FLORENCE, SC (WBTW) – The new Florence School District One Superintendent held a Question and Answer session with parents in the district on Tuesday.

Dr. Richard O’Malley asked the public its thoughts on the state of the current district, and what the community members think can be improved.

“I think it starts with opportunities like this,” Dr. O’Malley said. “For parents to get to know me a little bit more, for me to get to know them a little bit more,” he continued. “To get to know the value system in the community, and the things they expect for me to focus on maybe my first 90 days, my first year, and then five years.”

Many teachers and parents in the audience said communication from the school district is important, and doesn’t happen clearly.

Frances Thomas has grandchildren that attend schools in the district, and said she think it’s lacking transparency.

“I think that [transparency] develops trust, and once you have trust you can follow your leader,” Thomas said.

Communication, transparency, and safety were three big talking points during the discussion.

“The best parents we can have is an informed parent,” said Thomas.

Thomas said she’s recently become concerned about transportation for students.

“I’m very concerned about our students getting to school on time because the high school students have to go through the metal detectors,” Thomas told News13. “Of course, I understand that the first day was chaotic, and it’s gotten better, but when a student is picked up at 8:20, they’re already tardy.”‘

O’Malley said he thinks it’s important to address school safety, as well as, student mental health.

“I think increasing student achievement, I think that’s something we’re really going to focus on,” Dr. O’Malley said. “How we can provide opportunities for all students to learn to achieve and have success in their learning path, and where they are.,” he continued. “Student achievement, and providing a good, quality school district for the community.”

Thomas said she’s excited for next school year, and hopes to see action take by the Dr. O’Malley.
“There are a lot of positive things going on in Florence, but we need a strong leader,” she said. “And I think we have selected a very strong leader for Florence School District One.”

Dr. O’Malley said he will sit in at the school board’s next meeting on May 24.