I am retired and have time, and consider education of our children to one of the most important things we can do. Our society and form of government depend on an educated citizenry. While our schools are excellent, there are areas where I believe improvements can be made.

Fiscal Accountability- in the last 5 years student population has increased by 3.2% while the budget has increased by 43.3%. Our school district has the highest millage rates in the county and second highest in the state. I will look for ways to get the budget under better control for the sake of the taxpayers. Support Teachers - we have excellent teachers, but we have problems with safety and order in the class rooms. As a board member I will support policies that make is easier for administrators and teachers to stop disruptive behavior. I support S.1060, a proposed bill that will make it much easier to removed students who are aggressive and threatening to other students and teachers. Empower Parents: H.4757

I am retired, have the time to devote to the work of the school board, recognize that education is the most important thing we can do, and I will work to maintain the excellence of the schools while watching out for the taxpayers.

I am seeking re-election as a School Board Trustee for Fort Mill School District to continue to make a difference for all students in public education.

1) Continuing to Close the Achievement GAP for All Learners 2) Retaining and Recruiting Highly Qualified Staff at all Levels 3) Advocating for Fully Funding Public Education before diverting public education funds elsewhere

I have a passion for education, being a voice for those that may have lost or haven't found their voice, and continuing to bring a balanced approach to the continued success of Fort Mill School District. It takes a strong team, with proven leadership, fiscal autonomy, and a true desire to make a difference for all learners. Everyone has a gift to give and share, mine has been public service always having Service Above Self as my focus. I have served my community as a trustee for the last 12 years and I look forward to providing 4 more years.

I am running for School Board in the Fort Mill School District because I want to give back to the school district that gave me so much. I enjoyed 34 years in this district as a teacher, coach, athletic director, assistant principal, and principal. I feel that I have the experience and leadership abilities to be a strong contributor to our board and school district. I have always believed that our students should be the first consideration when making a decision. The FM School District motto of "Children First" confirms my decision to run for this position.

I have several areas that I would consider my priorities and would work with others on the board and the district administration to cultivate and investigate these areas. 1. Growth- We should lobby the state of South Carolina and its legislators to look at how the state gives its funding to schools. Fort Mill's schools are not adequately financed by our state. 2. School environment and safety- We should seek all possible legal means to address Silfab Solar and its proximity to the Flint Hill campus. 3. Academic excellence and future readiness- All students need to learn how to learn, how to research, and how to think critically. AI creates a whole new ballgame for educators. Students need to be taught how to use it responsibly.

I have lived in Fort Mill for 38 years. I was an educator in the Fort Mill School District for 34 years. My three children went through the district schools and two of them are currently educators here. My wife was a teacher for 35 years in Fort Mill and is a Fort Mill native. My three grandchildren attend Fort Mill Schools, Jace at Catawba Ridge, Eisley at Fort Mill Middle, and Charlotte at Flint Hill Elementary. I have a vested interest in Fort Mill Schools and the community. I have been a part of the success that our district has experienced. I want to see that success continue. We don't need to rest on our laurels. If I am elected to our board, my hope is that we continue to seek methods and programs related to improvement.

I am running for re-election because I believe Fort Mill’s tradition of excellence is worth protecting and building upon. Over the last four years, I have worked to listen carefully, ask difficult questions, support our teachers and students, and make decisions based on what I believe is best for our district. I want Fort Mill Schools to continue setting a high standard academically while remaining fiscally responsible, transparent, and responsive to our community. I am proud of what our district has accomplished, but excellence requires us to never become complacent. I want to continue serving, challenging the status quo when necessary, and helping ensure our schools remain among the very best.

My top three priorities are academic excellence, supporting our teachers and staff, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. First, I will continue focusing board decisions on student achievement and preparing students for multiple paths after graduation. Second, I will advocate for reducing unnecessary burdens on teachers, protecting their instructional time, and making sure compensation and resources remain competitive. Third, I will continue carefully reviewing budgets and asking whether spending directly benefits students and classrooms. I also believe transparency matters, and I will continue asking questions publicly, listening to parents and employees, and holding district leadership accountable.

For the past four years, I have tried to approach every decision independently and thoughtfully rather than simply going along with the majority. I am a parent with children in our schools, an active member of this community, and a current trustee who understands both the opportunities and challenges facing our district. I believe board members should listen, ask hard questions, be responsible with taxpayer dollars, support excellent teachers, and keep students at the center of every decision. My commitment for another term is the same: to be accessible, transparent, prepared, and willing to make difficult decisions while continuing to pursue excellence for Fort Mill Schools.

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I am running for office for my kids. They inspire me everyday to do and be my best. My focus is on continuing excellence in the district. I’m running for every student in the district to be seen, heard and supported.

My top three priorities are: MELISSA’S PRIORITIES

Students/Teachers First — Keep the focus on learning and student success, while supporting teachers, students. Fiscal Responsibility — Protect taxpayer dollars and demand a balanced budget. Parents’ Voices Matter — Listen to parents and respect their role in their children’s education.

Someone should vote for me if they want honest, authentic, accountable leadership. I want to be the board member that any member of the community can come to and ask questions and get honest answers. The status quo is not currently working and change is needed.

I am running because our district needs a teacher’s perspective. I have experience implementing policy and we need to have that voice at the table.

I still believe we have work to do on teacher retention and recruitment although I am proud of the work we have done in the time I have been serving.

I would like to see a change in the formula for funding our schools to remove some of the burdens on our taxpayers.

I would like to see us increase career pathways for students who do not want to pursue a higher education degree.

I am in this for the students. I believe in the continued success of our school district and I will be motivated by gratitude and not grievance. I think voters can trust that my decisions will be thoughtful and will be based on what I believe will provide the best student outcomes.