Position Description: The board determines the operational budget, hires the superintendent, draws attendance zones, sets the calendar, and adopts policies for the board and district. The Orangeburg County school board is composed of nine members: seven are elected from single-member districts and two are elected at large. Board members serve 4-year terms.Election Information: The 2026 General Election will be held Tuesday, November 3.To find your Election Day polling location, go to: https://vrems.scvotes.sc.gov/Voter/Login?PageMode=PollingPlaceOr you can vote early during a 2-week early voting period at your County Voter Registration and Elections Office and other early voting locations Monday, October 19 - Saturday, October 31, 8:30 a.m.- 6:00 p.m except Sunday. See: https://www.scvotes.gov/early-votingOr you may be eligible to vote absentee by mail. For details on eligibility and how to submit your request, see: https://www.scvotes.gov/absentee-voting
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Candidate has not yet responded.
Deneathra Monique Butler is a native of Orangeburg, South Carolina. She is the proud daughter of Rev. Walter and Clara Butler. She was educated in the Orangeburg County School District. She knew that her teachers expected excellence from all of their students. Deneathra has always had a love for education. She believes that “All students can Learn” if given the proper tools. Deneathra is embarking on her twenty-seventh year in education. She has been a teacher, counselor, assistant principal, principal, and, she is now a Student Hearing and Placement Coordinator. Deneathra is running for Seat 9 because a change is needed now! Our students, teachers, and community stake holders need someone who will step up, stand up, and speak up.
The three most pressing issues in public education in our county consist of the following:
1. We must ensure that all students graduate career/ or college ready. The district must create a task force that will focus on creating career opportunities for all students. We must be willing to partner with all of the local colleges, universities, and business partners to maximize the number of students who are career pathway completers.
2. We must actively report the district's progress to the community and parents. We must host Town Hall Meetings and explain to parents how they can best help their child.
3. We must encourage an environment for innovative teaching and learning in all schools. We must listen to the experts in the classroom.
In order for our students to be prepared to compete locally and globally, we must do the following:
1. We must allow each school to have a time designated for remediation and acceleration daily. Allow retired teachers who are effective to work with our students to close the achievement gap in Reading and Math.
2. We must consistently expose our students to all sixteen career
clusters beginning in elementary school. We must take our elementary students on college and career tours.
3. We must actively listen to the experts in the classroom and provide the needed support each day.
4. We must meet parents where they are by providing parent engagement sessions that show them research based best practices to help their child.
Campaign Phone
8033787403
I am a proud native of Orangeburg with more than two decades of experience in the educational arena. Throughout my career, I have remained committed not only to academic achievement but also to the holistic development and overall well-being of every child.
My decision to seek this office is rooted in my belief in the students, educators, families, and communities of Orangeburg County. I have seen our schools operate at their highest level, and I know they have the potential to become a world-class model of educational excellence. I am seeking office to help unite our community around shared goals, strengthen support for our schools, and ensure every student has access to the opportunities and resources needed to succeed.
The three most pressing issues are inconsistent academic achievement, staffing and transportation shortages, and unequal access to modern facilities and educational resources. I will advocate for data-driven instruction, tutoring, early intervention, and expanded college and career pathways. I will support competitive compensation, mentoring, university partnerships, and incentives to recruit and retain teachers, support staff, and bus drivers. I will also promote transparent oversight of facility projects and equitable investments in technology, safety, fine arts, athletics, and advanced programs so that every student—regardless of ZIP code—has the opportunity to succeed.
I would prioritize literacy, mathematics, science, and communication while expanding technology, digital citizenship, and responsible AI instruction. Students need greater access to career and technical education, dual enrollment, internships, fine arts, and advanced courses. I would strengthen partnerships with colleges, businesses, and community organizations to connect learning with careers. Teachers must receive updated technology, professional training, instructional resources, and social-emotional support to thrive in the classroom. By promoting problem-solving, creativity, teamwork, financial literacy, and civic responsibility, we can prepare every graduate for college, the workforce, and lifelong learning.
