Lexington County School District One Elections: Dana Homesley Steps Up to the Plate
LEXINGTON, SC – As the countdown to the General Election on November 5th begins, the spotlight shines on Dana Homesley, who is making a spirited bid for one of the four available seats on the Lexington County School District One’s Board of Trustees. Homesley’s journey is rooted in a quest for accountability and transparency—qualities she believes are essential for the trust between parents, students, and the school board.
Why Now?
With two board members stepping down and another two up for re-election, Homesley felt it was the perfect time to throw her hat in the ring. She reflects on her motivation: “After attending multiple school board meetings, I was struck by how divisive and unresponsive these gatherings were. There seems to be a lack of trust from the public towards the board.” And she isn’t alone in this sentiment. Many parents have echoed her concerns, hoping for a collaboration instead of a confrontational approach.
A Local Advocate
While Homesley hails from Irmo, she has made Lexington her home since 2011. With a degree in History and a minor in Political Science from Clemson University, she boasts both academic credentials and practical experience. As a hands-on mom with a third grader and a kindergartner at Lexington Elementary, she’s actively involved in the school community as the PTA secretary and a member of both the School Improvement Council and the Moms in Prayer group.
The Drive for Change
Over the past three years, Homesley has diligently attended board meetings to learn the ins and outs of school board governance. However, her experience hasn’t been entirely positive; she describes leaving meetings more confused than informed. In her own words, “I don’t consider myself a politician. This will be my first time voting on a board, but I believe that our community needs a voice. Someone needs to stand up for the parents and students!”
Transparency Advocated
Homesley has taken matters further by filing numerous Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. This has revealed some surprising facts, including a staggering increase in the anticipated cost for a transportation facility—from $3 million to nearly $10 million—taking board members by surprise during votes labeled as “urgent.” Additionally, she uncovered salary raises for certain district employees that she felt needed to be shared with the public.
Quality of Education Across the Board
Amidst her advocacy for fiscal responsibility, Homesley champions equitable access to quality education. She emphasizes the need for schools in areas like Pelion, Gilbert, and White Knoll to receive the same attention and resources as schools located in more affluent parts of Lexington. “Education shouldn’t be a privilege—it should be a right, and that means paying everyone a livable wage and ensuring proper staffing in all our schools,” she insists.
Endearing Community Spirit
Homesley is not shy about her intentions. She pledges to prioritize listening to community voices, stating, “Board members need to continually ask, ‘What’s best for our students?’ and ‘How can we improve our communication with staff and parents?’” Her approach is straightforward: “If elected, I won’t just sit back and ignore the community. I will actively follow up with parents and staff who express their concerns during meetings.”
Looking Toward November
The commitment she shows today is just the beginning. “I’m ready to stand for fiscal transparency and ensure that our community remains informed. Our children deserve board members that truly advocate for them. I am dedicated to the idea that our schools should foster an environment of trust and open communication,” Homesley concludes passionately.
As we edge closer to election day, it’s evident that Dana Homesley is not just another name on the ballot; she’s a dedicated voice for her family, community, and all the students in Lexington County. For more information on her campaign and mission, be sure to check out www.HomesleyForLexington1.com.
