Big Decisions Ahead for Newberry as Candidates Rally for School Board Election

Big Decisions Ahead for Newberry as Candidates Rally for School Board

In beautiful Newberry, South Carolina, the excitement is in the air as residents prepare for the upcoming General Election. With just a few weeks left until the November local and state elections, folks around town are gearing up to make informed choices, especially when it comes to the school board.

Meet the Candidates

In particular, we’ve got an interesting race shaping up in District One of the county’s school board. Incumbent Ike Bledsoe is making a bid to continue his service, boasting over 15 years as a member of the board. His past experiences include 12 years as the mayor of Whitmire and 16 years on the school board, which he believes have armed him with the knowledge needed for the role.

“My desire was to make Newberry County as good as we could make it in public education,” Bledsoe shared. He recognizes the challenges that come with being an elected official, “I had to find out when I got into public office that I’m only one vote. I’m one person, and I have to advocate for what I want in such a way that I can bring enough people with me to make it a policy,” he explained. This grassroots approach is something he believes is essential while serving on the school board.

Bledsoe isn’t running unopposed, though! He’ll be facing off against Travis Grimsley, a first-time candidate and owner of Grimsley Iron Works, a welding shop located on Highway 34 in Pomaria. Grimsley has stepped up to the plate, encouraged by parents in the district who’ve urged him to run after hearing him speak at recent school board gatherings. “It’s like people overlook school boards so much because it’s ‘just’ a school board position. But that’s seven people in this county that collectively set policies that govern the way your children are introduced to their education,” he noted passionately. “That’s pretty big!”

Shared Goals, Different Focuses

While both candidates are on the same page about some key priorities—like advocating for teachers, boosting teacher pay and retention, and enhancing safety measures within schools—they differ in what they want to tackle first. Grimsley wants to mend the perceived rift between elected members, parents, and teachers. Acknowledging the hesitance of some teachers to voice their concerns, he often says, “A lot of teachers I talk to feel they can’t voice complaints without fearing retaliation. If they don’t feel comfortable bringing up an issue with the school board, that leads back to broken communication.”

On the flip side, Bledsoe emphasizes the importance of fair funding for public education throughout South Carolina. He recently reflected on a significant SC Supreme Court ruling, voicing his concerns about private schools’ impact on public education funding. “I think one of the threats I’ve seen right now is the threat to public education from private schools. I hope advocates of public education realize how much of a threat that is,” he elaborated. “Once that foot gets in the door, the most vulnerable public educated children will be the first to lose.”

Get Ready to Vote!

As the countdown continues, it’s vital for residents in Newberry to engage with these candidates and understand their visions for the future of education within the community. Election Day is set for November 5, and those looking to make their voices heard can find the most convenient polling places by checking local resources.

Whether you’re supporting veteran leadership or looking for fresh ideas, every vote counts in shaping the future of education in Newberry County. Let’s get ready to make some informed decisions!