Lexington-Richland 5 School Board Race Heats Up Ahead of November Elections
As the excitement builds approach the upcoming elections, voters in Lexington-Richland 5 are gearing up for another pivotal school board race, perhaps one of the most influential events shaping the education future for around 17,000 students in the Chapin-Irmo area. The stakes are high, and the atmosphere is electric, especially considering the last cycle’s tensions that left the last board seat decided by a mere 16 votes.
A Turbulent Past
Two years ago, the board was engulfed in controversies over COVID-19 policies, a surprise superintendent departure, and even a string of lawsuits and ethics charges. At that time, one candidate likened the political clashes to the infamous feud between the Hatfields and McCoys. However, candidates in this year’s race seem eager to focus on unity and positive change.
Current Landscape of Candidates
This election marks a significant transition as both Chairwoman Rebecca Blackburn Hines of Lexington County and Vice Chairman Matt Hogan of Richland County have opted not to seek reelection after serving a single term. The positions are now up for grabs, with a mix of familiar faces and new contenders ready to step into the limelight.
Incumbents and New Faces
Among the candidates vying for the Lexington County seat is incumbent Catherine Huddle, seeking a second term alongside Ken Loveless, a former board member who narrowly lost last election, and Scott Herring, another unsuccessful candidate from 2022. On the Richland County side, it’s a contest between Jason Baynham, owner of a landscaping company, and Mike Ward, a cybersecurity entrepreneur.
Candidate Insights
Let’s take a closer look at each candidate and their goals!
Scott Herring
Age: 51
Occupation: Professor of Music, University of South Carolina
Herring, the only candidate with direct education experience, is passionate about serving both as an educator and a parent. His priorities include recruiting top teachers, ensuring school safety, and increasing equity across the district. Herring believes the current board functions better than before and aims to maintain a productive and collaborative environment. He supports the district’s $240 million bond referendum to address pressing infrastructure needs.
Catherine Huddle
While Huddle hasn’t directly responded to recent inquiries, her previous comments indicate a focus on community engagement and effective governance. Her continued presence may bring stability to the board.
Ken Loveless
This former board member has not yet publicly outlined his campaign priorities but will likely lean on his past experiences to shape his campaign.
Jason Baynham
As a landscaping business owner, Baynham has been involved in various school improvement committees and is dedicated to enhancing the school environment for students. More details on his campaign priorities are awaited.
Mike Ward
Age: 39
Occupation: Entrepreneur, Turtle Creek Concepts LLC
Ward emphasizes the importance of health and safety within the schools and supporting our teachers with the necessary resources. He is also an advocate for stronger connections between schools and communities. Like Herring, he is in favor of the bond referendum and aims to ensure transparency and proper spending if elected.
A Future to Shape
The Lexington-Richland 5 school board race certainly shapes up to be an exciting one, not just for the candidates but for all community members interested in the quality of education. As November approaches, the promise of change is in the air, and vigor surrounds the discussions on how to create a supportive and thriving environment for our students.
As the community reflects on the past and looks toward the future, one thing is clear: this election has the potential to redefine the educational landscape in Lexington-Richland 5, supporting the idea that a cohesive board can lead to positive outcomes for teachers, students, and families.
