Election Day Results: Greenville School Board Incumbents Strongly Re-Elected
GREENVILLE — On a crisp day marked by a mostly sunny sky and gentle winds, voters in Greenville turned out in impressive numbers on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, to cast their ballots for school board positions. Reports indicate that voters faced minimal wait times, averaging less than 10 minutes at polling sites, including the Sears Shelter located near downtown.
This Election Day proved to be a resounding moment of affirmation for the four incumbents on the ballot who sought reelection to the Greenville County school board. All managed to defeat their challengers amid strong voter turnout, showcasing the community’s continued support for their leadership.
Successful Reelection for Incumbents
Among the incumbents, Carolyn Styles successfully retained her District 17 seat, winning a commanding 67.7 percent of the vote against challenger Lisa Bracewell, who garnered 31.47 percent. Styles, the current chairperson of the school board, campaigned on her extensive experience in the education sector, including her tenure as the principal of a National Blue Ribbon School. She emphasized achievements in rising academic performance and testing scores, as well as improvements in teacher salaries.
Scott Cline also emerged victorious in a crowded field for the District 19 seat, securing 36.78 percent of votes while competing against three other candidates, including former teacher Amanda Stone. Cline’s win was notable as the seat is being vacated by longtime incumbent Debi Bush, who has served for 28 years. His victory reflects a steadfast commitment to educational quality and community cohesion.
In the District 21 contest, Angie Mosley won reelection against challenger Steve Whaley, despite facing significantly higher campaign spending from her opponent. Mosley won 59.99 percent of the votes, maintaining her position on the board to advocate for improved resources in education, particularly special education.
Michelle Goodwin-Calwile also successfully defended her District 25 seat with a solid 51.58 percent of the vote against two challengers. Her victory further highlights the voters’ preference for experienced leadership amid growing complexities in educational administration.
Close Race for District 27
The tightest race of the evening was for the District 27 seat, held by Sarah Dulin, who won with 55.87 percent against Missy Marsh. Dulin’s commitment to fiscal responsibility played a crucial role in her campaign, resonating with constituents who are mindful of educational expenditures.
The evening concluded with Glenda Morrison-Fair winning her uncontested race with an astonishing 98.57 percent of the votes, emphasizing the community’s trust in her leadership.
Implications for the School Board
With all incumbents successful, Greenville’s school board will see only one new face in Scott Cline, yielding a largely consistent leadership poised to address ongoing challenges within the education system. Discussions leading to the election pointed to critical issues such as school safety and the importance of maintaining academic standards in the district.
As the results settle in, the school board members emphasized their dedication to crucial educational enhancements, leveraging the community’s support to create a robust and progressive environment for students.
The school district’s trajectory of increasing test scores and graduation rates, along with substantial initiatives to elevate teacher salaries, reflects a solid foundation from which these incumbents will continue to operate.
As voters reflect on the outcomes, it is clear that the school board holds a vital role in shaping the education landscape of Greenville, steering clear of political turbulence in favor of stable, informed decision-making aimed at community growth.
