Greenville County Schools’ Board Election: Key Incumbents and Challengers Set for 2024
In Greenville, the upcoming 2024 general election for the Greenville County Schools board of trustees is generating attention as four incumbents face opposition on the ballot. Glenda Chatman Morrison-Fair will run uncontested in Area 23. Additionally, Area 19 is open, as incumbent Debi C. Bush has chosen not to seek reelection.
Incumbents and Their Plans
The race includes notable incumbents such as Carolyn Styles, a retired school principal, who has served for four years. Styles emphasizes the need to focus on recruiting and retaining high-quality teachers, as she believes teacher quality is vital for student success. “A shortage of qualified teachers impacts student learning and intensifies teacher burnout,” Styles stated.
Angie Mosley, who owns and directs Junior Cotillion and has represented the board for four years, aims to implement sound policies that support academic goals and promote a safe environment. Emphasizing the significance of inclusion in special education, she has contributed to a five-year strategic plan for the district.
Another incumbent, Michelle Goodwin-Calwile, a retired educator and board member for eight years, intends to improve public communication about the school board’s responsibilities. Safe schools remain her priority.
Challengers with Diverse Focuses
Challengers include Scott Cline, the president and owner of Cline Systems Inc., who aims to prioritize parental involvement in education. “Parents and teachers must work together for student success,” he remarked, emphasizing his dedication to nurturing partnerships within the community.
Robert Hamilton, a branch manager at the South Carolina DMV, stresses the necessity to tackle inefficiencies within the district’s billion-dollar budget. He is focused on reducing tax increases and promoting trade education for students.
Amanda Stone, a former teacher in Greenville County, shares her insights as she advocates for fellow educators facing high turnover rates. “We need to make educational changes that support both students and teachers,” she articulated, highlighting her experiences during the pandemic.
Addressing Safety and Other Issues
Another challenger, Dan Healy, aims to return safety to schools, raising concerns about mental and emotional well-being amidst numerous ideological issues. He wishes to prioritize creating a protective environment for students.
Steve Whaley, who specializes in student transportation, emphasizes improving academic standards and ensuring students complete grade-level benchmarks, stating, “We need to remove distractions and empower our teachers.”
The Election Context
With a considerable number of candidates vying for positions, this election reflects a range of priorities from maintaining fiscal responsibility to ensuring safe learning environments. Candidates are clear about their intentions to address pressing issues impacting Greenville County Schools, striving for a collaborative atmosphere among parents, teachers, and the larger community.
As the election approaches, constituents are encouraged to consider the candidates’ visions for the future of education in the county. Their decisions will undoubtedly shape the educational landscape, affecting students, educators, and the whole community.
