Board Focus
The Kershaw County First Steps Partnership Board oversees the operation and provides strategic support to the staff, allowing the mission to be achieved. Meetings for the board are held monthly on the third Thursday.
- Develop and oversee a comprehensive strategic plan that outlines goals, priorities, and initiatives aligned with statewide First Steps school readiness objectives. This plan serves as the foundation for all local activities and investments.
- Convene local stakeholders and build partnerships across public and private sectors. As a board member, you’ll help align resources, improve service coordination, and strengthen the early childhood system in your community.
- Participate in the hiring, evaluation, and salary recommendations for the local Executive Director. These leadership decisions are made in partnership with the State First Steps Board of Trustees.
- Review and monitor the use of grant and public funds to ensure financial compliance and responsible stewardship. Board members help ensure that funds are spent effectively and transparently.
- Guide a needs assessment every three years and oversee evaluations of program reach and effectiveness. This data informs continuous improvement and strategic direction.
- Maintain high standards of board governance by attending meetings, following bylaws, completing training, and disclosing conflicts of interest. Board operations must comply with the SC Freedom of Information Act.
- Support and approve investments in proven, research-based services that improve outcomes for young children and their families. At least 75% of funds must go to evidence-based initiatives.
- Advocate for accessible, culturally responsive, and equitable services that meet the diverse needs of families in your community. Board members help ensure all children have a fair start.
Serve on the Partnership Board
Are you passionate about helping young children and families thrive in your community?
Join the Local First Steps Partnership Board and be part of a powerful statewide initiative focused on school readiness and early childhood development.
Our Directors
Carrie Prioleau
Kershaw County Head Start
Legislative Appointee
Leslie Williams
Central Carolina Technical College
Legislative Appointee
Betty Turner
Retired Educator
Legislative Appointee
Sandra Johnson
KC Dept. of Social Services
Legislative Appointee
Jill Fleischman
Kershaw County Library
Elected
Dr. Sara Jane Arnett
Military Child Education Coalition
Elected
Vacant
Vacant
Elected
Vacant
Vacant
Elected
Meeting Agendas & Minutes
Board Meeting 10/14/2025 (Regular)Stephen James2025-10-14T16:07:43-04:00
Agenda
- Call to Order / Welcome (Kathy Sanders)
- Roll Call / Attendance
- Previous Meeting Minutes – 9/18/2025
Motion: Approve Previous Board Meeting Minutes - Executive Directors Report – Katie Nichols
- Operations & Finance Report – Stephen James
- Next Scheduled Meeting – 11/20/2025 @ 1:00 p.m.
- Close
Motion: Adjourn Meeting
Board Meeting Agenda & Minutes Packet
Board Meeting 9/18/2025 (Regular)Stephen James2025-10-14T16:09:58-04:00
Agenda
- Call to Order / Welcome (Kathy Sanders)
- Roll Call / Attendance
- Previous Meeting Minutes – 8/23/2025
Motion: Approve Previous Board Meeting Minutes - Executive Directors Report – Katie Nichols
- Operations & Finance Report – Stephen James
- Next Scheduled Meeting – 10/14/2025 @ 9:30 a.m.
- Close
Motion: Adjourn Meeting
Board Meeting Agenda & Minutes Packet
Board Retreat 8/23/2025 (Annual)Stephen James2025-08-26T10:52:17-04:00
Agenda
- Call to Order / Welcome (Kathy Sanders)
- Roll Call / Attendance
- Previous Meeting Minutes – 6/26/2025
Motion: Approve Previous Board Meeting Minutes - Team Building Activity (Catherine Nichols)
- FY26 Overview (Catherine Nichols)
- Updated Budget Spending Plan
- Innovation Investment Project Update
- Available Programs
- State Local Partnership Fiscal & Operations Guidelines Overview
- Partnership Board Notebook Overview (Catherine Nichols)
- Board Roles & Responsibilities
- Committee Charters
- Complete required annual paperwork
- Lunch (Catherine Nichols)
- Needs Assessment & Strategic Plan (Catherine Nichols)
- Overview of Needs Assessment & Strategic Plan
- Initial Outline for Strategic Plan
- Recap & Questions (Catherine Nichols)
- Next Scheduled Meeting – 9/18/2025
- Close
Motion: Adjourn Meeting
Board Meeting Agenda & Minutes Packet