Exciting Changes Ahead for Lexington County: School Board Election Approaches

Exciting Changes Ahead for Lexington County: School Board Election Approaches

As the sunny autumn days roll on in Lexington, South Carolina, the local community is buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming school board election on November 5. This election marks a pivotal moment for the Lexington 1 School District, which serves around 27,000 students across a diverse region stretching from the beautiful shores of Lake Murray to the charming towns of Gilbert and Pelion.

Current Landscape

The Lexington 1 School District is gearing up for change. With the appointment of Superintendent-Elect Keith Price taking effect next summer, current Superintendent Gerrita Postlewait will be handing over the reins. This transition means that there could be as many as four new faces on the seven-member school board!

Among the current board members, Brent Powers and Anne Marie Greene, the chair, are stepping down this year, creating space for fresh perspectives. Competing to fill these crucial seats, we have a lively mix of seven challengers alongside incumbents Kathy Henson and Mike Anderson.

Meet the Candidates

Each candidate brings unique experiences and visions for the district. We begin with McKenzie Flashnick, a small business owner and involved community member, who believes in bringing financial oversight and policies aligning with community values back into the board’s hands. Her goal? To prioritize teacher and support staff retention to enhance student outcomes.

Kathy Henson, a current trustee and educator, aims to continue her advocacy for safety and resource allocation while pushing for a better salary schedule for teachers, ensuring they are compensated fairly for their invaluable work.

Then there’s Dana Homesley, who passionately co-founded a local advocacy group. She’s been vocal about fiscal responsibility, highlighting the need for equitable distribution of resources across schools, ensuring every child receives the quality education they deserve.

Running as well is Nicholas C. Pizzuti, who emphasizes supporting teachers and student needs above school desires, promising to keep transparency as a top priority—because parents deserve to know how their children’s education is being funded.

As a first-time candidate, Mariel Taylor draws from her background in education and aims to foster a supportive environment for teachers and students alike, especially focusing on fair resource allocation across the district.

There’s also David P. Terry, bringing a commitment to enhance fiscal transparency and ensure the district operates more efficiently while addressing concerns about budget mismanagement. He stresses the importance of allowing board members to have open conversations and listen to the community’s needs.

Then there’s Scott Whetstone, a former Lexington County Council member, whose experience in budgeting promises to bring a steady hand to the board. He aims to prioritize the needs and rights of parents and students while ensuring that the district’s spending aligns with its academic needs.

Shelton Yonce, a current Councilman, aims for a greater emphasis on community engagement and academic excellence, understanding the importance of listening to those involved in the education system—especially given the impending transition to a new superintendent.

A New Era of Leadership

A common thread among these candidates is the transition to the new superintendent, Dr. Price. Each of them recognizes the significance of ensuring this transition is seamless and understands the board’s role in supporting Dr. Price as he steps into his new role.

Voters certainly have a big decision to make. With a possible four new members, the direction of the Lexington 1 School District could shift dramatically, influencing how approximately 27,000 students will receive their education in the years to come.

Get Involved!

As the election approaches, community members are encouraged to stay engaged, learn about the candidates, and make their voices heard. After all, it’s the future of the children in Lexington County that’s at stake!

So, mark your calendars for November 5 and get ready to cast your vote. The future of education in Lexington County is ready for its next chapter, and you can be a part of it!