Election Day Brings Confidence in Greenville School Board
Greenville, SC — On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, the voters of Greenville demonstrated strong support for incumbents in the local school board elections. Voters at the Sears Shelter polling location near downtown experienced minimal waiting times, with less than 10 minutes to cast their ballots by mid-morning.
Incumbents Win Big
All four incumbents who faced challenges successfully retained their positions. These included Carolyn Styles, Angie Mosley, Michelle Goodwin-Calwile, and Sarah Dulin. Each of these candidates had previously dealt with significant scrutiny over fiscal matters, with three having supported a modest tax increase intended to enhance educational resources.
Results Overview
Carolyn Styles, the chairwoman of the school board and a seasoned educator, garnered 67.7% of the vote against Lisa Bracewell, a retired school employee, who received 31.47%. Styles emphasized her years of experience and a strong educational background as key reasons for her re-election.
In a more competitive race, Scott Cline emerged victorious in the District 19 seat, collecting 36.78% of the votes from a diverse pool of candidates. Cline replaces long-serving board member Debi Bush, who had held her position for 28 years.
Angie Mosley won reelection in District 21 despite facing an opponent who outspent her significantly. Mosley secured 59.99% of the votes against Steve Whaley’s 39.36%. Her campaign focused on her record of advocating for special education, even after a new tax increase that initially questioned her conservative support.
Meanwhile, Michelle Goodwin-Calwile faced two challengers but still attained a solid 51.58% of the votes, defeating Greg Cantrell and Jack Logan. Goodwin-Calwile’s administrative background contributed to her ability to maintain support amongst the electorate.
Sarah Dulin’s race was closely contested, as she achieved 55.87% of the votes against community volunteer Missy Marsh, who received 43.49%. Dulin campaigned on her steadfast commitment to reducing spending within the district.
Implications of the Results
The election results indicate a general endorsement of the current board members’ approach, particularly their strategies aimed at improving academic performance and school security. The Greenville school district has celebrated rising test scores and graduation rates in recent years, which the incumbents attributed as a testament to their policies and recent tax initiatives designed to enhance teacher salaries.
Voters expressed that focused academic achievement and safety within schools were their paramount concerns. Candidates universally recognized these issues, reinforcing their importance in campaigning.
Looking Ahead
The results secured only one new face on the board, with incumbent Glenda Morrison-Fair running unopposed. As the board prepares to meet with new and returning members, expectations remain high for continued progress within Greenville schools.
This election marks a pivotal moment for the Greenville school board as they continue to navigate challenges and successes in educational funding and administration. With the incumbents retaining their seats, the direction of the school board is expected to maintain its current course focusing on academic excellence and community values.
