Greenville School Board Incumbents Win Big in Election
Greenville — On November 5, 2024, voters in Greenville overwhelmingly supported their local school board incumbents, allowing all four who faced challengers to retain their positions. The elections were held at various polling sites, including the Sears Shelter near downtown, where voters reported wait times of less than ten minutes.
Big Wins for Incumbents
Among those winning re-election was Carolyn Styles, who retained her District 17 seat by defeating challenger Lisa Bracewell. Styles secured approximately 67.7% of the votes, showcasing her strong support from the community. Styles, who has a doctorate in education and served as principal at a National Blue Ribbon School, emphasized her experience in public education during her campaign.
In another significant victory, Scott Cline emerged from a crowded field to win the District 19 seat. Cline garnered about 36.78% of the votes to prevail over three other candidates.
Challenges and Controversies
Most of the incumbents had previously approved a modest tax increase, leading to challenges primarily from fiscal conservatives advocating for reduced school spending. Yet, they managed to overcome these challenges, indicating that voters valued the educational progress seen in recent years, including improvements in test scores and graduation rates.
Similarly, Angie Mosley successfully defended her District 21 seat against a well-funded opponent, receiving nearly 60% of the votes. Mosley emphasized her track record on special education issues, which resonated with voters, especially given the financial resources deployed by her challenger.
The Road Ahead
With a strong showing of support for the incumbents, the school board will see only one new face: Cline will replace Debi Bush, who stepped down after 28 years of service. This transition represents a notable change for District 19, which includes Berea and Travelers Rest.
The newly re-elected members will continue their work as the school district strives for further academic improvements and addresses community concerns about school security and budget management.
Details of Other Districts
Michelle Goodwin-Calwile also successfully retained her District 25 seat with over 51% of the vote, while Sarah Dulin held on to her District 27 position with nearly 56% of the votes against challenger Missy Marsh, who ran a well-organized campaign.
Overall, the election results reflect the community’s endorsement of the strategies and policies advocated by the existing school board, signaling continued support for current educational initiatives funded by the tax increases.
Looking to the Future
As the newly formed board prepares for its next meeting, the focus will be on continuing the positive momentum seen in the district. Education leaders will now work to address both the challenges ahead and the expectations of their constituents.
This election cycle demonstrates a clear mandate for the incumbents, affirming their approaches to education, budget management, and community involvement.
