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School Trustee Spartanburg District 2 {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

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  • Candidate picture

    Connie Banks
    (Non)

  • Candidate picture

    Sarah C. Butler
    (Non)

  • Candidate picture

    David B. Cantrell
    (Non)

  • Candidate picture

    David Garner
    (Non)

  • Candidate picture

    Michael Steve Hammett
    (Non)

  • Candidate picture

    Scott W. Kimbrell
    (Non)

  • Candidate picture

    Matthew Schubeck
    (Non)

  • Candidate picture

    Jason Seay
    (Non)

  • Candidate picture

    Joshua C. Steadings
    (Non)

Biographical Information

What was your deciding factor to run for School Trustee?

What are the top 2-3 strengths you see in your school district?

What roles, if any, should school districts fill for dealing with social issues such as hunger, poverty, emotional illness or drug abuse?

How should a parent's complaint about a lesson plan, curriculum or book impact policy and personnel for the school or district? Please explain your rationale.

Video Responses (optional)

Contact Name Dr. Connie D. Banks
Campaign Phone 8649094194
Campaign Email Bankscd2@gmail.com
Qualifications in Brief As a recently retired educator with 40+ years’ experience, my desire in running again for District 2 School Board is to give back to the community that so graciously provided an opportunity for me to teach (20+ years in D2) as well as educated my two
contactphone (864) 9094194
As a recently retired educator with 40+ years’ experience, my desire in running again for District 2 School Board is to give back to the community that so graciously provided an opportunity for me to teach (20+ years in D2) as well as educated my two children and grandsons. My personal educational insight and experiences will provide value as we seek to ensure all students are graduate college and career ready and acknowledge the needs of the D2 staff.
The top 2-3 strengths I see in Spartanburg District 2 are- 1. With the recent improvements to facilities, I feel we are moving in the right direction. We recently added additional security features to middle and high schools with plans for other schools on the horizon. 2. Promoted milestones in D2 Academics-Best of the Best in South Carolina; advocated on improving the Fine Arts and Athletic programs, and amplified D2 early childhood education in addition to curriculum and professional growth for educators. 3. Zeroed in on recruitment and retention of high-quality teachers with increase of pay and incentives
Currently at the top of my lis is concern for the mental health of students and staff. With the fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic continually impacting schools, districts are lacking resources and qualified personnel to address these needs. We are seeing mental health issues in educational setting never before experienced. Safety, hunger, poverty, drug abuse and emotional illnesses are all factors affecting schools. Educators are not equipped to handle all. Building lasting relationships with students, peers and parents are essential building blocks for academic success. The pandemic handicapped relationships which in turn has disrupted academic learning. To be able to strengthen learning, mental health must be at the top of the list.
It is vital for all parental concerns be addressed. As a parent, my first avenue is to meet face to face with the teacher and discuss concerns while listening to their explanation. Most concerns may only require an explanation with supporting evidence. If needed the second line is to schedule a meeting with the school adminstrator and teacher to express concerns. Again, all parties should be involved to ensure collaboration. If resolution is not achieved at this level, a meeting with all parties, including district level administration should be scheduled.
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