Greenville School Board Election Results Show Strong Support for Incumbents

Greenville School Board Election Results Show Strong Support for Incumbents

Greenville — On November 5, 2024, voters in Greenville demonstrated their support for the current school board members by re-electing all four incumbents facing challengers in the election. This decisive outcome reflects local confidence in the management and direction of the Greeneville County school district.

By mid-morning, voters at the Sears Shelter polling site near downtown Greenville waited less than ten minutes to cast their ballots. The clear skies and mild temperatures, with lows around 34°F and winds from the north at 5 to 10 mph, made for a pleasant voting day.

Who Won the Elections?

The election results were notable for several reasons. Carolyn Styles, the incumbent for District 17, secured her position decisively, garnering 67.7 percent of the votes against challenger Lisa Bracewell, who received 31.47 percent. Styles, who holds an education doctorate and previously served as principal of a National Blue Ribbon School, ran on a platform emphasizing her extensive experience in public schools.

In a competitive race for District 19, Scott Cline won with 36.78 percent of the vote, defeating a field of several candidates, including former teacher Amanda Stone and landscaper Dan Healy. This seat was previously held by Debi Bush, who served for 28 years. Cline’s election reflects community support for his vision in this important district that includes Berea and Travelers Rest.

District 21’s Angie Mosley, despite facing a challenger who outspent her significantly, maintained her seat with 59.99 percent of the vote. Her platform focused on special education and her strong history of involvement with community issues.

Michelle Goodwin-Calwile successfully defended her District 25 seat, receiving 51.58 percent of the votes against two challengers. She highlighted her dedication to the district and its students in her campaign.

Finally, Sarah Dulin won re-election in District 27, though her race was the closest among incumbents, achieving 55.87 percent of votes against community volunteer Missy Marsh. Dulin’s campaign focused on fiscal responsibility, aligning with her history of opposing tax increases.

What Influenced the Results?

Many candidates cited school security and academic success as top priorities for their constituents. This election came after a spring tax increase aimed at funding rising teacher salaries and improving educational resources—issues that may have influenced both the challengers’ platforms and voters’ decisions.

Voter turnout appears to have been strong, and with the absence of runoff elections in these nonpartisan races, the candidates with the highest percentage of votes secured their positions outright. Notably, Glenda Morrison-Fair, who ran unopposed, won with an overwhelming 98.57 percent of the votes.

Looking Ahead

The election results suggest a stable future for the Greenville County school board, with only one new member joining the ranks. Scott Cline’s election indicates a shift in leadership dynamics but reflects the community’s commitment to maintaining continuity in educational governance.

Overall, the strong performance of incumbents amid potential budget cuts and the push for fiscal conservatism signals voter confidence in the current board’s management, setting the stage for continued educational development in the area.