Election Buzz in Greenville: Candidates for School Board District 27 Present Diverging Visions for Education

Election Buzz in Greenville: A Closer Look at the Race for School Board District 27

As we gear up for the November 5 election, many folks in Greenville, South Carolina, are eagerly anticipating the chance to make their voices heard. Early voting kicks off on October 21, giving residents plenty of opportunities to cast their ballots. One of the pivotal races this election season is for the Greenville County School Board District 27, featuring incumbent Sarah Dulin facing challenger Missey Marsh.

A Peek into the Candidates’ Backgrounds

Let’s take a moment to familiarize ourselves with these two candidates. Sarah Dulin, 46, is not just your typical candidate; she’s a dedicated teacher, an Early Intervention Specialist, and a small business owner. A full-time mom of four, three of whom are enrolled in Greenville County Schools, she has a hands-on understanding of the school system. Originally from Clemson, Dulin graduated from JL Mann before earning her undergraduate degree from the College of Charleston and completing her **Early Intervention Credential** with the USC School of Medicine.

On the other hand, there’s Missey Marsh, who has spent the past 18 years residing in the Simpsonville and Fountain Inn communities. With a background in project controls at an engineering firm that caters to private sector clients, Marsh brings a different perspective to the table. She’s also a passionate advocate for education, having served in various PTA and Booster roles across five schools. Notably, she is a co-founder of the Fountain Inn High School Booster Club, where her efforts helped raise over $653,000 for athletics.

What’s at Stake?

Both candidates are vocal about their priorities for the school district. Dulin expresses her pride in representing her constituents and is committed to ensuring that the voices of parents echo through the school board. Among her key concerns are campus safety, attracting and retaining top-notch teachers, and the responsible management of tax dollars. Dulin points out that during her tenure, new schools have been approved to tackle overcrowding, and she intends to keep advocating for fair development practices that do not burden existing residents.

Meanwhile, Marsh aims to leverage her extensive community involvement to drive meaningful change. Her focus centers on eliminating unfunded state mandates, empowering educators, and fostering partnerships among parents and community members. She emphasizes the importance of teaching students about civic engagement and preparing them for future challenges.

The Safety Conversation

Safety remains a hot topic, especially in today’s climate. Dulin points to proactive measures that the board has taken, including providing School Resource Officers (SROs) at all middle and high schools, investing in weapons detection devices, and advocating for quick hiring processes for retired officers willing to return to schools. “Having my own children in these schools makes safety a personal concern for me,” she stated with sincerity.

Marsh counters with her proposals that focus on community involvement and ongoing training. “We need to make sure that everyone knows how to report safety concerns. Everyone—students, staff, and parents—should feel empowered to contribute to a safer environment,” she asserts. Additionally, she calls for repeated safety assessments in collaboration with law enforcement to ensure that schools remain secure.

A Closer Look at Curriculum and Resources

Curriculum content is another area where both candidates share differing perspectives. Dulin has positioned herself firmly against any material deemed inappropriate, reflecting the community’s desire to shield children from explicit content. “We pride ourselves on having a wide array of over one million titles available, so students are never at a loss for age-appropriate reading material,” she explained.

Conversely, Marsh advocates for a balanced approach to resources. While she agrees that inappropriate material has no place in schools, she insists on the importance of providing enriching books that bolster literacy and support diverse learning experiences. “It’s essential that we collaborate with parents to cultivate a thriving educational environment,” she emphasizes.

The Path Ahead

As the election date draws closer, residents of Greenville are encouraged to research the candidates and consider their visions for the school district. With early voting underway, it’s the perfect opportunity for citizens to take part in shaping the future of education in their community.

Whichever way the vote goes, one thing is for sure: the conversation surrounding the quality of education in Greenville County is just heating up!