Campaign Phone
8039204285
Campaign Email
Drbranic4Richland2@gmail.com
Education
Doctor of Philosophy Business Management and Leadership, MBA and Bachelor of Arts
Qualifications
Brenda B. Branic, PhD, MBA, owner operator of B Branic Coaching and Consulting, holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management and Leadership, a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Employed in the banking and insurance industries for over 35 years she has held numerous leadership and management positions that enhanced her professional prowess. Brenda has served on a plethora of non-profit boards. While a Board member for City Year Columbia, she was awarded the coveted red jacket for her tenure and loyal service. Dr. Branic also served on the boards for Palmetto Hospice of Palmetto Richland Hospital, Girls Inc Columbia, Delta House Inc, The Edgewood Foundation, and Richland Library Friends and
Text books and school library books should be selected based on relevancy, facts, and proven successful learning activities. Teachers should be involved in the selection process for textbooks and should be allowed to determine which style is most conducive for his or her class. Textbooks are designed to enhance and teach curriculum alignment, subject expertise, and accurate historical perspectives. An inclusive work around could be to involve students in the selection process for both text books and library books; but at the very least have a student selection teams weigh in on library book selections. Library books are geared towards student interests, needs, and curriculum support; whom better to determine student interests but students.
Underserved students are often disadvantaged because of food insecurities. Free and reduced lunch has been resolved in other districts and should be revisited in District Two. Food insecurities are a huge problem with underserved students. Every student should be guaranteed two meals each learning day. When the stomach is not fed, the brain is not engaged in learning. Students react differently to hunger. Our assistance with reducing at least one problem students have, may assist with reducing behavioral problems. Additional behavioral specialists or school Psychologist would assist with understanding students’ needs, reduce behavioral problems, reduce recidivism and increase desired outcomes that are viewed as win/win situations.
Bill S.305 will increase teacher’s salaries which is an excellent start. Expansion of the rubric to include merit increases would incentivize teachers who are performing well. Credentials for teachers are threatened or even revoked when teachers want to leave one position for another. As a right to work state, teachers should be allowed to leave a position when there is a desire or a need to do so. Perhaps a caveat of not leaving during a semester could be included in a policy for transferring or quitting. Mental health should be promoted as equally as teacher contracts. Some educators have reported they leave the profession because teaching is the priority of political groups whose focus is not improving the quality of education.
Support the current Administration
Develop the budget to support transportation for students who participate in magnet programs
Promote access to read freely and get students involved in the book selection process
Increase salaries for classified employees (bus drivers, cafeteria workers, aides) to the national average
Increase the number of behavioral specialist / School Psychologist in each school which will decrease expulsion rates and school disruptions and reduce recidivism
Work to improve food insecurities for underserved students and provide equitable distribution of resources.
Campaign Phone
803-546-4772
Campaign Email
fdavis950@gmail.com
Education
Master's degree
Qualifications
Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Franklin P. Davis, a candidate for the Richland 2 School Board of Trustees for the upcoming election of 2024. Service to others has been my lifelong vocation. During my 22 years in the military, I worked in mental health and drug and alcohol to help my fellow service members heal and get them the help they needed to rebuild their lives. As a teacher, I got my start through the federal program Troops to Teachers, to get retired service members into public education. For the last 29 years, I have been in the classroom. For the last 29 years, I have been an advocate for all students.
YouTube Video
Who should select textbooks and school library books? There is a vetting process that textbooks go through. The state issues state standards and textbook companies write their textbooks to comply with those standards. There is an adoption process by the state. Upon completing that process, the state chooses textbooks to send out to the local school districts, allowing local schools to adopt their preferred textbooks. So, textbooks that are approved by the state are a non-issue at the local level. The only control they have is which textbook to adopt. The Media Center (library) is a different issue. Media specialists have gone through extensive education in the developmental level of the child, reading levels, and student interest besides the state standards. We must allow these professionals to do their job. We should not allow anyone without knowledge of the state standards and an under
The board is in place to serve the schools and community. We cannot do that with petty infighting. We must focus on the issues at hand and remove any personal feelings from our work. I would come to the board with a clear focus on student achievement and supporting our teachers. I have taught end-of-course classes, which impact the schools’ report cards. I have the ability to advise the board on how rigorous those courses are and on resources that are needed to help our teachers increase rigor in their classes, which will lead to higher test scores. The board needs to be more present in the schools. We must visit and go to the classrooms and see what our teachers are dealing with. How can you create policy and provide support when you have no idea what teachers are dealing with? If elected, I would be able to help board members understand what goes on in a class and what they are seeing
I applaud our district for increasing first-time teacher pay. It was long overdue and needed in order to attract new teachers. However, if you have taught in our public schools for more than 15 years, you only get a few hundred dollars more per year. This isn’t right. Then, veteran teachers are asked to mentor new teachers during their first year for a couple of hundred dollars (before taxes). This new teacher has received a sign-on bonus and a $13,000 raise in salary from what new teachers received last year. What about that is attractive to a veteran teacher? What reason does a veteran teacher have to stay? They could leave, go to another district and get a sign-on bonus of $3,000 to $5,000. If you were in the veteran teacher’s shoes, what would you do? Bonuses are great and we must do more to attract new teachers, but the large bonuses should go to the veteran teachers who stay, no
My top three priorities for the school board are cellphones in classrooms, chronic absenteeism of students and increasing teacher and faculty pay. The current board was aware of the state’s cellphone ban prior to the school year starting and they had no plan in place for teachers when they returned. Teachers have enough on their plates without having to cobble out a plan of how to deal with cellphones. This was the board’s responsibility, and since I have taught for over 20 years, I have an insight that would help the board deal with these issues that others running do not. Absenteeism is a huge problem in our district. We must do more to hold parents accountable for their child’s attendance.
Campaign Phone
8036268214
Campaign Email
Garydennis4rc@gmail.com
Qualifications
Please view my website for my bio.
A school district must strictly adhere to federal and state guidelines to ensure continued funding from government agencies at all levels. While there are ongoing efforts to modify these rules, it’s essential that we, as School Board Members, follow the established guidelines. If we find these rules unsatisfactory, it's everyones responsibility as voters to elect state and federal officials who will enact changes that affect what we must follow as a Local School Board.
Minimizing interruptions in schools is vital for effective learning, making it essential to address behavior issues within the district. Reducing disruptions—whether from safety concerns, policy violations, transportation challenges, or the impacts of poverty—is key. We must involve the community and build partnerships to offer support beyond the classroom. Ensuring students have access to technology and the necessary tools is also crucial for their success. By addressing these challenges, we can create a more focused learning environment and enhance educational outcomes for all students.
Our veteran teachers and staff are considering leaving because their pay isn’t being appropriately addressed. While the district has improved starting salaries, it has neglected our existing teachers and staff. I would prioritize reviewing and proposing salary adjustments to properly recognize and reward the experience and long-term dedication of our faculty and staff in the Richland Two School District. Additionally, I would focus on improving the overall atmosphere by addressing the discipline issues in our schools. Our teachers should be able to concentrate on teaching, not managing behavior problems.
My priorities for the Richland Two School Board are Safety, Education, and Transparency (SET). I will advocate for metal detectors in all schools and comprehensive drug education programs to enhance security and inform students. I am committed to supporting our faculty and staff by addressing salaries and recognizing their experience and dedication. I will also push for better behavior measures to maximize educational outcomes. Special needs students deserve personalized support, and I will ensure they receive it. Transparency is essential, and I will champion online tools to track district spending and projects. Every student should have a clear path to success, whether through trade skills or college.
Campaign Phone
8032002121
Campaign Email
puttingstudentsfirst2012@gmail.com
Education
Ed.D South Carolina State University
Qualifications
Currently serve as the Chairwoman on Richland 2 School Board, Retired Principal, National Professional Development Trainer
Textbooks and school library books should be selected by the educators who teach the content. They should guide their selection based on standards, feedback from colleagues, and input from students and parents.
I always advocate for all students. I know that we should offer courses, internships, student interest surveys, college visits, mentorship, etc. that will provide the opportunity for all students to be successful after high school; military, college or directly in the workplace
Teacher shortage can be addressed: Treat teachers like professionals,
Higher salary, training teacher cadets, partnerships with colleges, offering college tuition reimbursement, smaller classroom sizes, etc
When elected, my top priorities remain the same: School Safety, Increased Teacher Salary, offer diversity in CATE programs and Fiscal Responsibility
Campaign Phone
803-331-5542
Campaign Email
dionne@fleshmanforrichland2.com
Education
MBA - Mercer Univeristy 1999
Qualifications
Project Management Professional Certification, Senior Human Resouces Professional certification, Richland 2 Graduate, Mom of 2 Richland 2 Graduates
Textbooks should be selected based solely on the standards of the national curriculum that is represented by the subject. The information that needs to be provided to the students for them to be able to complete nationally and globally in those subjects should be top priority.
School Library books should be selected by teacher consensus with district budgets in mind for each age and grade level. Parents can have the opportunity to opt their children out of reading certain books, but the libraries should have all age-appropriate books available to students who would like to read them.
As a parent of a student with special needs, I was the primary advocate for his educational needs. I found that many parents don’t understand what the law actually says. The law is a mandate for the school systems to provide assistance, particularly to parents in helping to understand their child’s rights. Assisting parents in understanding will go a long way in getting the underserved populations of our schools more resources and more services. More parents would advocate more effectively if they knew what they were entitled to and could advocate for. Assisting the parents in becoming stronger advocates for their children is the best way to assist our underserved students in the district.
The first thing I would address regarding the teacher shortage are the wages of our incoming teachers. Our educators need to be making a living wage. In reviewing the pay scale for individuals with bachelor’s degrees from a post on the South Carolina Education Association’s website, in 2021-2022, the average starting teacher salary was $38,929. The minimum amount needed to earn a living wage in South Carolina is $45,477. Even with the recent increase to the salary minimum, starting educators are not paid a living wage.
To attract top talent and then to retain them, the initial wage must be one that can sustain the households of the persons looking at the jobs. Without a livable working wage, we loose top talent to other careers.
1. Ensure that all students receive a quality education that prepares them for the future, the academically gifted, the average student and the academically challenged.
2. Emphasize the importance of character, courtesy and commitment being reflected in leadership and as part of the educational process in Richland School District Two.
3. Strengthen the partnerships between the business community and the school district to help retain our best and brightest students, providing opportunities for students to be educated and trained in the community so that they remain here to work and make an impact in the community.
Campaign Phone
(803)730-0076
Campaign Email
McFaddenLashonda@gmail.com
Education
BA: Political Science/ Criminal Justice, East Tennessee State University; MPA: Education Leadership University of South Carolina, pending
Qualifications
Richland School District Two: Board Secretary (24-25), Chair Legislative Committee (23-24), Vice Chair Safety Committee (23-24), Board Legislative Contact (22-23); Washington County Department of Health and Human Services: Social Counselor II, H.U.G.S Nurse ( Help Us Grow Successfully), Families First Coordinator; Palmetto Health: Community Services Advocate, Teen Talk Program Facilitator
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Candidate has not yet responded.
Education
College
Qualifications
Richland School District 2 employee 17 years
Teachers should control the textbooks and Librarians should control the library.
Many of our parents are already struggling with the inflated cost of food. By maintaining a district wide policy of "free lunch" for all students we not only destigmatize the feeding of students, but we can help provide parents with much needed relief. We should not be rationing food to kids based on whether they are poor, middle-class, or rich. We educate kids, despite their socioeconomic status, race, disability, familiar status, etc. Therefore, we should not hesitate to feed all kids, despite the economic status of their families. This is not a radical idea but one of our shared values.
It is very disconcerting that there is a teacher shortage. When teachers graduate and start their careers, there is a false sense of what teaching entails. A teacher is expected to be teacher, parent, counselor, disciplinarian. There is excessive district level testing that takes away from teaching time. If teachers had more time to teach content and not shuffle paper for the district, maybe then more teachers would stay in the profession or come to it.
My first priority will be school safety, addressing teacher shortage and promoting success in the classroom.
Campaign Phone
803-470-4462
Campaign Email
brettforr2schoolboard@gmail.com
Education
Coastal Carolina University - Bachelor of Arts in History , Graduated 2007
Qualifications
Chairman - Coastal Carolina University Edwards College Board of Visitors , Past President - National Pan Hellenic Council at Columbia, Past State Director - Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity,Inc
Board Policy IJJ states that the first commitment in adopting textbooks is "the preservation of the students right to learn in an atmosphere of academic freedom". I agree with this statement. Textbooks should be selected that best documents and delivers the subject matter. Regarding school library books, I have a similar view. Books should be selected that represent the range of genres and views that exist in the literary environment.
My advocacy for underserved students would be multi-faceted. This includes identifying needs and reviewing current district programs for gaps. Collaborate to create targeted programs like tutoring or mentorships. Champion inclusion via teaching practices that address their documented needs. Partnering with the community and parents to create a surround network to reinforce district initiatives. Also, work with peer board members to reflect our commitment to the underserved with needed policy changes.
I would tackle teacher shortage by focusing on the holistic experience of the teacher. Teachers should exist in the arena of psychological safety. They should be valued and heard. We need to protect our teachers and create mentally and physically safe environments. In addition, partner with them in their professional development and create opportunities for them to advance their careers. The district should continue to prioritize recruitment of new teachers by partnering with our South Carolina colleges. I am an in favor of alternative certification, providing a path for working professionals to begin a career in education.
My top three priorities are ensuring our children receive a valuable education, fully supporting our teachers and staff, and engaging parents to be involved in the educational process. As a graduate of the district, the education I received continues to pay dividends in my personal and professional life, I want the same outcome for our students. Our teachers and staff are a critical and important piece in the school system, they should be valued as such. Parents are the stakeholders of the district, having an active parent group strengthens the district.
Campaign Phone
8038734468
Campaign Email
larrysmalls149@gmail.com
Education
Benedict College/ Midlands Tech
Qualifications
22+ years bank/finance
Books should be selected in a manner that promotes the educational needs and values of the community and considers age appropriateness without pornographic material.
Creating the best possible learning environment so that they can obtain the maximum opportunity to succeed. Providing the best possible resources to enhance learning, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and proper governance that represent the vision and values of our community.
Outside of pay, working with the superintendent to establish a more collaborative working environment between administration, support staff, and parents to increase teacher moral and to develop a healthy and vibrant school district.
Empowering student success for a bright future; striving for a more comprehensive parameters to ensure school safety; prioritizing classroom investments.
Campaign Phone
803-766-6157
Campaign Email
Shelley4d2@gmail.com
Education
BA, Spelman College Early-Childhood Education, M.Ed, Columbia College-Divergent Learning, M.Ed, Columbia College-Educational Administration and Leadership (K-12)
Qualifications
Mother, experienced educator, Certified Gifted and Talented instructor, Read to Succeed endorsed teacher, and Literacy Coach. Former Chair of the Richland Two Charter High School Board, member of the Richland Two Education Foundation, and proficient in managing and balancing multi-million dollar budgets. Skilled in building strong relationships and partnerships with the community.
Textbooks and school library books should be selected through a transparent, collaborative process that meets educational standards, promotes inclusivity, self-affirmation and supports student
growth. The process should include alignment with standards, formation of a review committee, stakeholder input, age appropriate content, encouragement of critical thinking, expertise of librarians and educators, and a regular review process. This process ensures that students are provided with resources that enhance their learning while reflecting the world around them.
To advocate for underserved students, I would focus on equitable resource allocation, ensuring access to advanced coursework, smaller class sizes, technology and reduction in homework. I’d push for expanded support services like counselors and mental health professionals to address non-academic challenges, and early intervention programs to close learning gaps. Advocating for an access for all curriculum and closing the digital divide is key. I’d engage parents and communities, use data to identify gaps, and push for policies that support educational equity. This holistic approach ensures every student has the opportunity to succeed.
To address the teacher shortage, key strategies include competitive teacher pay, offering loan forgiveness, and developing "grow-your-own" programs to create local teacher pipelines. Streamlining certification processes and offering mentorship/support can reduce burnout. Teacher residency programs, recruiting retired teachers or professionals from other fields also help. Improving school environments with manageable workloads and strong support systems is essential for retention.
If elected, my priority would be advancing educational equity to ensure all students, regardless of background, have access to quality education. I would focus on improving student outcomes by promoting inclusive policies and providing resources for every child to thrive, including those with learning differences. I would also advocate for teachers by supporting professional development and fair compensation, engage the community to foster student success, and ensure fiscal responsibility in funding educational initiatives and infrastructure.
