LaShea Davis' full statement at Monday's board meeting

"Liberty STEAM Charter School was founded on a promise 'to create graduates who will be thoughtful and engaged citizens, prepared to take on the leadership challenges of the 21st century.'

It is my hope that some of these Liberty graduates will one day become integral members of the governing bodies that create the policies and laws we are called to uphold. And that, too, will always come with challenges.

The same governance that helped establish Liberty is the governance I respectfully honor through my resignation from the Board of Directors.

When Dexter and I made the decision to relocate to Sumter, South Carolina, we did so because we believed in the Liberty vision and wanted to be part of its influence and impact on this community. The growth, achievement and success of Liberty have exceeded even our highest expectations, and we remain just as committed to being a part of its next chapter.

As Dexter continues his service on the State Charter School Board, my own commitment to service - through more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership and philanthropic work - will continue as well. I remain dedicated to volunteering my time, advocating for Liberty and supporting the continued success of our scholars and community.

While the law mandates that I step down from the board, my heart mandates that I continue to serve Liberty and our community.

I am deeply grateful to board Chairman Greg Thompson for his vision and for inviting me to be a part of it. We need more Greg Thompsons that not only see the problems, but who are willing to pursue solutions. I am equally grateful to every member of this board for your diligence, dedication and commitment to making a difference every single day.

Please continue to govern with integrity, lead with passion and serve with compassion, smiles and plenty of hugs. Above all else, always keep the focus on 'What's best for Liberty scholars?'

As I have often said, I never get tired of serving, and I do not need a title to do so. It is not titles that create change - it is the people. People create change.

Although I did not expect my tenure to end so abruptly, I will forever be grateful for every meeting, every event and every decision I had the privilege to be a part of.

I will always take pride in the hard hat and ceremonial shovel displayed in our office at home - symbols of the day we broke ground on Liberty's new building. I will cherish the new friendships, the memories created and the lives touched thus far.

Liberty's brightest chapters lie ahead.

The best is truly yet to come."