Igniting School Reform: CALN Dinner and Networking Event

Ready to meet like-minded leaders and drive change in your school district? Join CALN and Leadership Institute in Charleston for an evening of fellowship, learning, and great food along South Carolina's scenic coast.

This event is designed for school board members and candidates, engaged parents, education professionals, and community leaders at all levels. It kicks off with a *special training session* for reform-minded school officials on working together toward a common goal: academic excellence—followed by an open networking event and dinner for the public.

Event details

Hosted by Carolinas Academic Leadership Network, in partnership with the Leadership Institute. Speakers include Deputy Superintendent of Charleston County Schools Dr. Luke Clamp, and special invited guest, SC State Superintendent Ellen Weaver (awaiting confirmation).

When: Thursday, November 6, 2025, 5:30 PM-8:30 PM

• 5:30 pm: Special training/presentation for school board members & school officials
• 6:30 pm: Doors open to the public
• 7:00-7:45 pm: Dinner served, keynote speaker
• 7:45-8:30 pm: Additional networking

Venue: The Porch at Oyster House in Charleston, SC.

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TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Travel scholarships are available for this event. Don’t let distance be a downside—take advantage of this fantastic opportunity! To learn more, contact for details.

This is your chance to take an active role in shaping your school district—whether you are a parent, teacher, or policymaker—supporting policies that enhance learning, empower parents, and reflect your community’s values. You’ll also connect with a network of dedicated leaders and student advocates who share your commitment to transforming education.

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Speakers:

Keynote: Dr. Luke Clamp, Deputy Superintendent of Charleston County Schools

Dr. Lucas “Luke” Clamp currently serves Charleston County School District as Deputy Superintendent, leading a team to create conditions for all students to thrive through strong leadership and support to our schools with supervision and leadership development of all school principals and engaging with our community through partnerships and collaboration. His team leads the effort to connect accountability to action in schools and creates conditions for leaders to thrive through professional development and leadership coaching.

He is a graduate of both Clemson University (2002) and the University of South Carolina (2004, 2009, 2011) earning a bachelor’s degree in Science Teaching from Clemson and Master’s degree and Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership and a Doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction from USC. He has 23 years of experience in education.

Special Invited Guest: Ellen Weaver, SC Superintendent of Education (awaiting confirmation)

Ellen Weaver was elected as South Carolina's 19th State Superintendent of Education on November 9th, 2022. Born in Greenville, Ellen has spent her career as a passionate advocate for educational excellence and opportunity for every student in her beloved home state, because she knows first-hand that a great education is the front door of the American Dream.

Ellen graduated from a great public school and earned her B.A. in Political Science, as well as a Master's in Educational Leadership, from Bob Jones University. Between her research at Palmetto Promise and her work as a member and chair of the SC Education Oversight Committee, Ellen's deep experience in education policy in South Carolina gave her a relentless passion for ensuring every child the hope and freedom found in an excellent education.

Also check out other Workshops in Charleston.