South Carolina School Board Elections: Key Results from Greenville County
On November 5, 2023, South Carolina voters participated in local school board elections, focusing on crucial issues such as academic performance, safety, funding, and diversity in education. The elections included contested seats on the Greenville County School Board of Trustees, specifically in Areas 19, 21, 25, and 27.
Area 19: New Leadership Emerges
As voters turned out in Greenville County, Area 19 saw a shift in leadership with Scott Cline emerging as the frontrunner. After counting all precincts, Cline secured 36% of the vote. This race was particularly significant as the incumbent, Debbie Bush, chose not to run for re-election. Other candidates included Amanda Stone, who garnered 30% of the votes, and Dan Healey with 17%.
Cline, a graduate of Greenville High and Anderson University, has personal ties to education through his mother’s previous role as a teacher. He aims to prioritize academic excellence, empower parents, support teachers, and manage the district’s budget responsibly. His commitment to enhancing parent-teacher relationships emphasizes his focus on student and community satisfaction.
Area 21: Incumbent Maintains Lead
In the Area 21 contest, Angie Mosley led the race with 59% of the votes, compared to Steve Whaley, who received 39%. Mosley, who has been on the board since 2020, is focused on maintaining a student-centered approach in her second term. She plans to implement training on the science of reading, address literacy gaps, and work on intensifying support for underperforming schools.
Furthermore, Mosley is committed to improving safety measures within schools, advocating for weapon detection systems and the presence of school resource officers.
Area 25: A Competitive Showdown
The race in Area 25 was competitive with incumbent Michelle Goodwin-Calwile achieving 51% of the vote. She faced challenges from Greg Cantrell, who secured 26%, and Jack Logan with 20%. Goodwin-Calwile, a graduate of Carolina High and Furman University, focuses on equity and fairness for all students.
Her campaign emphasizes enhancing youth activities, maintaining a conducive learning environment, and addressing safety legislation concerning firearms on school property. Additionally, she advocates for state funding to implement necessary safety measures, such as metal detectors and support for workforce development.
Area 27: Incumbent Dulin’s Continued Focus on Safety
In Area 27, Sarah Dulin maintained a lead with 55% of the votes, followed by Missey Marsh at 43%. Dulin, who has served since 2020, emphasizes the importance of community feedback in her agenda. Her main goals include ensuring student and staff safety, enhancing teacher salaries, and responsible management of the district’s budget.
Dulin is particularly proactive in expanding funding for school resource officers and other security measures to ensure a safe educational environment for all students.
Conclusion
The outcome of these elections in Greenville County signifies a commitment from the community to ensure effective governance within local schools, focusing on vital areas such as safety, funding, and educational opportunity. As new members join the board and incumbents continue their service, the direction of the county’s education system remains a key issue for voters in the upcoming years.
