West Columbia and Cayce School Board Election: A Chance for Change?
As the big day approaches on November 5th, excitement is buzzing in West Columbia and Cayce. A majority of seats on the Lexington 2 school board could welcome new faces, with nine candidates vying for four seats. This election presents a significant opportunity for voters to choose representatives who will oversee a school district that serves nearly 9,000 students across two high schools, Airport and Brookland-Cayce.
Meet the Candidates
Among the candidates, we find both incumbents and challengers, each bringing their own unique backgrounds, hopes, and priorities to the table. Notable among the current board members are Abbott “Tre” Bray and Liz Chitty Castles, who are both actively participating in this election. However, while they echo similar commitment to improving the school system, their specific approaches vary widely.
Let’s take a closer look at what some of the candidates have to say about their visions for the district! Since one challenger, Ivan Earle, couldn’t be reached for comment, we’ll focus on others who shared their thoughts on priorities and challenges.
Priorities for a Better School District
One candidate, a 66-year-old director at Dominion Energy, expressed that after seeing the positive impacts of educators firsthand, they aimed to promote academic rigor and career readiness in schools. By establishing partnerships with local businesses for internships and ensuring adequate support for teachers, they hope to enhance the educational experience.
Then there’s a 74-year-old retired educator with experience on the State Board of Education. They believe in fostering unity among board members while prioritizing the needs of students. Their goal? To listen and act upon community feedback when shaping policies.
A 40-year-old national program manager for DysTech Education highlighted the need for reform, emphasizing that our students deserve better. They focus on implementing a comprehensive cellphone policy to minimize distractions and suggesting innovative ways to improve classroom management.
Another candidate, a 71-year-old Holocaust educator, emphasized improving literacy rates and ensuring transparency about educational materials. They recognize that many students currently find themselves behind in essential subjects and see a united front as crucial in helping address this issue.
The Controversial Book Conversation
A significant topic that has made waves in the district centers around restricting access to controversial books. Different candidates shared varying perspectives on this hot button. One candidate stressed the need for age-appropriate materials that foster learning and creativity, advocating for a multi-tiered approval process involving educators, parents, and community members.
Meanwhile, another candidate approached the issue from a more fundamental angle: they believe curricula should not include any content that could be classified as vulgar or inappropriate for students, saying it’s crucial to maintain a focus on what genuinely benefits academic growth.
Ultimately, the candidates all seem to agree on one thing—having an open and transparent dialogue about educational materials is vital moving forward.
What’s Next for the Candidates?
With election day fast approaching, the atmosphere is electric as the candidates continue to articulate their positions. Each of them aims to demonstrate not only commitment to their students but also to bring fresh perspectives on challenges facing the district. Several candidates want to see resources dedicated to informing parents about support plans for students with special needs and to improve the overall environment within classrooms.
Voters in West Columbia and Cayce have an exciting opportunity ahead of them. The voices selected come November will shape the future of local education—impacting thousands of lives and potentially transforming the district for the better. With diverse backgrounds and visions at play, it’ll be interesting to see which candidates resonate most with the community.
The community has a chance to be part of this pivotal moment, with each vote counting more than ever!
