Greenville County Schools’ Board Election Heats Up: Candidates and Key Issues Revealed

Greenville County Schools’ Board Election Heats Up

Greenville, SC — In the upcoming 2024 general election, voters in Greenville County will face significant decisions regarding their school board representatives. There are four incumbents facing challenges on the ballot, alongside an unopposed candidate, Glenda Chatman Morrison-Fair, for Area 23. Meanwhile, the Area 19 seat becomes available following Debi C. Bush’s decision not to seek reelection.

Who is Running?

Current incumbents include:

• Carolyn Styles – A retired school principal, Styles has served for four years. Her focus lies in addressing teacher recruitment and retention. “Teacher quality is the most crucial factor influencing student achievement,” she stated.
• Angie Mosley – Owner and director of Junior Cotillion for four years, Mosley emphasizes sound policies to support objectives for student achievement and teacher retention. “Meaningful inclusion in special education is also a priority for me,” she mentioned.
• Michelle Goodwin-Calwile – A retired educator with eight years on the board, she aims to enhance communication regarding the board’s responsibilities.
• Sarah Dulin – A full-time parent and current trustee, Dulin plans to focus on improving teacher salaries and safety measures in schools.

Challengers include:

• Scott Cline – President and owner of Cline Systems Inc., he advocates for strong partnerships between parents and teachers, prioritizing student success.
• Robert Hamilton – A branch manager at the DMV, he wants to curb tax increases and promote trade education along with allowing outside therapists into classrooms.
• Dan Healy – A self-employed individual, Healy prioritizes school safety and aims to halt what he terms the “LGBTQ+ agenda.”
• Amanda Stone – A former teacher, Stone is concerned about the teacher exodus and aims to address respect for educators in the classroom.
• Steve Whaley – A transportation expert, he focuses on advancing academic fundamentals and eliminating distractions in classrooms.
• Greg Cantrell – A retired educator, he emphasizes accessibility and communication between board members and the community.
• Jack Logan – From a healthcare background, Logan pushes for safer schools and increased teacher pay.
• Missey Marsh – A project controls professional, she wants to prioritize a balanced budget without raising taxes.

What are their Goals?

Each candidate presents unique goals but shares a common commitment to improving educational quality in Greenville County. Candidates agree that the teacher shortage significantly impacts student success. Several candidates vow to prioritize teachers’ concerns, ensuring competitive pay and job satisfaction.

Security has also emerged as a primary focus. Incumbents like Dulin and challengers like Healy highlight the imperative of student safety, expressing a desire for actionable solutions that would safeguard students in their learning environments.

Why Does This Matter?

The school board plays a critical role in shaping the educational landscape of Greenville County. From budgeting to hiring teachers and implementing curriculum standards, each board member’s decisions impact the entire community. Voter participation is crucial, as the outcomes directly influence local schools’ direction and the resources available to students and teachers.

When to Vote

The election is set for November 2024. As the election date approaches, community members are encouraged to learn more about each candidate’s platform and to make informed decisions.

With a diverse group of candidates presenting their visions, this election represents a vital opportunity for the community to voice its perspective on the future of education in Greenville County.