Candidate has not yet responded.

Candidate has not yet responded.

Candidate has not yet responded.

Candidate has not yet responded.

Candidate has not yet responded.

Candidate has not yet responded.

The biggest challenge facing public education right now in my opinion is the struggle to find a balance between parental control and maintaining a broad and inclusive curriculum.

I believe that the district should improve safety for students and teachers by implementing metal detectors at the entrance of all schools.

The State Department of Education is essential to helping each district perform well in that the funding that is provided to schools and the curriculum that is taught comes from the state down.

The biggest challenge impacting public education is hiring and retaining quality teachers and staff members. There are many factors that are increasingly making this effort to recruit and retain staff challenging such as the current political climate which has pulled public education into cultural wars, the competitive job environment where school staff can find work outside of the field making more money while putting in less hours, and the overall accountability and mandates coming into the classroom from state agencies. As a current FMSD Trustee, I have been actively involved in the strategic planning process to help mitigate these challenges and work to creatively find ways to recruit and retain our great staff.

Safety is always the most important thing we need to consider as a district with every decision we make for our students, staff, and our schools. As a former building principal and current Trustee, I've advocated for school safety personnel positions that continuously look at opportunities to make our schools safer. Additionally, they work on grants and provide feedback on budgeting so our schools can be outfitted with state-of-the-art and constantly improving safety measures. Collectively with building level staff, they work to provide training and drills that will make day-to-day operations safer in our schools. Safety preparation can never be static in our schools, and we must continuously strive for daily improvement.

The State Department of Education provides oversight and mandates to all public school districts in the state of South Carolina. As a state entity, the Fort Mill School District is bound by law and funding to adhere to guidance provided by the state and state agencies. As a Trustee, advocacy is the most important role I have in oversight to our well performing district. If there are things we disagree with as a district, elevating these concerns to lawmakers who can impact change is paramount. I must also understand the mandates and requirements coming from SCDOE and work with district administration to help our staff through budgeting and support in challenges they might face.

The biggest challenge currently impacting public education is the teacher shortage in the U.S. We all recognize the critical role that dedicated teachers play in student success. However, with teachers leaving the profession at an alarming rate, we face a growing crisis that threatens the quality of education in our schools. Addressing this shortage is essential to ensure every student has access to experienced and passionate educators who can support their academic and personal growth. Without urgent action, our schools and students will face significant setbacks. That’s why addressing this issue will be one of my top priorities if I am elected.

To enhance safety in our public schools, our district should continue building on existing measures like police presence, crisis apps, and security systems. Additionally, we must focus on providing consistent support for both students and staff. It’s crucial to encourage parents to actively engage and address any concerning behavior in their children. By fostering a collaborative approach among schools, families, and the community, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for everyone.

The State Department of Education should set clear standards for what must be taught each year but allow well-performing districts the autonomy to decide how to deliver this content. Providing teachers with unpacking documents to clarify these standards is essential, but teachers should retain the flexibility to design engaging and effective lesson plans. Collaborative planning within teams allows educators to tailor their approaches to their students' needs while meeting state objectives. This balance ensures both adherence to educational standards and the freedom to innovate in teaching methods.

Candidate has not yet responded.

Candidate has not yet responded.

Candidate has not yet responded.