Elections have consequences. That's why we must elect champions of public education.

Election Information. 

Voting for pro-public education candidates at the local, state, and federal level is one of the most effective ways to stand up for public schools.

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Ways to vote

• Be registered
  • To participate in local municipal elections taking place November 4, 2025, you must registered by Sunday, October 5 to vote.
    • The last day to register in person is Friday, October 3.
    • Mailed applications will be accepted if postmarked by Monday, October 6.
  • Make sure your voter registration is current by checking your registration information at scVOTES.gov.
    • If you have moved from one county to another, you must register in your new county to be eligible to vote.
    • If you’ve moved within your county or changed your name recently, update your information before Election Day to help ensure a smoother voting experience.
• Absentee voting: Learn more about absentee voting here. The deadline to return your application is 5:00 p.m. on the 11th day prior to the election (October 20th). 
• Early, in-person voting: Regarding the Tuesday, November 4, 2025, Municipal Election Day, any voter can vote early at any early voting center in their respective county of residence on Monday, October 20 and ends Friday, October 31 (closed on Saturday and Sunday).
  • Early voting centers are open 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
    • When going to an early voting center in your county, be sure to present your Photo ID. Learn about early voting here.
• Voting in person on Election Day. The General Election will be Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Polls open from 7am until 7pm. Note if you are in line by 7 o'clock, you have the right to vote. Find your polling place!

Know before you vote

Sample Ballot: Click here to access your personal sample ballot.

Photo ID - When voting in person, you will be asked to show one of the following Photo IDs at your polling place:

• SC Driver's License
• SC Department of Motor Vehicles ID Card
• SC Voter Registration Card with Photo
• Federal Military ID
• US Passport
• Click here to learn more about photo ID required at the polling place.

THE SCEA RECOMMENDATION PROCESS

The SCEA Fund for Children & Public Education (The SCEA FCPE) is a Political Action Committee (PAC) established and funded by members of The SCEA to recommend and support public education champions for local, state, and federal office.  No dues dollars enter the PAC and all donations made to the PAC are voluntarily made by members of The SCEA.

The PAC recommendation process is member-driven, and candidates running for The SCEA-PAC-recommended office have the opportunity to seek the recommendation of the The SCEA-PAC.

Candidates seeking the The SCEA-PAC recommendation engage with members in a number of ways, including the completion of a candidate questionnaire, and participating in a question and answer session with members during the The SCEA-PAC screening interviews.

2025 School Board Recommended Candidates

Florence County

District Five: None (Please note that after multiple contacts with the three incumbents who currently serve as a school trustee for this Johnsonville schools district, none chose to participate in the forum nor submit a questionnaire given that there is no opposition in their reelection to serve again on one of the three seats that are up on the upcoming November 4 ballot).

Spartanburg County

District One: Elton Chapman, Trey Gramling, Brad Johnson

District Two: Dr. Connie Banks, Joshua Steadings

District Three: None (Please note that after multiple contacts between the five incumbents who currently serve as a school trustee for this district, none chose to participate in the forum nor submit a questionnaire given that there is no opposition in their reelection to serve again on one of the five at-large seats that are up on the upcoming November 4 ballot). 

District Four: None (Please note that after multiple contacts between the six candidates, including four incumbents who currently serve as a school trustee for this district, none chose to participate in the forum nor submit a questionnaire regarding the five at-large seats that are up on the upcoming November 4 ballot). The Woodruff Times, a local paper in the area, apparently had a forum with the candidates on Thursday, October 16 from 6pm-8pm at Tap Three. 

District Five-Three: Scott Clement, Amy Faulkner, Dr. Caroline Ford

District Six: Christie Brockman Johnson, Christie Lindsey, Tracy Hanna Smith, Troy Yarborough

District Seven-Three: Steve Battocchio 

For more personalized voting information please go to:

Visit SCVotes.Gov or Vote411.org

1. What motivated your desire to run for school board?

I have seen the need for new schools and for updating some of what we have for some time now, and when the referendum came forward, I decided that maybe I could help get it passed through and be able to help get the ball rolling.

2. As a member or a potential member of our school board, what policy or initiatives would you put forward to positively impact students and educators?
Students need to be included in decision making processes that affect their education. Students should be asked to participate in regular feedback surveys that can give them some type ownership over how they experience school and it would help the board understand a little better what they may want and need. Educators need to know that the board has their backs. They should be
able to voice their opinions without the fear of repercussion. They also should participate in feedback surveys so the board will know their needs and wants to help them shape the minds of the students.

3. How would you recommend our district address the issues of recruitment and retention for classified and certified educators?
Funding needs to be prioritized to recruit and retain the best educators. Including competitive salaries and benefits.

4. What steps can you take to ensure that there is transparency between the board, district office, and the community?
We need to simplify complex topics. If we use language that most of the community do not understand, they are more apt to come to their own conclusions that may not be right. We also need to make detailed budget information easy to find by the public. Its needs to be simplified so that the public can see and understand where their tax dollars are going and what it is being used for.

5. What are your thoughts on the removal of books from school libraries at the elementary, middle, and high school level?
I think that it is up to the parent to govern what their own kids should and should not read and/or look at. If we remove them, and the student must have it for a class, they will have to go to the public library to get the same book. The books are not being offered in the elementary schools and are only checked out once every so many months. We need to let the teachers teach and have the parents be parents.

6. How involved do you think a school board should be in determining the
curriculum in our schools?

The school board should not be involved at all. The curriculum should be set by the state. If there is a problem with the curriculum, it needs to be brought to the superintendent for advice. If the superintendent thinks it needs to come before the board, he will bring it. Otherwise, the curriculum is not the job of the board.

7. What do you see as the role of public, private, and charter school education
in our state?

8. How do you plan to strengthen and support public education through your
role on the school board?
By helping update outdated classrooms, cafeterias, and schools. By letting the teachers do the job that they are hired to do and giving them the support and help that they need to accomplish the task.

9. Educators often struggle with excessive paperwork, and unencumbered time
is not being honored — forcing them to complete work at home. How would you address these concerns when educators bring them to your attention?
According to grade level, teachers get different amounts of time to get work done to not have to complete it at home. I would ask the educator why do they have so much paperwork that they can’t get done during their free period or during the time that is allotted to them. Is there a way to cut down on the paperwork.

10. Why should voters choose you over your opponents in this election?
I am a lifelong resident of Spartanburg Co District 1, having lived here for 58 years. I went through the public schools in District 1, my wife also went through District 1 schools as did our son. I have been a part of the community as a police officer, a fireman, a Boy Scout leader, and now as a Fire Commissioner. I have seen the way this school district takes care of their own when it comes to students and staff. I have lots of connections in the district, both at the school level and in the community in general. I feel that I can help Spartanburg County School District 1 because, well, I’M A LIFER.

1. What motivated your desire to run for school board?

I had talked about running for school board for several years. I felt like now is a great time to finally follow through with it. I want to give back to a community that has given so much to my family and myself. 

2. As a member or potential member of our School Board, what policy or initiatives would you put forward to positively impact students and educators?

Recognition of a job well done goes a long way. We should be recognizing our employees as well as our students.

3. How would you recommend our district address the issues of recruitment and retention for classified and certified educators?

Recruitment and retention is key to maintaining high performing schools. We should not create more work for our employees. 

4. What steps can you take to ensure that there is transparency between the board, district office, and community?

I would dive into the job and look for ways to effectively communicate with tax payers about what is happening with the tax dollars.

5. What are your thoughts on the removal of books from school libraries at the elementary, middle, and high school level?

We should protect freedom of speech and try to rewrite history. Books should be grade level appropriate. 

6. How involved do you think a school board should be in determining curriculum in our schools?

There are state standards for the classroom curriculum. 

7. What do you see as the role of public, private, and charter school education in our state?

Schools are here to provide the highest quality education they can to their students. Also they offer extracurricular activities, which are an extension of an educational outreach.

8. How do you plan to strengthen and support public education through your role on the school board?

To make sure the schools and programs are properly funded.

9. Educators often struggle with excessive paperwork, and unencumbered time is not being honored--forcing them to work at home.  How would you address these concerns when educators bring them to your attention?

To make sure if they are required to meet that their time is respected and utilized properly.

10. Why should voters choose you over your opponents in this election?

I'm an educator. I am in my 20th year as a teacher. I have been closely involved in and around education for the last 30 years.

Watch the Spartanburg District Two candidate forum here where all nine candidates were present to speak on these questions and others from the public. 

Dr. Connie Banks official campaign Facebook page

1. What motivated your desire to run for school board?

[Connie Banks] As a recently retired educator with more than 40 years’ experience, my desire in running for District 2 School Board is to give back to the community that so graciously provided an opportunity for me to teach along with educating my two children and grandsons. The educational insight I have as an educators is valuable as we seek to ensure all students graduate college and career ready, while working to ensure the needs of the D2 staff are also acknowledged and addressed. 

2. As a member or a potential member of our school board, what policy or initiatives would you put forward to positively impact students and educators?

The most important policy and initiative on the agenda is for ALL D2 students and staff to feel safe in schools while attending and working. With the recent improvements to facilities, I feel we are moving in the right direction. Recently additional security features were launched in the middle and high schools with plans for other schools on the horizon. Communication, clarity, and transparency should always be evident. Recent state initiatives addresses streaming board meetings and will assist with ensuring all parties are able to be informed and communication is consistent.

3. How would you recommend our district address the issues of recruitment and retention for classified and certified educators?

With a national shortage of classified and certified educators this poses an issue with all school districts. Spartanburg District School Boards have collaborated over the past couple of years to address this concern. Together we worked to create the same pay scale across the county to avoid competition in this area/ Each individual Spartanburg school district strives to recruit and retain employees using various initiatives. Utilizing survey data, administrators and trustees are able to examine the needs of educators and make informed personnel decisions. For example, D1 and D2 created a college and career class through Swofford Career Center to initiate student interest in pursuing an educational degree.  

4. What steps can you take to ensure that there is transparency between the board, district office, and the community?

As a trustee, I feel D2 does an outstanding job in establishing transparency between the board, district office and the community.  As a board, we are unable to divulge certain communication due to of privacy and legal constraints when discussing students. Each month board minutes are posted on the district website in addition to the board agenda. Board meetings are open to the public, additionally, procedures are in place for individuals wishing to address the board during a meeting. In the upcoming months, school boards will be transitioning with streaming live for those who are unable to attend. D2 Public Relations Director works regularly to make posts on social media accounts as well as ensure all schools have websites up to date that share information pertinent to their schools and events.

5. What are your thoughts on the removal of books from school libraries at the elementary, middle, and high school level?

As a Christian parent and educator, I do have issues with mature content embedded in some of the literature for children. However, as a parent, I also believe it is my responsibility to oversee and guide my children and grandchildren in their reading selections. This is my personal perspective is when addressing APPs and other technical programs being utilized. Parents are a child’s first and most important teacher in life and they should not be excluded when determining content appropriateness.

6. How involved do you think a school board should be in determining the curriculum in our schools?

As a trustee, it is important that we support the curriculum selection for our schools. It should be researched and fully vetted by the superintendent, curriculum department, and educators. Curriculum is brought to the districts from the SC Department of Education after moving through a series of evaluations. In D2 many educators are also parents. It is my hope that as educators they will also use their parental lens while evaluating the curriculum too. After all, districts hired them for their educational knowledge as well as the standards implemented at the state level. 

7. What do you see as the role of public, private, and charter school education in our state? 

Each of these educational entities centers on providing the BEST education for students. As a parent and educator, I think you have to know the needs of your child and which entity is best suited to meet their needs. My personal choice is public education. I am a graduate of public schools as well as all of my family. Over the last decade, there has been a paradigm shift in regard to educational opportunities with debates from all angles. The bottom line is,  I want the best education for all students; they are the future!

8. How do you plan to strengthen and support public education through your role on the school board?

These are the goals for my next term if I am re-elected:

1. Strive to be a better Trustee and leader each day-John Maxwell states- Everything rises and falls on leadership.”
2. Work to strengthen collaboration and transparency within the D2 organization- “A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step”-Laozi
3. See the future, paint the picture as we engage and develop others to build upon the D2 Team performance
4. Educators often struggle with excessive paperwork, and unencumbered time is not being honored — forcing them to complete work at home. How would you address these concerns when educators bring them to your attention?

As retired educator, “I have been in this situation” and continue to advocate for educators on this issue. Educators do not enter the field of education to become millionaires but because they desire to make a difference in the lives of the student who will be our future. I think streamlining paperwork would be outstanding but many times that depends on the teacher’s expectations as well as guidelines from the SC SDE and district administration. Many times, legislators create laws and provisos that impact paperwork without fully taking into account the implementation requirements or impact their decision will have on constituents of certain populations. For example, unencumbered time is wonderful and what educator would not love the opportunity to use the restroom and grab a cup of coffee? However, students are not to be left unattended and determining supervision can often create a domino of additional gaps in other areas. Many might suggest, have an administrator to cover the class. So many might suggest, have an administrator to cover the class. If they are covering a class, when do they complete their administrative duties such as teacher evaluations, IEP/504 meetings, discipline issues, conference with a parent, attend curriculum meetings and PLCs, Fire drills, intruder drills, earthquake drills and what about expected emergencies? In all of this, I am saying it looks great on paper and I truly understand the concern, but as far as unencumbered time goes, please consider being cognizant of an educator’s time and allow them to depart school in a timely manner as well as utilize their daily planning period to accomplish routine tasks associated with running their classroom. This would afford them an opportunity to take care of and spend time with their families. Clearly, I do not see a defined solution but I am willing to collaborate administration to create a schedule to meet the standards imposed.

10. Why should voters choose you over your opponents in this election?

I am the real deal. I come to the table with a sensible mindset to view the entire picture and acknowledge there is no one size fits all solution to any issue. I believe issues and concerns must be discussed openly and honestly and decisions should be made and reflect what is in the best interest of all, students, staff and parents alike.

As an educational retiree, my future is best echoed through the following statement: 

“You can retire from a job but NOT your calling.”- Mark Miller

David Cantrell Facebook page.

1. What motivated your desire to run for school board? 

[David Cantrell] I have thought about running for the board for a few years. I just never had the time to dedicate to it like I think it needs. Spartanburg District 2 has been a large part of my life. Several generations of my family, including myself, have lived in and been educated by this school district. It has been a place that helped grow me and provide numerous opportunities to my own two sons.

2. As a member or potential member of the school board, what policy or initiatives would you put forward to positively impact students and educators? My first priority is to gain a deeper understanding of the safety measures our district has in place to protect students and staff. I am committed to strengthening security strategies and ensuring that the well-being of our school community remains a top priority. I will work hard to uphold the high academic standards and expectations that define our district. Together, we must continue striving to be the leading district in the state, not only in academics, but also in athletics, community involvement, and safety. 

3. How would you recommend our district address the issues of recruitment and retention for classified and certified educators?

We should explore opportunities to provide incentives and performance-based bonuses for teachers who meet established goals of things such as good attendance, average student grades, and positive student/parent surveys. We need to work with and mentor our students that want to become educators and encourage them to return to our district. Teachers need to be consistently recognized for their hard work and dedication. As a district, we could work together to get better at providing a budget that supports providing needed classroom supplies and instruction material. We need to work on reducing class sizes. We have incredible teachers, and we need to keep them!

4. What steps can you take to ensure that there is transparency between the board, district office, and the community?

Communication is the key to any good partnership or relationship. I feel like communication should be ongoing and consistent between all stakeholders for the district. I would be open to people sharing their concerns with me via email, phone call, or in person. I would take concerns that are expressed to the board and superintendent so that they can be addressed and feedback quickly given. Encouraging our community members to attend board meetings so that they can hear firsthand what is being discussed.

5. What are your thoughts on the removal of books from the school libraries at the elementary, middle, and high school level?

Although I understand the freedom of speech and the importance of choice, I am a conservative person. I understand that young minds are in a stage of fundamental learning. Literature in question should be viewed by a panel and decisions made based on what is best for the children.

6. How involved do you think a school board should be in determining the curriculum in our schools?

We have very strong school leaders and teachers. The school board should have an opportunity to view the curriculum being used in our schools after educators have made decisions and evaluated the curriculum, choosing which they view is best as well.

7. What do you see as the role of public, private, and charter schools education in our state? 

I believe any school, whether it be public, private, or charter should be held to the same academic standards. Any of these entities that are using or accepting state/federal funds should be held to the same accountability standards with benchmark testing and standardized testing. Schools that are receiving funding should provide student transportation and be on the same pay scale as public schools. Denying certain students access is discriminatory if schools receiving government funding are not accepting all children that apply.

8. How do you plan to strengthen and support public education through your role on the school board?

I plan to work closely with the school board members, network across the state, and collaborate with the superintendent. I am a firm believer that when we gather as much information as we can, as a team, we can make good decisions that will strengthen our school district and promote better opportunities for our students.

9. Educators often struggle with excessive paperwork, and unencumbered time is not being honored, forcing them to complete work at home. How would you address these concerns with educators bringing them to your attention?

I first would want to understand what type of paperwork they must complete and what their schedules are. Teachers should be allowed time away from the classroom throughout the day for grading assignments and completing other required paperwork. I would want the educators opinion on ways to reduce their paperwork load and could present potential process changes to the board. I think this would also be a good opportunity to utilize students that are wanting to become teachers. They could assist teachers with certain tasks giving the teacher relief while also giving the student insight into the role of an educator. 

10. Why should voters choose you over your opponents in this election? 

I graduated from Boiling Springs high school in 1987, and both of my sons attended schools in District 2. I have been deeply involved at Chesnee High School over the years, contributing my time across multiple athletic programs. My involvement comes from a genuine desire to support students and to give back in appreciation for all this district has done for my family. I consider myself open-minded, practical, and committed to hard work. I am dedicated to serving our students and staff so that we remain a district recognized for academic excellence and continue to be the place where parents want their children to learn and grow.

1. What motivated your desire to run for school board? 

[Michael Steve Hammett] The Principal at BS Middle asked me to serve on the parental /Superintendent panel when my granddaughter was in 7th and 8th grade. I did and I gained a lot of insight as to what district 2 has accomplished in the last 3 years. Also, county councilman Jack Mabry called me out of the blue and suggested I run for the school board because my business background could offer a lot of insight as to the growth in District 2. 

2. As a member or a potential member of our school board, what policy or initiatives would you put forward to positively impact students and educators? 

We need to teach Life Skills courses. Bring back prayer time. Teach how to say and why to say 6 words Yes Mam, No Man, Yes Sir No Sir and please and thank you. Also, RESPECT 

R- Respect yourself and all others you encounter 

E- Education (teachers you chose this field make it fruitful, helpful, and give the students something to remember you by. 

S-Stability Be the safe harbor in a storm 

P- Parents involvement in their children 

C- Child Care for teachers and administration 

T-Team work we are ALL in this together 

3. How would you recommend our district address the issues of recruitment and retention for classified and certified educators?

Ask the educators what motivated them to teach and what factors they are looking for in staying in the classroom to continue teaching. Money /time off/ childcare/ bonus. 

4. What steps can you take to ensure that there is transparency between the board. District office, and the community? Have a simple (not to detailed so they can understand) newsletter sent out to every home to keep them updated as to the progress in education, statistics and growth of our schools. Where we stand as to other Districts in the area. 

5. What are your thoughts on the removal of books from school libraries at the elementary, middle and high schools? All books should be of Student higher learning, education for all levels of life and of good quality substance in teaching life skills. 

6. How involved do you think a school board should be in determining the curriculum in our schools? I think the board should be aware of the curriculum that is presented by the school administrators and the staff that is educated in this field and educated before a vote is taken. 

7. What do you see as the role of public, private, and charter school education in our state? 

All of them should come under the State Education guidelines. I think everyone in the state should pay taxes for the schools and those choosing to send their child to private or charter school should pay their child's school expenses on their own. 

8. How do you plan to strengthen and support public education through your role on the school board? Always listen and hear the educators' thoughts, hold them accountable for the efforts in the classroom. ALWAYS try to get their pay scale higher. They are teaching our most valuable assets OUR CHILDREN. 

9. Educators often struggle with excessive paperwork, and unencumbered time is not being honored-forcing them to complete work at home. How would address these concerns when educators bring them to your attention? I would want to know what value the paperwork accomplishes. If it is needed, then paid time at school should be made available for this task. 

10. Why should voters choose you over your opponents in this election? I have had 6 children and 9 grandchildren in public schools. I was born in Spartanburg and lived here all my life. I gained a lot of knowledge from the Superintendents meeting for 2 years. I was in business for myself from 1977 to 2008 (31 years). I have a lot of knowledge of construction and development. I think our county council should be in contact with the school board of any district they are going to allow permits to be given prior to approval of all subdivisions. This will help the districts to know how to plan. I can help to lead the way for this to take place to keep our schools safe and our roads up to date for the increase in vehicles. I have served on 3 Church Board of Deacons, also the President of the Spartanburg Board of Realtors. I look forward being involved with District 2 School. 

Joshua C. Steadings official campaign Facebook page

1. What motivated your desire to run for the school board?
[Joshua Steadings] I’m running because I’ve spent my career inside the classroom as an educator, and I’ve seen firsthand what helps kids learn and what gets in the way. I love this community — my family and I are invested here, and I want to keep serving students, teachers, and families. I want to bring a teacher’s perspective to the board so decisions are made with classroom realities in mind and
every choice truly puts the students' best interests first.

2. As a member or a potential member of our school board, what policy or initiatives would you put forward to positively impact students and educators?
a. Strengthen mental-health supports and school counseling so every student has someone to turn to.
b. Expand career and technical pathways alongside rigorous academics so students graduate ready for work or college.
c. Improve student grade-level literacy by supporting early intervention programs, targeted
reading support, and professional development for teachers in literacy instruction.
d. Prioritize classroom resources in the budget — technology, up-to-date materials, and
smaller class sizes where possible.

3. How would you recommend our district address the issues of recruitment and retention for classified and certified educators?
a. Market the district's strengths. Develop a strong employer brand that emphasizes a new, supportive culture and commitment to professional growth. Highlight success stories and testimonials from current staff.

b. Strengthen recruitment partnerships. Partner with local colleges, universities, and
technical schools to create a pipeline of qualified candidates. This is especially important in a county where recruiting from neighboring districts is limited.
c. Conduct listening sessions and exit interviews. Gather honest feedback from current and former employees. Use surveys, town halls, and exit interviews to understand the specific issues and concerns that are driving staff away. This demonstrates a commitment to
improving working conditions.
d. Prioritize teacher and staff voice. Empower educators by involving them in school and district-level decision-making processes. Giving staff a voice is an effective way to restore trust.
e. Reduce administrative burden. Eliminate or streamline unnecessary paperwork and "busywork" to allow educators to focus on their core responsibilities of teaching and student support.

4. What steps can you take to ensure that there is transparency between the board, district office, and the community?
a. Make meeting agendas, minutes, and easy-to-read budget summaries available online (and highlight action items).

b. Require clear timelines for board decisions and regular progress reports from the superintendent and relevant administrators. (District 2 already posts agendas and meeting info — I’ll work to make the content easier to digest and more accessible.)
c. Encourage parents and guardians to be as involved with their children’s school(s) as
possible. Challenge the community to become more involved in their PTO’s.
 

5. What are your thoughts on the removal of books from school libraries at the elementary, middle, and high school level?
Libraries should reflect intellectual freedom, community standards, and age-appropriateness. I support a clear, fair, and transparent review process: if a parent objects to a book, the item is reviewed by a committee (including librarians, teachers, administrators, and a community representative) using established criteria — not removed on impulse.

6. How involved do you think a school board should be in determining the curriculum in our schools?
The board sets broad policy and goals (e.g., standards, graduation requirements, priorities) and ensures legal/compliance oversight. Curriculum decisions — day-to-day materials and instructional methods — are best handled by educators, curriculum specialists, and the superintendent who have classroom expertise. The board’s role is to ask the right questions, set expectations, approve major adoptions, and hold the system accountable for results.
7. What do you see as the role of public, private, and charter school education in our state?
All three have roles to play. Public schools must remain the backbone — equitable, accessible, and accountable to the whole community. Private and charter schools offer choice and innovation; where they succeed, public schools should learn and adopt best practices. My view: support a strong public system while encouraging collaboration across sectors so all students in South Carolina benefit.
8. How do you plan to strengthen and support public education through your role on the school board?
a. Advocate for resources targeted to classroom impact.
b. Back policies that reduce teacher burnout (planning time, reduced paperwork).
c. Promote community partnerships with local businesses and colleges for internships and dual-credit opportunities.
d. Insist on data-driven accountability — celebrate successes and fix problems quickly. In
short: I’ll be a practical, classroom-centered voice who translates teacher needs into board
action.

9. Educators often struggle with excessive paperwork, and unencumbered time is not being honored — forcing them to complete work at home. How would you address these concerns when educators bring them to your attention?
Listen first — then act. I’d ask administration for a clear audit of non-instructional duties taking teachers off task, set a district target to reduce after-hours work (measured by teacher surveys), and back investments in instructional coaches or clerical support to shift paperwork away from teachers. Explore creative scheduling options that maximize planning and collaboration time. This could involve combining classes for specific activities, like assemblies or arts integration, to free up grade-level teachers. If necessary, I’d push for policy limiting required after-hours tasks and ensure required professional development includes protected in-school time.

10. Why should voters choose you over your opponents in this election?
Because I’m not just running — I’ve lived it. As an 8th-grade teacher in our state, I bring real classroom experience, practical solutions, and a track record of working with students and families. I’m outgoing, community-focused, and ready to roll up my sleeves. I’ll bring
transparency, fiscal common sense, and student-centered decision-making to the board. Voters can expect a steady, student-first voice who knows what works in the classroom and will fight for it at the board table.

Watch the Spartanburg County District Five School Board forum here. 

1. What motivated your desire to run for school board?

   [Kevin Goode; the lone candidate for District 5-2] In December of 2021, I was appointed to serve on the Spartanburg County School District 5 school board. This truly is a privilege and a great opportunity to serve our students and teachers, to listen to our community and include their voices as feedback to influence our local education policies. As a lifelong member of this community and a product of School District 5, I am proud of what we as a school district have accomplished in the past four years. We have proactively managed our growth, built new state of the art schools, while not increasing taxes. I will continue to put the needs of our students and teachers first.

2. As a member or a potential member of our school board, what policy or initiatives would you put forward to positively impact students and educators? In Spartanburg County School District 5, we pride ourselves and take to heart our motto of every child, every day. With all policies and initiatives, I consider what is best for our students and teachers. We must make sure that all of our policies and initiatives meet the educational and emotional needs of our students, as well as ensuring their safety in our schools. We must make sure our teachers and administrators have the resources to educate and inspire our students. We must be open minded to review our policies and make all necessary corrections while following all state and federal requirements.
3. How would you recommend our district address the issues of recruitment and retention for classified and certified educators? We must make sure that we promote and encourage a balanced work life by paying close attention to classroom sizes. We must listen to our administrators as we discuss school enrollment and make sure we are ready to address our building and classroom needs of the future. Classroom size is important to the success of our teachers and students. We as a school board must continue to recognize achievements, involve teachers in decision making and provide them opportunities to be heard. Furthermore, to continue our mentoring programs for new teachers and make sure they have the tools to be successful. In addition, we must continue to increase teacher and staff pay when given the opportunity.What steps can you take to ensure that there is transparency between the board, district office, and the community?
4. What steps can you take to ensure that there is transparency between the board, district office, and the community? We must continue to encourage parents, students, and individuals within our communities to stay informed and involved with the educational needs of our students. I will continue to be involved in our community and listen to the questions and concerns and provide them with the best possible answer. If I am not able to answer their question, I direct them to an individual who can and follow up with them to make sure their question has been answered. Not only will I continue to encourage our community to be involved in our school board meetings, but I will stress to them the importance of getting involved in their specific school’s parent teacher program. The more we have the community involved in our schools and school board, the more information we share, the better our schools and school board will be.
5. What are your thoughts on the removal of books from school libraries at the elementary, middle, and high school level? School District 5 has implemented a policy that gives guidance and control to upcoming book fairs to the principal and librarian of each school. We also have a policy that outlines the appeals process if a parent chooses to challenge a book that is found in our schools.
6. How involved do you think a school board should be in determining the curriculum in our schools? It is important for all school boards members to listen and share the feedback they receive from our parents, students, and members of each community with other members of the school board and our administrators. The more information we receive and can share will always aid improving curriculum while following the guidelines given to us by the state and federal governments.
7. What do you see as the role of public, private, and charter school education in our state? The role of public schools is to provide quality education, promote opportunities, and develop our students to excel in their future career goals. We must make sure that we are preparing our students to be productive citizens, parents, future leaders within our community, and economic success.
8. How do you plan to strengthen and support public education through your role on the school board? The way that we can strengthen Spartanburg County School District 5 is to continue developing and approving policies and curriculum to support our students and teachers and influence a positive learning environment. Develop and support a budget that provides the necessary resources for our teachers, provides educational materials, supports our students, and holds our superintendent accountable to make sure the concerns and the needs of our community are addressed. We must continue to monitor all aspects of our growth and development, not only in the classroom, but to make sure we are addressing all long term goals. By doing so, we will be ready to address the needs of our community today, to tomorrow, and in the future.
9. Educators often struggle with excessive paperwork, and unencumbered time is not being honored — forcing them to complete work at home. How would you address these concerns when educators bring them to your attention? We must make sure that we not only focus on the needs of our students and community, but also the needs of our teachers who are so valuable. We must continue to provide open channels for teachers and staff members to voice their concerns and provide feedback. We can empower our teachers by involving them in the decision-making process. We must acknowledge their concerns and continue to advocate for their needs at our local and state levels.

10. Why should voters choose you over your opponents in this election? I personally take the duties and responsibilities of serving on the school board as an honor. Each time we meet, we have a duty and responsibility to set and/or review our school district policies and goals. We are the voice of our neighbors, and we must make sure that we are meeting the needs of ALL of our students, teachers, and staff. The school board cannot act alone, and we are only as strong as our involvement within our community. I will continue to listen to and engage our parents, students, teachers, and members of our community. By doing so, I will have a better understanding of their concerns and represent their voice.

    As many of you are aware, I am a lifelong resident of Lyman and Spartanburg County School District 5. My wife, Lorie Goode, is the Art Teacher at River Ridge Elementary and was selected as the District 5 Schools Teacher of the Year for 2024-2025. In addition, both Lorie and I are proud graduates of James F. Byrnes High School as well as both of our sons, who have both attended District 5 since kindergarten. Our oldest son, Hayden, ran cross country and track for Byrnes, while Grant was a member of the Rebel Regiment. Lorie and I are both members of Popular Springs Baptist Church, while our sons are members at Lifesong Church. Our oldest son Hayden has been an active leader in their youth group. My mother, Cherly Goode, was a kindergarten teacher assistant at both the original Lyman Elementary and River Ridge Elementary School.

    Prior to serving on the school board, I have always been an active member of our community. I have served as coach for different youth teams, served as President of The Rebel Touchdown Club, and served as a leader within Boy Scout Troop 24. During my time with Pack/ Troop 24 I served as a Pack Leader, Webelo Leader, and as Scout Master for Troop 24. As scout master, twelve young men earned the Rank of Eagle Scout. On Friday nights during football season, I am on the sidelines assisting with the ballboys and have been serving in this role for the past twelve seasons.

    Community service is important to me and my family. I was taught by my parents to not only live in a community, but to be a part of it. Serving on the school board is an honor and is an opportunity for me to give back to a community and school district that has been wonderful to me and my family.

Amy Faulkner official campaign Facebook page

1. What motivated your desire to run for school board? [Amy Faulkner District 5-3 candidate] As a retired district employee and mom of three children who are products of District Five Schools, I have experienced firsthand the impact that strong schools have on our community. I’m running for school board trustee because I am committed to ensuring that every child has access to a high-quality education
   and can reach his or her full potential.
   2. As a member or a potential member of our school board, what policy or initiatives would you put forward to positively impact students and educators? Policies that support employee retention and expand academic, athletic, and artistic opportunities for students.
   3. How would you recommend our district address the issues of recruitment and retention for classified and certified educators? Recruitment and retention of classified and certified educators is a challenge for many states and districts. I would recommend that the district continue to foster a culture where people feel valued through compensation, professional opportunities, and giving educators a voice.
   4. What steps can you take to ensure that there is transparency between the board, district office, and the community? My role as a member of the board of trustees will be to listen, ask questions, and help to ensure that information is clear to all stakeholders.
   5. What are your thoughts on the removal of books from school libraries at the elementary, middle, and high school level? Books in schools should challenge, inspire, engage and entertain students. Books should also be reviewed carefully to ensure that the content is age appropriate.
   6. How involved do you think a school board should be in determining the curriculum in our schools? The board sets policy and ensures accountability, but school administration and teachers are the instructional leaders.
   7. What do you see as the role of public, private, and charter school education in our state? My three children have thrived in public schools, and I believe families should choose a learning environment that best fits the needs of their children. My role as a board member will be to ensure our schools are excellent so that families feel confident in the opportunities we have in District Five.
   8. How do you plan to strengthen and support public education through your role on the school board? I will serve the district by working respectfully with fellow board members, making informed student-centered decisions, setting policies, supporting leadership, acting with integrity, promoting transparency, and ensuring our schools provide the best possible environment for every child.
   9. Educators often struggle with excessive paperwork, and unencumbered time is not being honored — forcing them to complete work at home. How would you address these concerns when educators bring them to your attention? I would bring concerns to the board so that we can find solutions together.
   10. Why should voters choose you over your opponents in this election? I can see education from many sides, as an educator, parent, and community member. I will use that balanced perspective to make informed, student-centered decisions.

Dr. Caroline Ford official campaign website and Facebook page.

1. What motivated your desire to run for school board? [Caroline Ford District 5-3 candidate] My decision to run for the school board was driven by my desire to ensure the highest quality education for every child in District Five, including my own. As a District Five parent for the past 10 school years, with a 3rd grader at Berry Shoals Elementary, a Sophomore at UNC Asheville, and an educator with over 20 years of experience, I offer a unique perspective that combines classroom knowledge, policy expertise, and real-life
   parenting experience. This unique blend of perspectives equips me to make informed decisions that will benefit our district's students.

   With new challenges like ACT 114 and mandatory 3rd-grade retention, it's more important than ever that our schools focus on the science of learning, early phonics development, and strong tiered instructional support. No student should face retention because we didn't provide the right tools. I'm also deeply committed to ensuring every graduate is prepared for college, career, or military service. This will be achieved by building both academic and soft skills, providing comprehensive career counseling, and fostering partnerships with local businesses.

   District Five is growing rapidly, and I fully support the new $200 million bond referendum. This referendum, if passed, will be used to build new schools, upgrade existing facilities, and invest in technology and resources to ensure our facilities match our enrollment needs. But just as importantly, we must focus on recruiting and retaining the high quality teachers, support staff, and classified employees who are the heart of our schools.

   At the heart of my campaign is a deep commitment to equity. Every student, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserves the resources and opportunities to succeed. I am running because I am convinced that we can continue to raise academic achievement, strengthen community partnerships, expand work-based learning opportunities, and ensure equitable funding across all program’s; academics, athletics, CTE, fine and performing arts, special education, multilingual learners, and gifted and talented. I am ready to advocate for every student in our district.

2. As a member or a potential member of our school board, what policy or initiatives would you put forward to positively impact students and educators?
I have two top priorities that I believe would have a meaningful impact on both students and educators. First, I want to strengthen how we use the tools we already have like iReady to their fullest potential to support every student. iReady is already in place across District Five, but we can do more to harness its full power so that every educator truly knows each student by name and need. When data is used consistently and effectively, it allows us to identify strengths, target weaknesses, and ensure that academic conversations across schools are grounded in the same high-quality information. That kind of intentional use of data creates accountability and gives teachers the tools they need to tailor instruction and help each student succeed.

Second, we must protect teachers' professional time. Although the state mandates 30 minutes of unencumbered time, we must take further steps to ensure equitable planning time and duty rotations across grade levels and schools. A clear district policy that ensures fairness and consistency in planning time and duty rotations would give educators the professional regard they deserve, while also directly benefiting students through stronger, more intentional instruction.
3. How would you recommend our district address the issues of recruitment and retention for classified and certified educators?
Recruitment and retention extend beyond mere paychecks. It's about the value we place on every employee in District Five, from the high school teacher to the elementary school custodian. In our recruitment efforts, we must be deliberate in building and sustaining a robust teacher pipeline. Programs like USC Upstate's Grow Your Own, USC Upstate's Reach Up, North Greenville University's ParaPro to Teacher program, and Clemson's Grow Your Own do just that. I also advocate for forging strong community partnerships with One Spartanburg and Spartanburg Re:Degree to broaden opportunities for our classified staff. These collaborations not only assist career changers in completing their degrees but also encourage our own graduates to return to District Five, thereby creating a sustainable pipeline of teachers who are deeply invested in and committed to our community.

On the retention side, my priority is making sure our educators feel valued and respected as professionals. That starts with equity—ensuring fair planning time and duty schedules across all schools, in addition to the state-mandated 30 minutes of unencumbered time. Beyond that, I believe the district should invest in teachers' long-term growth by partnering with colleges and universities to offer advanced teaching degree programs, supporting leadership development, and creating more in-district opportunities for career advancement. When employees feel respected, supported, and given opportunities to grow, they stay.
4. What steps can you take to ensure that there is transparency between the board, district office, and the community?
Transparency between the board, the district office, and the community is critical. The new Freedom of Information Act, which requires implementation by January 2026, will be an essential step forward in creating accountability and openness. I also really value the “Five in Focus” videos with Dr. Gary and believe expanding initiatives like this will help boost communication about what is happening in our district. On a personal level, I will continue to be approachable and accessible to our teachers, families, and community members. Both my school board email and my campaign email ([email protected]) will always be open, and I want everyone to know we are all on the D5 team, working together to make our schools the very best for all of our students. Your input and involvement are crucial to our success.
5. What are your thoughts on the removal of books from school libraries at the elementary, middle, and high school level?
Books open doors for students, and our school libraries play a critical role in fostering both a love of reading and academic growth. I firmly believe that our school librarians and educators are the most qualified professionals to curate collections that are age-appropriate, academically aligned, and reflective of our district’s values. At the same time, I respect that families may have concerns about specific materials, and I will work to ensure that District 5 follows the formal review process established by the state of South Carolina. My commitment is to keep students at the center of this conversation, trust the expertise of our educators, and foster strong partnerships with parents and the community as we work together to support literacy and learning.

6. How involved do you think a school board should be in determining the curriculum in our schools?
When we talk about curriculum, it’s crucial to distinguish between two areas. First, we have state-approved learning standards and the aligned instructional materials, such as textbooks. In this process, the state sets the standards, and approves aligned resources after a rigorous evaluation process. Then, districts through panels of teachers and instructional coaches review and select the materials that best fit local needs, with the board overseeing this process to ensure it aligns with the state standards and local needs. The second area involves curriculum or instructional models and strategies that districts adopt to enhanced learning, such as AVID or Project Lead the Way. These programs should always be evidence-based, data-driven, and chosen because they meet a real need for our students. In this case, the role of the board is not to micromanage instruction but to ensure that any adoption is fiscally responsible, grounded in sound research, and aligned with student needs. The board plays a crucial role in ensuring accountability, making sure that the decisions made are in the best interest of the students.
7. What do you see as the role of public, private, and charter school education in our state?
I support a parent’s right to determine the most suitable learning environment for their child, be it a traditional public school, a private school, or a charter school. Every family should have the autonomy to select the option that aligns best with their student’s needs. However, my apprehension stems from the disparities in accountability, transparency, and expectations for high-quality instruction across these diverse settings. Consider this: traditional public schools and charters are bound by standardized testing requirements, a measure of their accountability, while private schools are not. In terms of instructional quality, charter schools can employ up to 25% of their staff without certification, and a new state pilot under Act 30 allows traditional schools to hire uncertified teachers for up to 10% of their staff. Yet, private schools operate without the same oversight. Even in terms of transparency, public and charter schools are required to hold open board meetings, but private schools are exempt from this requirement. My belief is simple: if public taxpayer dollars are being used to support any school, then that institution should be held to the same standards of accountability, transparency, and instructional quality. This is not just about fairness, but about ensuring that every student, regardless of their school type, receives the best possible education. By implementing uniform standards, we can ensure responsible use of funds and pave the way for the best possible outcomes for all students in South Carolina.
8. How do you plan to strengthen and support public education through your role on the school board?
Strengthening and supporting public education starts with keeping students at the center of every decision. As a board member, I would work to ensure that every child graduates prepared for college, career, or military service. This commitment is reflected in my priorities on strong literacy foundations, effective use of data to know every student by name and need, and programs that build both academic and life skills. Supporting public education also means supporting our teachers and staff. That includes protecting professional planning time, ensuring equitable schedules across schools, and creating partnerships with local universities to strengthen recruitment and retention. Finally, advocacy is critical. Whether it’s securing resources through responsible fiscal planning, supporting facility growth for our expanding population, or representing District Five at the state and national level, I will always champion public education as the foundation of opportunity for our students and community.
9. Educators often struggle with excessive paperwork, and unencumbered time is not being honored — forcing them to complete work at home. How would you address these concerns when educators bring them to your attention?
This is a critical issue because it connects directly to teacher retention and recruitment. If teachers don’t feel valued as the professionals, we hired them to be, they will leave and we can’t afford to lose great educators. My goal would be to advocate for a clear, district-wide policy that ensures equitable planning time for all teachers, from 4K through 12th grade, regardless of the subject they teach. This includes not only honoring the state-mandated 30 minutes of unencumbered time but also making sure that planning and duty schedules are equitable across schools. If a teacher brought this concern directly to me, I would take it seriously and work with [District Five Superintendent] Dr. Gary to clarify the situation and seek a remedy at the school level. Teachers should know that their time is respected and protected, and that they have advocates on the board who are listening and responding.
10. Why should voters choose you over your opponents in this election? Voters should choose me because I bring over 20 years of experience in public education as a teacher, principal, and district leader, along with the perspective of a parent who has raised children in District Five. This combination gives me both the professional expertise to understand complex issues like finance, policy, and curriculum, and the personal investment to ensure every decision puts students first. I am deeply committed to being a strong advocate for our district—focusing on literacy, career and college readiness, teacher recruitment and retention, and building strong community partnerships. Most importantly, I will always work to make sure our students, teachers, and families have the tools and support they need to succeed.

1. What motivated your desire to run for school board? [Dr. Millie Malone, DDS District 5-3 candidate] I am running for Spartanburg District 5 School Board for many reasons. I have two children that attend District 5 schools, and I want them and their classmates to have the best education possible. Also, I want to help the District plan and be forward thinking about the growth in our area and how we will accommodate new students moving here over the next decade. I also own a small business in Duncan and want to see our community thrive and support public education.
2. As a member or potential member of our School Board, what policy or initiatives would you put forward to positively impact students and educators? I have served on the Board of Trustees for the last 4 years. We have implemented many policies throughout my time that have bettered the District as a whole. When I began, I wanted a cell phone policy in place as the devices were a large distraction for students. This is now a reality, and our students can focus on education and not distractions from their phones. We have also raised salaries multiple times in my term, and have offered our staff a more flexible use of PTO. We have passed policies for the protection and safety of our students as well, such as having weapons detectors in every school.
3. How would you recommend our district address the issues of recruitment and retention for classified and certified educators?
Since I have been on the board, we have implemented a recruitment incentive for induction teachers with a bonus of $500 at the beginning of the year. This helps them have the resources to set up their classroom and buy any supplies they may need to get started. Also, each year our District holds a teacher recruitment fair that continues to grow and provide many new job opportunities.

As far as retention, we want District 5 to feel like family. We try to treat our teachers well, pay them well, and make it a place they want to stay. I do think our District 5 Family does a great job of this! See below for a few other incentives we provide:
● Cooperating teachers hosting student teachers receive a $500 stipend.
● We invest in mentoring and support networks for early-career teachers to build confidence and reduce attrition.
● Mentor teachers receive a $250 per semester stipend.
● Paid parental leave is provided (6 weeks/2 weeks of paid leave).
● Attendance incentives are available, with teachers paid at the
non-certified substitute rate for days worked beyond 90.
● Gym membership reimbursement is available to promote staff wellness.
● Professional development is prioritized, with leadership opportunities and pathways to growth for both classified and certified staff. We participate in a cohort with Converse for leadership degrees.
● District staff have access to the Upstate Masters Program for advanced degree opportunities.

4. What steps can you take to ensure that there is transparency between the board, district office, and community?
Our District does a great job with transparency! Every Friday the school board receives an email from the Superintendent with updates from the week. This keeps us in the know of everything going on around the district. Spartanburg 5 also produces a video called "Five in Focus", that is sent out to the entire community with happenings going on around the district. This is done at least each quarter. We also publish our annual budget online for the public. Coming later in the year, we will also be live streaming board meetings--you cannot get more transparent than that!
5. What are your thoughts on the removal of books from school libraries at the
elementary, middle, and high school level?
I think it is important to have age-level, school appropriate, books in each of the schools. I worked with the board and administration to adopt a policy (KEC and AR-KEC-R) for this in my current term.

6. How involved do you think a school board should be in determining curriculum in our schools?
The state of South Carolina dictates our curriculum. Our board has a curriculum committee that works with our administration to implement new curriculum guidelines from the state.
7. What do you see as the role of public, private, and charter school education in our state?
I believe there is a need for all options in our state, to give citizens a choice in education for their child. However, as a board member for District 5, my concern is how to make public school education excellent.
8. How do you plan to strengthen and support public education through your role on the school board?
Spartanburg District 5 as a whole, works hard to give our children the best education with top-notch educators. In order to do this, we want to ensure our decisions prioritize students' learning and safety. Also, that we are fiscally responsible with our budget and spending. We need to support and empower educators with competitive salary, PD and safe school environments. But we also need to build great community partnerships. For example, we are partnering with SEW Eurodrive to build a new Middle Tyger Community Center which will have a huge impact on our youngest students and teachers with young children in the district.
9. Educators often struggle with excessive paperwork, and unencumbered time is not being honored--forcing them to work at home. How would you address these concerns when educators bring them to your attention?
If this is the case, and unencumbered time is not being honored, I would point them to Policy GCLE. I would then encourage them to take the policy and speak with their principal. The principal is in control of regulating and scheduling this time. If this does not work, then I would have the educator reach out to the appropriate district office staff while copying the principal on the email.
10. Why should voters choose you over your opponents in this election? Even though this is an elected position, I look at it as a volunteer who is giving back to her community. The role of the school board is to work together as a team to make Spartanburg District 5 the best district in the state! It is about fighting for what is best for our students and teachers. Every Child, Every Day...So I encourage voters to choose the candidate that best aligns with you and your values, and who you think will make the best impact for our children.

1. What motivated your desire to run for school board? 

[Alex Perez District 5-3 candidate] The simple answer is education. Education changed my family’s life, and if I can impact even one child by serving on the district five school board, I will have done my part.

My desire to run also comes from a servant spirit and a heart for service. With three children of my own, along with nieces, family friends, and students I have coached who are all part of the District Five family, I feel a deep responsibility to be a voice for them and for all their classmates.

My family and I are proud to call District Five our home, and I am committed to supporting the district through today’s growth and tomorrow’s innovation. 

2. As a member or a potential member of our school board, what policy or initiatives would you put forward to positively impact students and educators?

As a current member I have been a part of numerous policy updates and new initiatives that positively impact educators and students. For staff, those include financial support, whether by supporting teachers with added funds to purchase more resources at the beginning of the school year to more impactful initiatives like raising salary and increasing paid time off. For our students we have passed and updated policies that focus on enhancing learning and increasing safety. For example, our cell phone policy and the added detectors and guards at our schools. 

3. How would you recommend our district address the issues of recruitment and retention for classified and certified educators?

Our district continues to create a unique environment for teachers with distinct benefits that support our teacher recruitment and retention. We hear that district five is different and feels like a family culture. I agree and feel that we do a great job of recruiting and retaining teachers. We accomplish this by supporting the following: 

           Financial incentives – Additional stipends for mentoring/hosting students. 

           Wellness – Paid leave and health and wellness benefits

           Development – Investments in professional development with local universities. 

4. What steps can you take to ensure that there is transparency between the board, district office, and the community? There is a streamlined transparent process that begins with the board and district office that extends to the community daily, weekly, and quarterly. District updates are shared broadly within the district, while weekly updates are shared with the board informing us of key happenings or project updates for District Five. The community receives a “Five in Focus” update highlighting progress throughout the district. All policy or budget updates are made available for the public to ensure the community has access to the information that matters most. 

5. What are your thoughts on the removal of books from school libraries at the elementary, middle, and high school level?

I am ok with removal of books if they are not approved by our committee and fall outside of our KEC policy standards. 

I support books in our library that are age and school appropriate and follow guidance from our adopted policy.

6. How involved do you think a school board should be in determining the curriculum in our schools?

We are not as involved as most believe. We ensure policies are being implemented but do not determine curriculum. That is the responsibility of the state. 

7. What do you see as the role of public, private, and charter school education in our state? 

Each option presents an opportunity for education for all children. 

8. How do you plan to strengthen and support public education through your role on the school board?

I believe District Five is setting the standard as the role model district in the state. I plan on contributing to the high standards the district has set daily as a board member. Daily, district five believes in delivering on its commitment of every child, every day. This starts with having an excellent core at the district office with Dr. Gary, his cabinet, and the DO staff. This standard is held at each school with strong leadership and staff. I believe to continue strengthening and supporting district five we must continue to prioritize the following: 

• Student Learning and School safety

• Financially prudent with budget and resources

• Empowering educators 

• Continuing to deliver with community partnerships 

• Manage growth proactively

9. Educators often struggle with excessive paperwork, and unencumbered time is not being honored — forcing them to complete work at home. How would you address these concerns when educators bring them to your attention?

Each time this issue occurs, I would make them aware that there is a policy in place to support the educator. Policy GLCE directs the educator to discuss the concern with the principal. If the concern is not addressed the educator can then reach out to the DO through email.

10. Why should voters choose you over your opponents in this election?

I bring both proven experience and a deep commitment to serving every member of our District 5 community. Education changed my family’s life, and I’ve dedicated myself to giving others that same chance. As a current board member, I’ve already helped pass policies that give students, educators, and staff the ability to reach new heights all while helping build transparent communication systems, so our families know exactly what is happening in their schools.

I believe I’m someone who listens responsibly and fairly to parents, teachers, and students; someone who sees the whole picture, not just one issue. My servant’s heart means I don’t serve for recognition but for results, especially for those who don’t always have a voice.

If you want someone who delivers results, who operates with integrity, transparency, and a clear vision for innovation, growth, and does it for every child, every day then I believe I am the right choice to help District five continue its path to excellence.   

Watch the candidate forum for Spartanburg District Six here.

Nicole Bulman official campaign Facebook page

1.       What motivated your desire to run for school board?

[Nicole Bulman] I am running for re-election to the District 6 School Board first and foremost for the children. Every decision I make is guided by what is in the best interest of the students in our district, followed closely by the needs of our dedicated teachers and administrators. As a parent with one child currently attending District 6 schools and two who have graduated from the district, I bring a personal and invested perspective to the board. I am an active participant in our school community — regularly volunteering and attending school events. I believe in being approachable and accessible, and I’m always willing to listen and be a voice for parents who have concerns or issues that need to be addressed at the board level. I have great respect for my fellow board members and their commitment to making thoughtful, effective, and efficient decisions. Together, we share a tremendous responsibility: to ensure the safety of our students and provide a high-quality education that prepares them for success in any path they choose after graduation. I remain committed to serving our community with integrity, transparency, and a deep passion for education.

2. As a member of our school board, what policy or initiatives would you put forward to positively impact students and educators?

District 6 is committed to providing an outstanding environment for both our students and teachers. With the support of the current school board, we have taken proactive steps to improve working conditions and educational outcomes—even before some were mandated at the state level.  Since joining the board, I have supported paid maternity leave and unencumbered planning time for teachers.  In addition, I supported the creation of the Early Learning Center, a dedicated child care facility for children of District 6 employees. For our students, safety is a top priority. Every school in our district is equipped with resource and security officers, metal detectors and a secure entrance vestibule.  Finally, and most importantly, I am committed to ensuring a high-quality education for every student, including accessible support services for those who need them.

3. How would you recommend our district address the issues of recruitment and retention for classified and certified teachers?

Attracting and retaining high-quality teachers is a top priority for me. Our educators face growing responsibilities and constant new challenges, and I have tremendous respect for the dedication they bring to the classroom each day. As a board member, I fully support policies that ensure our salaries remain competitive, because we cannot expect excellence in education without investing in the people who make it possible. Our district values open and honest communication, and the Teacher Forum plays a vital role in that process. It provides a structured way for educators to share their concerns and ideas directly with administration and the board, allowing us to work collaboratively in meeting their needs. When it comes to hiring, I believe in striving to bring in the very best candidates—and in taking the time to understand their teaching goals and philosophies. It's important that we align those goals with the district’s mission so that students receive consistent, high-quality instruction across all schools.

4. What steps can you take to ensure that there is transparency between the board, district office and the community?

I believe transparency begins with trust—and trust starts with the ability to truly listen. Our district is committed to open communication and does an excellent job of providing clear, up-to-date information through our district website. This resource serves as a central location for students, parents, and community members to stay informed. Additionally, the contact information for our administration and school board members is available, ensuring that anyone with a question, concern, or idea knows exactly where to turn.

5. What are your thoughts on the removal of books from school libraries at the elementary, middle, and high school level?

The state mandates what books are removed from public school libraries.  The books in public school libraries should be selected based on age-appropriate material and align with state standards.

6. How involved do you think a school board should be in determining the curriculum in our schools?

We have a team of teachers and administrators who have been trained in selecting curriculum. The school board should review and approve curriculums based on alignment with state standards and review test scores to ensure our curriculums are adequate.

7. What do you see as the role of public, private and charter school education in our state?

I believe that the decision to choose public, private or charter schools is a personal one that should be made by parents based on the unique needs of each individual child. However, I am a firm and proud supporter of public education. Public schools serve ALL students regardless of background ability or income, providing opportunities to every child in our community. While I respect a parent’s right to choose the best educational path for their child, I also strongly believe that any school receiving state funding should be held to the same accountability standards and regulations as public schools.

8. How do you plan to strengthen and support public education through your role on the school board?

As a school board member, my top priority is ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success—no matter which avenue they choose after high school. District 6 offers a wide range of opportunities to help students get ahead. Through our dual enrollment courses, students can earn college credits while still in high school, saving valuable time and tuition costs. We are also proud to partner with RD Anderson Applied Technical Center to offer technical degrees and certifications in high-demand fields, ensuring that students are career-ready upon graduation. In addition, through Project SEARCH, we support career readiness and real-world training for students in our special education program—empowering them with the tools and confidence to succeed beyond the classroom. I am incredibly proud of the work our district does to make sure EVERY student has a clear path toward success, and I fully support the continued growth of these efforts.

9.  Educators often struggle with excessive paperwork and unencumbered time is not being honored—forcing them to complete work at home.  How would you address these concerns when educators bring them to your attention?

When educators are overwhelmed, students feel the impact. That’s why it’s important to evaluate the demands placed on our teachers—particularly when it comes to paperwork and administrative tasks. I would work to gain a clear understanding of the specific paperwork requirements our educators face and to determine what is truly necessary, what may be outdated, and where processes can be streamlined.  Supporting our teachers in this way allows them to focus more time and energy on what matters most: teaching and supporting students.

10.  Why should voters choose you over your opponents in this election?

As a current school board member, I share our district’s core belief: children come first. Every decision I make is guided by a commitment to ensuring our schools are safe, supportive, and inspiring places to learn. I am proud to work alongside an excellent team of educators and administrators who make learning exciting and meaningful for our students. I want every child to have the best opportunity to receive a high-quality education, and I believe that starts with supporting our teachers and staff. I have proudly supported policies that make our district stronger.  I believe transparency and communication are essential. I am always willing to listen, and I bring community concerns directly to the board and superintendent when needed. I value open dialogue and strive to be a voice for those I represent.  I’m active in our community and regularly volunteer at both my church and my child’s school. I approach this role with no personal agenda—only a sincere desire to serve. My goal is simple: to ensure the best possible education and opportunities for your child and mine.

Christie Brockman Johnson official campaign Facebook 

1. What motivated your desire to run for school board?

[Christie B. Johnson] I have proudly been a part of Spartanburg School District Six since I was a student in first grade. After graduating from Dorman High School, I went to Wofford College and then returned to District Six for my semester of student teaching. I got my first teaching job in District Six in 1995. I taught until I had my first son and stayed home until my youngest son began kindergarten in District Six. Both sons also attended District Six schools, kindergarten through 12^th grade. This district has given so much to my family, and it is my greatest honor to serve on our District Six School Board to “give back” to our district and community. I have served on our board since 2014 and continue to make every decision with our precious students as my top priority. I have served as Secretary, Vice Chair and, currently, serve as Chair of our school board.

I take every aspect of this role very seriously and serve with the upmost respect for our educators, families and students.

2. As a member or a potential member of our school board, what policy or initiatives would you put forward to positively impact students and educators?

Our district already has so many initiatives in place to positively impact students and educators – our safety and mental health initiatives are outstanding, as well as our employee wellness center and our employee daycare. Our desire to meet the needs of our growing district, in size and diversity, is also a top initiative. 

If re-elected, I hope we will continue the initiatives we already have in place that have been very successful! District Six has always been on the cutting edge and if re-elected I will continue to work with our board to support innovation in academics, arts, and athletics. We will continue to adapt as the needs of our students and staff evolve. Education is never stagnant, so it is important to consistently assess what is working, listen to feedback from our teachers, students, parents, and community. By staying responsive and intentional, we can ensure our students and educators are always supported in the best ways possible.

3. How would you recommend our district address the issues of recruitment and retention for classified and certified educators?

Our district has already made this a priority, and I am very proud of all that we are already doing to recruit and retain teachers. Our program for teachers to obtain a graduate degree, at no charge, is an incredible way to recruit and retain educators. 

A few other initiatives:

Work environment is a true family atmosphere –

*district-wide “Family First Wednesday” to strengthen families and our community

 Safety: full-time resource officers at every school, in addition to full-time armed guards on site to help protect our students and staff

We were the first school district in the nation to pilot state-of-the-art security scanners.

Wellness center for all employees

Early learning center for all children of employees

Mental health resources for all employees 

Active teacher forum and support staff forum

Teacher mentoring program

Recruitment Fairs 

We are always open to innovative ideas to recruit and retain teachers. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of teacher voice. Giving teachers the time, the freedom, and the tools necessary to do their jobs effectively and to feel valued in the process.

4. What steps can you take to ensure that there is transparency between the board, district office, and the community?

Let me first of all say that transparency can only be achieved through consistent communication, honesty, and accessibility. These have always been a priority of mine while serving on the District Six board. It’s important that our board, our district office staff, and our schools maintain open lines of dialogue and continue to create opportunities for two-way communication where community voices are heard and valued. When you are transparent, you build trust. When you listen to the people… you build trust.

As a parent of two sons who attended District Six Schools, I understand the importance of sharing and receiving regular updates and clear explanations so our families and our community feel informed, valued, and included. We invite our community to be a part of the conversations in many ways.

In addition to consistent communication with our families, we post our board meeting agendas and invite the community to attend and give feedback during our board meetings. We also have a teacher forum and support staff forum to create open communication across our district.

Our monthly board meeting minutes and invoices are posted online for anyone to read.

I truly enjoy talking with our faculty, staff, administrators, and any member of our community because this is “our” school district. My heart is for children, so I try to always be accessible and available for our district and community.

5. What are your thoughts on the removal of books from school libraries at the elementary, middle, and high school level?

South Carolina state law provides the State Board of Education authority over this issue. 

We have great communication and collaboration with our teachers, so we have honestly not had an issue with the removal of books. I feel like this is such a “common sense” issue and should never be controversial. 

The removal of books is such a sensitive topic. Some view book removal as a way to make sure that content is age-appropriate and others see it as censorship. But ultimately, the State Board of Education has provided the framework for local schools and districts to make these decisions. South Carolina's Regulation 43-170 has established a formal process for all SC school districts to review and remove challenged materials.

6. How involved do you think a school board should be in determining the curriculum in our schools?

A school board does not approve curriculum, unless it is a local board-approved course. 

7. What do you see as the role of public, private, and charter school education in our state? 

We are so fortunate in Spartanburg County to have seven outstanding public school districts. We are also fortunate to have excellent choice in our county – public, private and charter. The role of each is simple: to graduate students who are college/career/military ready. The choice is also simple: this is a choice all parents have and should choose the type of education that is best for their sons and daughters.

8. How do you plan to strengthen and support public education through your role on the school board?

My role on this board has and will always remain the same. That is to continue to put students first in all of our initiatives and decisions and to also support our faculty and staff members as they serve our children every day. This is how we can best strengthen and support public education. 

9. Educators often struggle with excessive paperwork, and unencumbered time is not being honored — forcing them to complete work at home. How would you address these concerns when educators bring them to your attention?

Thankfully we do honor unencumbered time in District Six, so that is not a concern I would have to address. We honor our educators and appreciate the sacrifices they make for our students. If re-elected, I would continue to advocate for ways to reduce unnecessary paperwork and streamline processes so that teachers can focus more on instruction and student engagement.

Unless there is an extenuating circumstance, unencumbered time is definitely being honored in District Six. 

10. Why should voters choose you over your opponents in this election?

Voters may vote for up to five candidates. I am a parent and an educator, and I think both roles should be represented on a school board. I hope that our voters have seen all of the wonderful things we are already doing in our district and want this to continue, as we move forward. 

I am extremely dedicated to the students, families and educators in our district. My entire career has been spent in education, and I am currently Chair of the Education Department at Wofford College. I serve with professionalism, dedication, integrity and heart. I will continue to do just that if I am re-elected. I love our district and I bleed Cavalier blue!

Christie Lindsey official campaign Facebook page.

1. What motivated your desire to run for school board?

[Christie Lindsey] My motivation for running for School Board is my son, Hunter, who is currently a 7^th grader at Gable Middle School.  When he was 3 years old he wasn’t able to speak very well and we sought out private speech therapy to assist him.  What we learned during the process was that under SC Law a school district has to provide special education services for a child 3 years of age or older. After reaching out to the District 6 office, my son was screened and evaluated to see if he would be eligible for services to aid in his development. The services that he received at the Child Development Center were invaluable.  The trajectory of his education was changed by early intervention which helped remove possible future stumbling blocks that he may have had, had he not received those services.  I want to be a conduit to help parents connect with programs available in our District to give their children a great foundation to help them succeed in their education. 

2. As a member or a potential member of our school board, what policy or initiatives would you put forward to positively impact students and educators?

I would review policies and procedures currently in place regarding the early intervention programs and identify strategies we can utilize or implement to ensure that our educators and parents have access to resources and tools they need to create a strong and supportive learning environment. All children don’t have the same starting point for education or in life, and if we can create policies and procedures that allow early access, we can give our young children an educational foundation for long-term success.

3. How would you recommend our district address the issues of recruitment and retention for classified and certified educators?

District 6 has done a great job recently by opening the Early Learning Center. This center serves as daycare for any District 6 faculty and staff to utilize for their children. Having this resource in our district will help not only recruit educators but also to retain them. I would like for us to look for additional ways to build on this model by having conversations with our educators regarding why they chose District 6 and why they are staying at District 6. Also to have the hard conversations of why they didn’t choose District 6 and why they chose to leave. I think the feedback and data garnered from these conversations can drive plans and goals to recruit top quality educators and retain them.

4. What steps can you take to ensure that there is transparency between the board, district office, and the community? We all know the plain and ordinary meaning of transparency and that means to be open, honest and have straightforward communication.  Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act as a public body the district is required to make available to the public any agendas, minutes, recordings, budgets and financial reports.  I would make sure that we are always in compliance with the statute by continuing to make that information public which allows for informed decision making by all parties and builds trust with our administrations, educators, parents and community partners.

5. What are your thoughts on the removal of books from school libraries at the elementary, middle and high school level? In keeping with my personal beliefs, I would like to keep certain books out of our libraries. However, I understand there is a wide array of discussion on this topic and I would be available to students, parents and educators for them to voice their views and concerns on books either staying or being removed from the library. Just because I will not allow my son to read certain books doesn’t mean I should decide what is best for another child without hearing from their parents. Addressing these types of issues would be a collaborative approach based on subject matter, grade level, educator and parent input.  

6. How involved do you think a school board should be in determining the curriculum in our schools? The school board should have an advisory voice in determining school curriculum, but the administration and educators should be driving that bus. They are the professionals. They are in the classroom with students everyday and understand what works and what doesn’t work. The board should take the recommendations presented to them by the administrators and educators and evaluate two things. One, is to make sure the curriculum presented is in accordance with SC Education requirements and two, to review any data based on previous use of the curriculum. These steps will allow for informed decision to be rendered on what curriculum is best for the students.

7. What do you see as the role of public, private, and charter school education in our state?  I believe that education is not a one size fits all for each child. Given the various options that South Carolina offers it gives parents the ability to choose which one is best for their children. I believe each entity plays a crucial role in developing the children they each serve. However, public schools should be the primary beneficiary of tax dollars.  

8. How do you plan to strengthen and support public education through your role on the school board? I will advocate strengthening partnerships with parents, teachers and administrators. I will engage community partners to collaborate with the schools to provide services that are outside of the budgetary constraints of the schools.  

9. Educators often struggle with excessive paperwork, and unencumbered time is not being honored-forcing them to complete work at home.  How would you address these concerns when educators bring them to your attention? I would meet with the teacher and/or teachers to better understand their daily schedules and we can work together to evaluate a strategy to assist in the work/life balance for them. 

10. Why should voters choose you over your opponents in this election? I am grateful to be on the ballot with the other 7 candidates for school board. From what I know about each of them, they are all great people dedicated to bettering education in our community.  I bring to the table 24 years of public service which includes working for the Department of Social Services, the Spartanburg County Solicitors Office and the City of Spartanburg.  I was also the PTO President for Roebuck Elementary School for 2 years and part of the School Improvement Council at Roebuck Elementary School for a year. The skills I have learned through each of these endeavors has helped me to understand policies and procedures, resource availability, budgetary guidelines for government entities, and how collaboration can lead to sustainable outcomes.  If elected, I will be rooted in service, not politics. My goal is to work together to give every child in District 6 the opportunity to succeed.

Tracy Hanna Smith official campaign Facebook page. 

1. What motivated your desire to run for school board?  [Tracy Hanna Smith] I am a former teacher and guidance counselor in Spartanburg School District Six. I have experienced first hand the benefits of a D- 6 education. Because of my love and concern for students I want to ensure that present and future generations can continue to have wonderful educational opportunities. 

2. As a member of our school board, what policy or initiatives would you put forward to positively impact students and educators? Our district treasures our students and teachers. We are continually thinking of new initiatives to support and encourage them. These are just a few examples our board has initiated.

   a) Biscuits with the Board: Board members go to all schools throughout the year to visit with the faculty members while serving them biscuits, juice and coffee. 

   b) Teacher Forums: Teachers are invited to meet together to discuss ideas and concerns with the superintendents, board members and other district leaders.

   c) Planning time: All teachers receive adequate planning as well as unencumbered time throughout the school day. 

   d) Individual teachers are recognized on the district website about their educational and personal successes.  

   e) Students are recognized at board meetings for their academic and athletic achievements.  

   f) Students and teachers have access to mental health services provided by the district.

   g) We strive to have every student college or career ready when they graduate.

   h) Some schools have wellness rooms or quiet places for teachers.

   i) Sensory rooms and sensory equipment are provided for students in our special needs classrooms or for students who struggle with anxiety or anger management. 

3.  How would you recommend our district address the issues of recruitment and retention for classified and certified educators? a) Foster an environment where teachers feel heard, seen and respected. b) Maintain small class sizes. c) Provide needed professional development. d) Have a strong mentorship program for new teachers. e) Advocate for competitive salaries. f) Offer early learning center for employees children from 6 weeks to 4 years old. g) Develop strong relationships with colleges and universities as they educate future teachers. 

4. What steps can you take to ensure there is transparency between the board, district office, and community? People in today’s world expect to be able to access information quickly and this is often accomplished through the use of technology. Spartanburg School District Six has a comprehensive website which includes the following: a tip line for parents, students or community members to report safety threats regarding any D-6 school, a notification center for weather emergencies, power outages, schedule changes, etc., a news link which contains important information and activities occurring with the district, a list of all schools with links to their websites which include a list of staff members and their email addresses, board meeting minutes, board meeting notifications, as well as budget details. In addition to the website the district has a phone master system which can reach parents with vital information anytime throughout the day.  

5. What are your thoughts on the removal of books from school libraries at the elementary, middle, and high school level? When selecting books for a school library the books should be age and developmentally appropriate. 

6. How involved do you think a school board should be in determining the curriculum in our schools? I do not think school boards should determine curriculum. The majority of our school board members are not educators. Our state sets our educational standards. We follow these standards. The school board approves the textbooks which are adopted as well as the locally adopted courses such as photography classes.  

7.  What do you see as the role of public, private, and charter school education in our state? I believe parents have to make decisions about their children's education based on the needs of each individual child.  

8. How do you plan to strengthen and support public education through your role on the school board? I plan to be dedicated to ensuring that Spartanburg County School District Six maintains its exemplary educational opportunities for all students.  If we are able to accomplish this then our parents should desire for their students to attend our public schools. 

9. Educators often struggle with excessive paperwork, and unencumbered time is not being honored - forcing them to complete work at home. How would you address these concerns when educators bring them to your attention? I am always open and available to listen to the concerns of our teachers. If any were to share with me that their unencumbered time is not being honored or that they are completing excessive work at home, I would have a conversation with the superintendent and ask him to address this at the school level. Our teachers are given planning time as well as unencumbered time throughout the school day.  

10. Why should voters choose you over your opponents in this election? I know the other incumbent school board members on the ballot this year. I have enjoyed working with all of them. They are knowledgeable and dedicated to the students of our district. I am proud to work with them. I do not know the other three candidates. I am sure they also have the best of intentions. It is difficult for me to think of anyone who wants the best for the D-6 community as an opponent. I can only say what I have to offer our district as a member of the school board. I have a long lineage in Spartanburg School District Six. My parents graduated from Roebuck High School in 1951. I graduated from Dorman High School in 198I. My children and now my grandchildren attend or will attend school in this district. I am a former D-6 teacher and guidance counselor. The benefits of obtaining an education in our district are numerous. I desire to represent the families of this wonderful community while ensuring that future generations can continue to have fantastic educational opportunities within first class facilities. I love students and I will work diligently everyday as I have for the past four years to ensure that they receive the best possible education.  

   Troy Yarborough official campaign Facebook page. 

1. What motivated your desire to run for school board?  

[Troy Yarborough] When I ran for school board four years ago, I was an interested parent of four D6 children and the spouse of a D6 teacher. Three of my four children have now progressed beyond their D6 education, and I have seen first-hand the opportunities this district afforded them to help further their success. One of my children shares these values so dear she came home to D6 as a teacher. What happens every day in our schools was and continues to be extremely important to me.  I hoped my background and experience could be helpful to a board and school district that I have tremendous respect for but realized new and different challenges would be forthcoming. Having served on the board the last four years with fantastic peers, I understand how critically important our work is to ensure children remain first and our staff remain supported to accomplish the very important goals of our school district in the education of all students to become productive citizens in our community.

2. As a member or a potential member of our school board, what policy or initiatives would you put forward to positively impact students and educators?

There are four key areas of focus that are critically important to our district:

First, student and staff safety.  We must continue to provide a safe and secure environment for our educators to work and our students to thrive.  Remaining vigilant in this area is critical. I’m proud that our district has been a leader in safety initiatives and will strive to further those in years to come. Second, focus on educators. How can we continue to more effectively recruit and retain talented teachers to our district? Beyond pay, understanding and addressing what matters most to them will help us build a culture they want to be a part of. Happy and engaged teachers lead to happy and engaged students. Third, creating opportunities for every child to be successful, no matter their background or limitations. We have programs in our district that help create a success path for every student to become work or college ready. As an example, every year we see large numbers of Dorman students graduate to the local workforce with great paying jobs because of the path created through RD Anderson and the Master Skills Center programs. Taking time with each student to understand college, military or workforce aspirations help to build educational plans to prepare them for their next chapter. I saw this up close as all four of my children have taken classes at RD Anderson, complimenting their classroom education at Dorman while providing fantastic experiences and opportunities. Fourth, long range planning for the explosive population growth in our community.  We must aggressively work to understand the changing needs of our district as the number of students grows over the next 20 years. Having adequate staff, facilities, and programs will take forethought and planning as we work to keep budgets in check and impacts to the community minimal. This is the work the board will be heavily involved in over the coming years.

3. How would you recommend our district address the issues of recruitment and retention for classified and certified educators?  

I believe the four areas I just outlined are critical components of recruitment of classified and certified educators. Our staff wants to work every day in a culture that prioritizes safety, supports keeping class size down, in facilities that are warm and welcoming, with autonomy and a voice to do what they have been trained to do…support the growth and development of D6 children in a family environment. Continuing to live this mission and highlight these attributes will separate D6 from other districts in the recruitment of these talented individuals.

4. What steps can you take to ensure that there is transparency between the board, district office, and the community?

Our board is an important part of the transparent communication of D6, supporting the work of our superintendent and district office staff as they guide the mission of our district in each of our schools.  Our superintendent and leadership do a fantastic job of regular communication and discussions with our school principals and teacher forum advisory council.  In turn, our principals do a fantastic job working with our school improvement councils involving parents and interested community members on the direction of our schools and impact in our communities.  As a board member, we own the responsibility to every member of our community and every member of our D6 staff to be available for questions and concerns they may have about the direction of our district.

5. What are your thoughts on the removal of books from school libraries at the elementary, middle, and high school level?

The state board of education has a very clear policy and process on this topic. As we are obligated, we follow the direction of the state.  

6. How involved do you think a school board should be in determining the curriculum in our schools?

Our board should listen to the guidelines of the state and the recommendations of our talented D6 staff.  They work tirelessly to ensure that the programs and curriculum delivered in our classrooms drive forward the mission of our district to support the educational path of each child.  In addition, we listen to our staff when the board is asked to review proposed courses that they feel could improve the path of our students and/or add career opportunities.  For example, we added a Photography class to our curriculum a few years ago and this year added a sports officiating class.  The strength of our board lies in the multitude of backgrounds represented, some are former/current educators, others active or retired from the business world.  This diversity strengthens our ability to be effective advisors to our superintendent and staff, helping to guide better decisions affecting our district.

7. What do you see as the role of public, private, and charter school education in our state? 

Parents should have the right to make the final decision on what environment is best for the needs of their children. With that said, I represent a district that I believe works tirelessly to meet the need of every child, regardless of background and ability. With that in mind, I also advocate that resources traditionally dedicated to public education should not be rerouted away from our district. Our ability to fund IEP’s, 504’s, and special needs programs are paramount to the families in our districts that will not find these options in other settings. 

8. How do you plan to strengthen and support public education through your role on the school board?

Keeping the focus on the children and the staff responsible for their development must be the most important thing we do.  I am proud of the public education opportunities that D6 offers for every child, regardless of background, socio-economic status, or ability level. My role on the board would be to continue to keep make these opportunities available for every child and to support our administrative teams to hire and support educators that align to this mission.  I had the privilege of addressing the Dorman graduating class of 2024.  I shared in my remarks that “great schools build great communities”.  When we deliver on our promise to put children first, we build the future success of our community.

9. Educators often struggle with excessive paperwork, and unencumbered time is not being honored — forcing them to complete work at home. How would you address these concerns when educators bring them to your attention?

Working closely with our district office staff and superintendent to adhere to recent state mandates to support our staff with unencumbered time is extremely important.  We’ve been working diligently on this for several years and realize there is still work to be done.  Keeping our focus on smaller class size and appropriately staffed schools will help ensure this happens.  Additionally, relying on the skill and support of our administrative teams inside each school to measure and monitor the needs of our staff keeps us on top of individual school needs and helps to adjust as needed. Top notch curriculum for our students and valuable professional development for our teachers will always be a delicate balance to work towards.

10. Why should voters choose you over your opponents in this election?

Experience during dynamic and difficult times carries value.  We have challenges in front of us that require immediate attention.  I hope voters see the progress we have made in so many areas over the last few years and believe in our ability to address future issues given the track record we have of supporting children, staff, and our community. I hope that I have represented our district well alongside our diverse group of board members and earn the opportunity to serve our community for another four years.