lively discussion about transforming South Carolina’s education landscape. Chris lays out a bold reform agenda, including proposals for raising teacher salaries to $80,000 to attract top talent, introducing merit-based bonuses, providing housing stipends for educators in rural areas, and advocating open enroll...

On this episode of Kids First, Keven Cohen is joined by Superintendent Chris Neeley and Greg Thompson, Founding Board Chairman of Liberty STEAM Charter in Sumter. Greg shares Liberty STEAM's journey from its founding to serving 920 students with a growing waitlist, and discusses how its innovative campus expansion inside a former mall is meeting the needs of local families. The conversation highli...

On this episode of Kids First, host Keven Cohen and Dr. Perry Mills talk with Sade Harrell from the City of Columbia about the city’s expanding high school internship program. Discover how Columbia teens are landing hands-on roles in fields like engineering, IT, and public works, and what skills and qualities help applicants stand out. Gain insights into the application process, interview tips, an...

In this episode of Kids First, host Keven Cohen is joined by Dr. Perry Mills from the South Carolina Public Charter School District and Karen Grove, Co-Director of the Master's Program in Trauma-Informed Education at Columbia College, SC. Karen discusses her journey from longtime educator and principal to leading a pioneering program focused on trauma-informed practices, emphasizing the importance...

In this episode of Kids First, host Keven Cohen talks with Superintendent Chris Neeley about what sets South Carolina’s public charter schools apart as a new school year begins. They discuss the district’s focus on innovative learning, strong community partnerships, and how charter schools serve students across the state. Chris also shares how families and community leaders can get involved or eve...

In this episode of Kids First, host Keven Cohen sits down with Stan Davis, a renowned leadership consultant known for his work in both the private and public sectors. Stan shares his journey from a background in engineering and quality management to becoming a sought-after guide for organizations seeking clarity and direction. Inspired by early family influences and thought leaders like Stephen Co...

In this episode of Kids First, host Keven Cohen talks with Superintendent Chris Neeley and Dr. Perry Mills of the South Carolina Public Charter School District, joined by special guest Sara Ellis, school counselor at Fox Creek High School and the 2026 SCPCSD Teacher of the Year. Sara shares how her journey from banking to school counseling led her to a fulfilling role supporting students in colleg...

In this episode of Kids First, host Keven Cohen is joined by Dea Norton, Board Chair of Spartanburg Preparatory School, along with John S. Payne of the South Carolina Public Charter School District. Dea shares Spartanburg Prep's commitment to academic excellence for over 400 K4 through 8th-grade students and what sets the school apart, including small class sizes, dual enrollment options, gifted p...

In this episode of Kids First , host Keven Cohen talks with Chris Neeley, Superintendent of the South Carolina Public Charter School District, about the growth and impact of charter schools across the state. They discuss how these schools are expanding educational options for families, especially in underserved areas, and providing innovative, community-driven learning environments. Chris highligh...