Colleton’s Sharon Witkin: An “All-In” Advocate for Public Education
In a world where school board members often work behind the scenes, Sharon Witkin stands out as a committed and proactive advocate for the children of Colleton County. As the secretary of Colleton County School District’s Board of Trustees, Witkin plays a vital role in shaping the direction of education in a community that is both geographically expansive and economically diverse.
Witkin’s journey to the school board began when she moved back to her hometown of Walterboro with her young children. At first, the stay-at-home mom felt uncertain about her ability to contribute to the community. However, her determination to become more involved led her to join local and regional leadership programs, which ignited her passion for public service.
“I initially felt I had little to offer, but with the encouragement of others, I realized that my background in non-profit work and my educational experiences were a good fit for serving as a school board trustee,” Witkin said.
Her role on the school board goes beyond policy decisions; it’s about fostering a positive, safe and effective learning environment for students in the district, which spans the entirety of the county. Colleton County is South Carolina’s fifth-largest county by land area and houses the 27th-largest population in the state. Within this vast landscape, Witkin represents District 3, which includes Walterboro, the county seat and its largest municipality.
The district serves a student body where 84 percent of students live in poverty. This statistic underscores the importance of the school board’s work and, particularly, Witkin’s role.
As the secretary, Witkin’s responsibilities extend beyond traditional administrative duties. She coordinates monthly board meetings, working closely with the other board officers and the district superintendent to ensure smooth operations. But her position often requires her to step into an unexpected role: that of a past president, offering guidance and perspective, especially during transitions between board officers.
“It’s an opportunity to provide continuity and share lessons learned from my previous tenure as chairman,” she said.
In recent board meetings, school safety has become a growing concern.
“The core purpose of our school district is teaching and learning, but we must first ensure a safe and positive environment for our students,” Witkin said.
The district has implemented robust safety measures, including weapons detection systems and metal detectors in secondary schools and at school events.
Additionally, the district maintains strong partnerships with local law enforcement, ensuring that school resource officers (SROs) are present at every school. Mental health support is also a priority, with guidance programs and a partnership with Coastal Empire Mental Health providing essential counseling services.
When Witkin is not attending to school board responsibilities, she is deeply involved in her family life. As a stay-at-home mom to two teenage boys, Michael and Sam, her daily schedule consists of carpooling, sports events and volunteering. She serves on various school committees, including the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) and the School Improvement Council (SIC) and is an active volunteer with her church and other community organizations.
“I am an involved parent, and this gives me a direct line to understand what’s happening within our schools. Listening to parents, students and teachers helps me advocate for policies that truly benefit the community,” she said.
Her husband, Spencer, a local dentist and small business owner, is also a staunch supporter of public education. Together, they instill in their children a sense of civic duty and the importance of community involvement, all while navigating the daily challenges of raising teenagers.
One of Witkin’s most defining moments as a school board member came when the district faced a critical funding gap. When the state mandated significant salary increases for teachers and certified staff, Colleton County’s ability to meet the funding requirements became a political battleground. Witkin was at the forefront of this fight, advocating for an increase in local tax revenue to ensure that teachers and staff would receive the compensation they deserve.
The district’s request for increased funds was ultimately denied, forcing the district to dip into its general fund reserve to cover the gap. Despite this setback, Witkin and the board have remained active in raising awareness about the importance of funding local schools. She attends county council meetings and engages with local leaders to ensure the school district is well supported.
For Sharon Witkin, being a school board member isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. As she continues to balance her roles as a mother, wife, volunteer and advocate, she remains an essential force in shaping the future of Colleton County’s schools.