Precinct Locations Have Changed For This Special Election.

Since 2020, our children have faced unprecedented challenges and are still contending with questions about the future as it relates to their academic, mental, physical and social well-being. Our primary responsibility should be focused on reinforcing their support systems. Schools and families need to be working hand in hand to ensure that every student's basic needs are being met. Children need to feel safe, academically prepared and heard.

Data from the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention and Advancement indicates a growing teacher shortage in South Carolina. School board members serve a critical role in both establishing and communicating public support for teachers that is undoubtedly related to not only recruiting new teachers into the profession, but also keeping great teachers in the classroom. Establishing the long-term conditions for success in our schools, and thus our community, means listening to and supporting teachers so they can best support our children.

As an elected public official entrusted to govern a community's school district, members of a school board have to be held to a higher standard that conveys openness and willingness to share and work for the common good. Fair or Unjust, we all live in a society where perception is defined as reality and is difficult to regain trust once people feel mislead.

With the challenges and community division during the past year, I  want to be a part of the solution. I’m level-headed, trustworthy and non-partisan with no motivation other than to serve our community. My goal is to bring transparency and sensible decision-making to the school board with a keen focus on supporting all of our students in District Five and the outstanding professional educators and staff in District Five. Above all, I will bring open communication and listen to all opinions and ideas with an open mind, and with a goal of working together to mend our community.

One of the responsibilities of the Board is to ensure all schools, students and communities are represented and heard. Currently, our board is comprised of the majority elected officials residing in or zoned for Chapin. Residing in Richland County (Irmo side), my children will attend Crossroads Intermediate and Dutch Fork High School in the 2021-2022 school year. Diversity and differing perspectives will only strengthen and enrich a school board, which is entrusted to serving the community as a whole.