Javar Juarez (CUBNSC) Columbia, S.C.- The Wylie Kennedy Foundation hosted a Richland School Board Candidate Forum, featuring an engaging panel of candidates vying for seats on the Richland School District One Board of School Commissioners. Moderated by conservationist Deitra Matthews, the event highlighted the diverse perspectives of both incumbent and new candidates as they addressed the pressing issues facing the districts.
Notable attendees included City of Columbia Councilwoman Tina Herbert and incoming Richland County Councilwoman Tyra Little. Ms. Gwen Singletary, Executive Director of the Wylie Kennedy Foundation, opened the event with warm acknowledgments of the community leaders present, setting the stage for a discussion that would touch on education policy, leadership, and community engagement.
Candidate Introductions and Key Themes
Jamie Devine, an incumbent and former president of the South Carolina School Boards Association, led with his experience. "Leadership matters," he emphasized, underscoring the strategic plans developed under his watch to address the future needs of students. Devine leaned on his leadership record, including serving on national boards, and spoke about the importance of two-way communication with the community through programs like "Chat with the Chair." He was cautious about delving too deeply into specifics, citing the quasi-judicial role of board members.
Christa Williams, a local business owner, delivered a passionate rebuttal, stressing the need for courage, integrity, and a real connection with the community. "You can have a host of credentials, but you can't buy heart," she said, challenging the long-term incumbents for their perceived disconnect from the community. Williams highlighted the importance of transparency and ensuring that information reaches all parents, pointing to gaps in communication she’s observed firsthand.
Angela Brown, a former educator, framed her platform around trustworthiness and visionary leadership. Brown addressed disparities within Richland One, particularly in the 29203 area, and urged the board to adopt a bold approach to transforming underperforming schools. "We need to look at the data, be courageous, and make hard decisions," she said, emphasizing the need to support educators, many of whom are dealing with personal and professional stress.
Angela Clyburn focused on the need for investment in all classrooms, regardless of zip code or socioeconomic background. She warned of political forces seeking to undermine public education and advocated for greater community involvement. "We need someone in these seats who will advocate for what's truly needed in our classrooms," she said.
Addressing Teacher Shortages
One of the most pressing issues discussed was the over 200 certified teacher vacancies at the start of the school year. Richard Moore, an HR professional, called for proactive recruitment and retention efforts, including engaging with local colleges and universities. "We need to create an environment where teachers feel safe, supported, and challenged," he said, adding that current teachers should be empowered as the district’s best recruiters.
Clyburn echoed Moore's sentiments, noting that retired teachers were being invited back to fill gaps, while also pointing to the district’s teacher cadet programs aimed at developing future educators from within the student population. She highlighted a new initiative in the district, the "Teacher Think Tank," where teachers collaborate with administration to implement ideas for improving the school environment.
Angela Brown emphasized the need for a more efficient HR process, recounting personal experiences of slow hiring procedures that led to the loss of quality candidates. "If teachers don't feel respected or valued, they will leave," she said. John Black added that money alone wouldn’t solve the issue, calling for better benefits and more inclusion of teachers' voices in decision-making.
Steven Diaz, a Purple Heart recipient, took a direct approach, stressing the need for more transparency and a streamlined HR process. "Why are we waiting until 45 days into the school year to fill these positions?" he asked. Diaz called for external HR professionals to step in and fix the systemic issues.
Curriculum and State-Level Education Policies
The candidates were also asked how they would respond to state-level policies that negatively impact students, particularly the removal of the AP African American Studies course. Steven Diaz was firm in his stance, stating that board members should be willing to fight policies that distort history or harm students. "This is a hill to die on," he declared, emphasizing the need for leadership to stand up to harmful decisions.
Jamie Devine spoke about the board's response to the issue, revealing that they had already sent a letter to the Secretary of Education regarding the removal of both AP African American Studies and calculus courses. "As a Black man with Black children, I will always stand up for African American history," Devine said.
Christa Williams took a more forceful tone, criticizing politicians for creating division in education. "We can't hide from our history; we have to embrace it," she said, linking the removal of such courses to political agendas aimed at dividing communities. John Black added that it was ironic to see the course removed during Black History Month, calling it a blatant attempt to whitewash history.
Disciplinary Policies and School Safety
When it came to discipline, the candidates offered a range of views. Richard Moore advocated for a balanced approach that keeps students in school but provides alternatives like in-school suspension to maintain a learning environment. Clyburn pointed to Richland One's "R1 Champs" program, which involves community volunteers in mentoring and supporting students to prevent disciplinary issues.
Angela Brown, however, was critical of both in-school and out-of-school suspension, calling them ineffective if not properly managed. "Children need someone to talk to, not just be babysat," she argued, emphasizing the importance of personal relationships in addressing behavioral issues.
John Black, whose autistic child has behavioral challenges, spoke from personal experience about the need for compassionate support. "We need strong teachers who can handle these situations," he said, while praising the R1 Champs program for its role in helping students.
Epilogue
The Richland County School Board Candidate Forum provided an in-depth look at the various perspectives and priorities of those hoping to guide the future of the district. While incumbents like Jamie Devine leaned on their records of leadership, challengers such as Christa Williams and Steven Diaz called for a fresh approach focused on transparency, community involvement, and fighting against political overreach. As Election Day approaches, the voters of Richland County have much to consider in selecting the leadership that will shape the future of their schools.
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"Richland One School Board Face-Off: Candidates Battle It Out at Wylie Kennedy Foundation"
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