Excitement Builds in Greenville as Candidates Gear Up for School Board Election

Excitement Builds in Greenville as Candidates Gear Up for School Board Election

As the **early voting** for the upcoming **November 5th election** kicks off in Greenville, South Carolina, residents are buzzing with excitement—especially for the contested race for the **District 19 seat on the Greenville County School Board**. With early voting starting on **October 21**, this is an important time for the community to learn about the candidates vying to represent them. The current board member, Debi Bush, has announced that she will not seek reelection, opening the door for four enthusiastic candidates: Amanda Stone, Robert Hamilton, Scott Cline, and Dan Healy.

A Brief Introduction to the Candidates

Amanda Stone, at **38 years old**, has a strong educational background with a degree in **Early Childhood and Elementary Education**. She has taught **4th grade** in Greenville County Schools and has a personal connection to the school system as her three children will be attending these schools for many years to come. Living in **Travelers Rest**, she expresses her passion for education and her commitment to improving it for future generations.

Robert Hamilton, **30**, brings a varied skill set that includes time in retail management, public administration, and even military service with a tour in **Afghanistan**. He holds a **Master of Public Administration** and currently serves on a federal advisory board for the **Department of Veterans Affairs**. He’s looking to tackle issues such as teacher job satisfaction and efficient fund allocation.

Scott Cline, **52**, has deep roots in the Greenville community. A graduate of **Greenville High School** and **Anderson University**, he has a longstanding family involvement in local business. Cline emphasizes the importance of parents and community in a child’s education, ensuring their voices are heard as he takes a stand for academic excellence.

Finally, although **Dan Healy** has not responded to requests for feedback, the other candidates certainly shared their insights on the pressing issues educational stakeholders face today.

Key Issues on the Campaign Trail

As these candidates present their visions to the community, several key themes have emerged. **Amanda Stone** highlights the alarming trends of teachers leaving the profession in droves. She aims to advocate for all educators and students, recognizing the critical changes needed to improve the work environment for teachers.

For **Robert Hamilton**, three main focuses shine through. First, he wants to put a stop to **tax increases** that weigh heavily on taxpayers while addressing the importance of supporting teachers’ job satisfaction. Lastly, Hamilton believes in placing equal importance on trades education, promoting it just as much as a traditional college degree.

**Scott Cline** aims to ensure that the voices of parents and the community are cherished and respected within the school board’s decisions. He advocates for forward-thinking strategies to accommodate the growing student population in the district, leveraging his experience in business management to effectively guide the budget.

How Will They Address Safety and Representation?

Among the many discussions about school safety, the candidates have expressed the need for a **multi-faceted approach**. Cline strongly believes that ensuring student safety should incorporate mental health resources, emergency preparedness, and consistent community and parental involvement. Furthermore, Hamilton warns against complacency, emphasizing the need for proactive security measures and strong communication within the schools.

When it comes to educational resources, all candidates recognize the necessity to adapt book policies to the community’s needs. **Hamilton** mentions reviewing books under established criteria, while **Cline** asserts a case-by-case analysis, encouraging active participation from teachers and parents.

The Countdown to the Future

With early voting just around the corner, the stakes are high, and the community’s interest is at an all-time high. As these candidates prepare to vie for the **District 19 seat**, they’re not just campaigning for their platform but also inviting the entire community to participate and make their voices heard. It’s an exciting time in Greenville, where every vote counts and shapes the future of education in the area!