Orangeburg County School Board, District 1
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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Allean Davis
(NON)
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Betty Macon Pelzer
(NON)
Tell us about your background and your decision to seek this office.
What are the 3 most pressing issues in public education in the county, and how will you address them?
What specific changes would you prioritize to ensure that schools prepare students for a rapidly changing world?
Campaign Phone
8032902067
I have over 35 years of working with children, families, education and community service. My professional career has given me the opportunity to serve children and families from many different background and ethnicity, and to understand the challenges that can affect a child's ability to succeed. I am a retired Social Worker and School Counselor. My experience as a School Counselor has allowed me the opportunity to serve on the school's administrative team and participated in discussion and implementation of how to best use our resources and funding to help improve our students academic success in reading, writing and math. I decided to run for office because I feel our current representative is not listening to the voice of our community.
1. Student Academic Achievement in Reading
2. School Safety and Equitable Facilities
3. Fair Treatment, Due Process and Employee Retention
I would advocate for the district to identify and implement proven research-based literacy interventions, beginning in the early grades and continuing for students who need additional support in the middle school. On school safety regardless of the community they live in should follow the same safety protocol. Safety should also include the physical conditions of the school as well. All employees should be treated fairly. All grievances should be investigated thoroughly. Our educators have invested years education, training, money and professional experience preparing themselves to serve our children.
We must start first by listening to our student themselves. We should start early asking students about their interest, goals and the opportunities they believe would prepare them for life after high school. My priority would be to ensure that when our students leave our schools they leave with more than a high school diploma. They should have strong academic foundations, practical skills, and a clear pathway to college, a career, the military and entrepreneurship. I believe we should provide each student and families with a resource booklet during yearly Individual Graduation Plans (IGPs) that clearly explains the educational, career, training, scholarship and other opportunities available throughout our county and state.
Campaign Phone
8036647422
I, Betty Pelzer was born and raised in Holly Hill, SC. Attended the local public schools and was encouraged to attend Claflin College after high school graduation. I began my journey in the public schools as an educator at Vance Elementary. I received a Mastets degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lesley University and a Masters degree in Educational Leadership and Supervion from Western Governors University. I decided to become a teacher as a sixth grader. After pouring my heart and soul into my students for thirty-one years I felt I could do more for the children and the community. I wanted to run for the school board to move the system forward. I want to encourage people to see the possibilities for our children.
The three most pressing issues in public education today are 1. Staff Retention and Recruitment 2. Behavior Issues and 3. Lack of Communication.
You ask how will I address these issues and to be honest I am not sure. These are not new issues. When I look at staff Retention and Recruitment you must look at why people are opting to leave and you need a record. You must fix the problems or the same actions will keep happening. Unless you have trained specialists to deal with behavior problems, nothing will change. The usual consequences are not working for today's students. A lack of communication is causing a breakdown across the system. You need a clear, concise plan that is executed on every level.
A total system revamp. The system organizational structure is outdated. I never understood why I needed English I, II, III, and IV. A question I have been asking for years is why do we need 11th and 12th grades? But the changes must begin at the federal and state levels. Until the blueprint changes on those levels, I do not see productive meaningful changes happening on the local levels. Get out of that old box. Its a new day. The future is now.
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