COLUMBIA, S.C. – Controversy Brews Over Campaign Mailers in Lexington Richland Five School District
Residents of the Lexington Richland Five School District recently received some eye-catching mail that has stirred quite the conversation among parents and community members. The mailers featured prominent candidates for the school board alongside bold text proclaiming, **“It’s time to put parents back in the driver’s seat.”** However, it’s what’s on the flip side of the flyer that has folks talking—a photo of teacher Mary Wood, who found herself at the center of a heated debate last year.
The mailers are backed by a political action committee known as **Defeating Communism**, which operates from Ohio. On the flyer, you can see current board member Catherine Huddle alongside candidates Ken Loveless and Jason Baynham. Interestingly enough, records show that both Loveless’s wife and Baynham made notable donations to the PAC just last month—$1,000 from Baynham and a whopping **$14,000** from Loveless’s wife. Huddle, on the other hand, did not contribute financially.
Baynham Addresses the Controversy
In response to the uproar surrounding the mailer, Jason Baynham released a statement clarifying his stance. He noted that while he contributed to an organization meant to support his campaign, he had no knowledge of what would be published. “I do not condone attacks, printed or verbal against anyone,” Baynham continued, emphasizing that he has focused on running a positive campaign since the beginning of the year.
Huddle’s Reaction
Catherine Huddle echoed similar sentiments, asserting that she has no connection to the PAC in question. **“Any distractions to the campaign are unfortunate,”** she expressed in a recent Facebook post. This sentiment resonates with many who believe that the focus should remain on the key issues affecting the schools rather than getting bogged down in political drama.
Mary Wood and the Backlash
Mary Wood, the focus of the mailer’s controversy, was already familiar with the spotlight after a dispute last year surrounding a book she used to teach about race. School officials had prohibited the use of that specific material over concerns it might violate a law against teaching critical race theory. Now, with her image showcased on these politically charged flyers, Wood is understandably alarmed. “By doing this mailer, it puts a lot of people potentially in harm’s way,” said Sherry East, the president of the South Carolina Education Association, who represents Wood.
Wood did not give permission for her photo to be used, and she has voiced serious concerns for her safety and that of her children after receiving threats in the past. **“That all kind of died that year, and this year she taught the book with no problems, and has been teaching the book since then without any issues,”** East explained. Now, just as things seemed to settle, Wood finds herself thrust into the narrative of a **“communist”** agenda in South Carolina.
School District’s Position and Security Measures
The school district has stated that they are not aware of any documented threats against Wood. Nevertheless, they have affirmed that they are working with the district’s security team and the School Resource Officer at Chapin High School to ensure the safety of both staff and students.
Candidates Reflect on the Situation
While seeking insights from all candidates involved, both Huddle and Baynham have made public statements. Huddle pointed out that she has no connection to the PAC and that it’s quite unfortunate that such a distraction is occurring during such a crucial election period. Loveless shared that he is also not involved with the PAC and has remained focused on the key issues at hand, despite the noise surrounding the mailer.
As the election approaches, it is clear that residents of Columbia will be keeping a close eye on how this developing story unfolds. The stakes are high for candidates and residents alike, and many hope that the focus can return to the essential matters that will ultimately shape the future of their school district.
