Election Information:The Richland One School Board special election for District 2 will be held Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Your address indicates you live in the district for this race.EARLY VOTING: If you prefer to vote prior to November 3, 2026, you can vote during a two-week early voting period Monday, October 19 through Friday, October 30. Early voting centers are open Monday to Friday, excluding holidays, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Check the Richland County Voter Registration and Elections website Early and Absentee Voting | Richland County SC or https://scvotes.gov/voters/early-voting/ for early voting locations.ABSENTEE VOTING: You may be eligible to vote absentee by mail. For details on eligibility and how to submit your request, see this SC Election Commission Voting Absentee page: https://www.scvotes.gov/absentee-voting.Position Description:The nonpartisan board of 3 at-large members and 4 members who represent geographic election districts submits an operational budget to the County Council for approval, hires the superintendent, draws attendance zones, sets the calendar, and adopts policies for the board and district. Members serve 4-year terms.This race is for 1 seat.
Education
Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Darla Moore School of Business
Qualifications
Financial Advisor, Philanthropist, School Volunteer, Community Leader, Marine Corps Veteran, Father of children in the school district
Campaign Phone
8038736540
Campaign Email
steven@letsvotediaz.com
YouTube Video
I support policies that reduce unnecessary screen time in schools and bring more focus back to teachers, physical books, pencil and paper, discussion, and hands-on learning. During COVID, schools needed to move online quickly, but many have become too dependent on screens. Technology is useful for research, accessibility, and certain assignments, but it should support learning, not replace traditional instruction. This would also help families in rural or remote areas with unreliable internet. No student should fall behind because they cannot get online at home. Schools should also consider the cost of maintaining devices and the burden placed on teachers, parents, and students. A balanced approach can improve focus, access, and learning.
I do not think schools should ignore AI. It is already part of everyday life, and students will need to know how to use it at work. At the same time, AI should not become a way to avoid learning. Students should learn to use AI responsibly and honestly. It can help with research, tutoring, brainstorming. Students still need to think, write, solve problems, ask questions, and decide whether information is accurate. Schools should have rules for when AI is allowed, and let teachers decide how it is used. Schools should focus more on career and technical education. AI may change office jobs, but skilled trades still require hands-on skills and real-world experience. Students need technology skills and need to think for themselves in real life.
I support giving families quality school options, including charter schools. But the Richland One Board also has to be careful about the District’s finances. When students leave for charter schools, some funding may follow them, but many costs do not go away. The District still has buildings to maintain, teachers to pay, buses to run, and special education and student services to provide. Before making decisions, the Board should look at the actual effect on enrollment and the budget, explain those numbers to taxpayers, and make a plan that does not leave students in District schools with fewer opportunities. Every publicly funded school should be expected to show strong academic results, be transparent with money, and serve students fully.
The School Board has a big role in recruiting and keeping good teachers because leadership sets the tone for the District. I believe Richland One is moving in the right direction with new leadership, teachers, and principals making a difference in our schools. But hiring people is only part of the job. We also have to give teachers reasons to stay. That means competitive pay, good benefits, manageable class sizes, classroom resources, support for new teachers, and chances to grow. Teachers need to feel trusted and heard. They are in the classroom every day, so we should listen to them, respect their experience, and avoid micromanagement. The Board should track should track vacancies, turnover, morale, and teacher feedback.
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