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 a networking event and dinner.

Event details

Hosted by Carolinas Academic Leadership Network, in partnership with the Leadership Institute (LI). Leigh Vlasblom, the director of LI's School Board Leaders Program, will deliver the training, and our keynote speaker is Deputy Superintendent of Charleston County Schools Dr. Luke Clamp.

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 schoolboard@leadershipinstitute.org 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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Keynote Speaker:

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.

Guest expectations

CALN is committed to maintaining a respectful, constructive, and mission-aligned community. To ensure a positive environment for all, guests are expected to treat others with courtesy and respect, and refrain from disruptive or harassing behavior during the event.