Lexington County School Board: Dana Homesley Running for Change
Lexington, SC – As the countdown begins for the upcoming General Election on November 5, 2024, the race for a seat on the Lexington County School District One’s Board of Trustees is heating up. One of the candidates making waves is Dana Homesley, a passionate advocate for education and a mother determined to make a difference in her community.
Who is Dana Homesley?
Growing up in Irmo and settling in Lexington since 2011, Dana has deep roots in the area. A proud graduate of Clemson University, she majored in History and minored in Political Science. Married to her college sweetheart, David, for nearly 18 years, Dana is the mother of two young children currently attending Lexington Elementary. In her spare time, she actively participates in the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), serves on the School Improvement Council, and is part of the Moms in Prayer group.
Why is She Running?
Her decision to run for school board came after attending various board meetings and noticing a troubling trend. “These meetings are divisive, and there’s a clear lack of trust between the public and the members elected to represent them,” said Homesley. After spending three years attending these meetings and learning about school governance, Dana felt compelled to act when she realized that many questions from herself and other parents went unanswered.
An Advocate for Transparency
Dana views herself as a voice for those who feel overlooked. “I don’t consider myself a politician. This is my first time running,” she noted. She was prompted to run after her own experiences of having her microphone cut off during public participation at meetings and witnessing a disconnect between the board and community members.
Through her efforts, Dana has become highly informed on various school board policies, often using Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to gather crucial data. For instance, she uncovered that the costs for a transportation facility were set to triple from $3 million to $9.5 million before the public was informed. Furthermore, Dana revealed that certain employees received significant raises, raising questions about budget priorities.
Her Vision for Education
Dana expressed her intentions clearly: “I will not support any tax increases in light of our substantial yearly surpluses. I want to ensure that our custodians, food service workers, and instructional assistants receive a livable wage.” She pointed out that many essential roles within schools are difficult to staff because these workers can find more favorable conditions in other industries, like fast food chains.
She emphasizes that educational quality should not differ based on location. “Schools in Pelion, Gilbert, and White Knoll deserve access to a high-quality education just as our schools here in Lexington do,” Dana insisted. Her goal is to advocate for all students, especially those in underrepresented areas of the district.
A Call for Community Engagement
Dana believes that the school board’s focus should always center around the question: “What is best for our students?” She noted that many board members seem more invested in self-promotion than addressing community needs. “Too often, it feels like when we offer opinions, the response is, ‘When we want your opinion, we’ll ask for it,’” lamented Homesley. She aims to challenge that notion by facilitating more direct communication between the board and citizens.
The Road Ahead
As the election approaches, Dana is set on a mission filled with resolve: “When I’m elected, I will prioritize transparency and proper policy-making. It’s my commitment to ensure that our community stays informed and engaged.” Her dedication to advocating for citizens and ensuring they have a voice in their education system reflects her profound belief in community collaboration.
To connect with Dana and learn more about her campaign, you can visit her website at www.HomesleyForLexington1.com and follow her on social media. Dana is determined to make her mark, and it’s clear she is ready for the challenge!
