We asked ... Tamika Yeadon

Q: When new schools in the Charleston County School District open next week, students and most of the teachers will get their first look at the furniture you coordinated as the district's construction procurement supervisor. What items are you most pleased with or excited about?

A: I love the classroom seating. The appearance may seem somewhat different from the norm, but this is the result of placing emphasis on the ergonomics of the seating. I believe the result is absolutely phenomenal. This new ergonomic innovation was made to promote a more upright posture and enhance breathing to improve classroom performance. The manufactured seating is significantly more comfortable and flexible for supporting different types of students in different types of learning environments as well as being durable enough to withstand classroom use over a long period of time.

Q: Did being a mom help you pick the schools' furniture?

A: Yes. While teachers, principals, school staff and procurement were planning for the K-12 schools, we wanted to think out of the box and think how a child may approach this new furniture. My son, Malik, offered suggestions concerning being comfortable while listening to a teacher. Speaking as a mom, I wanted the furniture to create a functional, educational experience with spaces primarily focused on quality, safety, durability and flexibility.

Q: How was the furniture selected?

A: Furniture selections were based on the following key points, all of which required a continuing team effort.

--Research: In order to provide the most up-to-date furniture available on the market for our students in grades K-12, we researched various prototypes and grouped them by classroom, office, libraries, band and choral, science and art spaces.

--Customer involvement: We wanted the users -- teachers, principals and school staff -- to get out of their comfort zone and examine other possibilities being offered in this market.

--Smart strategic sourcing: Construction Procurement Services issued a request for information to various manufacturers nationwide and coordinated a furniture fair.

Q: How is this furniture different from what students used when you were in school?

A: Historically, the learning spaces were mainly designed in front-facing straight rows without any flexibility. There was little flexibility for teaching styles and followed a one-size approach for all students. Now, educators are fostering more community and cooperative learning styles for students' achievement.

Q: Do you coordinate furniture purchases for the older schools, too?

A: Yes. The extent of furniture purchase is limited to available funds. I've already started filtering new products to 14 classrooms this summer. More classrooms will be completed throughout the course of the school year.

Q: What is your favorite way to spend time with your son?

A: Playing basketball in the park, football games, riding bikes and walking on The Battery.

Q: What kind of volunteering do you do?

A: I am affiliated with North Charleston Alumnae of Delta Sigma Theta Inc. Some of the initiatives we have taken include the start of reading programs, scholarships and programs for teens. We have assisted with Habitat for Humanity, and helped needy families during the holidays through the Families Helping Families program. We conducted voter registration campaigns, participated in minority HIV/AIDS projects and numerous other health and wellness fairs.

Q: When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A: I dreamed of being an Alvin Ailey dancer traveling across the world.

Kristen Hankla