Lexington County Schools Prepare for Upcoming Elections

News Summary

Lexington County voters are gearing up for the upcoming school board elections scheduled for November 5, with nine candidates competing for four positions on the Lexington 2 board. This district, serving nearly 9,000 students, encompasses well-known high schools like Airport and Brookland-Cayce. The candidates bring diverse backgrounds and priorities as they seek to influence the educational future of the community, emphasizing academic rigor, safety, and student needs. With significant community investment indicated by recent bond approval, the excitement builds as voters get ready to make impactful choices for their schools.

Exciting Times for Lexington County Schools as New Election Season Kicks Off

Lexington County is buzzing as voters gear up to select new members for their school boards during the upcoming elections, slated for November 5. With nine candidates vying for four coveted spots on the Lexington 2 school board, the stakes are high for anyone who cares about the educational future of their nearly 9,000 students enrolled in the district. This district proudly includes the popular Airport and Brookland-Cayce high schools, which are known for their spirited school communities.

Candidates with Varied Backgrounds

Among the contenders are some familiar faces, including incumbents Abbott ‘Tre’ Bray and Liz Chitty Castles, along with several new challengers who are eager to voice their visions. The candidates have different priorities reflecting their backgrounds and experiences, aiming to shape the school landscape in a way that benefits students and families alike.

A standout candidate is Craig Aull, 66, who brings a wealth of experience from his role as the Director of Operations Support at Dominion Energy. A proud alumnus of Clemson University with a B.S. in Administrative Management and an MBA from the University of South Carolina, he believes in pushing for academic rigor and career readiness. He also champions support for English speakers of other languages, emphasizing this demographic’s importance in today’s educational environment.

Simple Solutions for Big Issues

Another candidate, Buddy Harris, aged 74, is a retired professional who aims to foster consensus among board members. He insists that focusing on students’ needs is paramount for a thriving school system. Representing a wealth of experience, his approach seeks harmony and collaboration for the benefit of the community.

Turning our gaze to Abbott ‘Tre’ Bray, the 40-year-old National Program Manager for DysTech Education, he emphasizes improving student outcomes. Bray proposes the introduction of a comprehensive cellphone policy alongside tackling classroom disruptions while looking into the idea of a modified year-round school. His pragmatic solutions may just resonate with parents and educators alike.

Fostering Growth and Support

Charlotte Lentz, aged 71 and a Holocaust educator, is another candidate whose priorities involve enhancing academic outcomes and a strong push for early literacy initiatives. She believes that transparency with parents is key to a successful educational journey. Meanwhile, Mary Burkett, who has served on the school board since 2020, places emphasis on social mobility for at-risk students while ensuring that the budget remains economically responsible.

Meanwhile, candidate Brian Habing, 53, works as an Associate Professor of Statistics and his primary goals include strengthening special education services. He also hopes to improve communication channels with non-English speaking parents, a crucial demographic in today’s diverse classrooms.

Safety and Involvement Matter

Cliff Springs, 43, who works as the Director of Facilities and Operations for a neighboring school district, aims to prioritize school safety while also being an advocate for teacher support and district growth. He envisions a collaborative approach toward making selections for educational materials by including input from parents and the wider community.

Community Involvement is Key

It’s noteworthy that the bond referendum recently passed in the Lexington-Richland Five district, receiving a remarkable 70% voter approval for $240 million aimed at funding school building projects. This shows that the community is deeply invested in the future of their schools.

With more than 140,000 ballots expected to be cast in this month’s election, the excitement is palpable. Lexington County voters are ready to make their voices heard, as they decide who will join the ranks of those shaping their children’s educational experiences. As election day looms closer, it’s clear that these candidates are ready to roll up their sleeves and work toward the betterment of the Lexington 2 school district.