West Columbia and Cayce Schools Face Leadership Change as Election Approaches

West Columbia and Cayce Schools Set for Election Shake-Up

As the November 5 election approaches, residents of West Columbia and Cayce are gearing up for what could be a significant change in leadership for the Lexington 2 school board. With four seats up for grabs, nine candidates are in the running, including incumbents Abbott ‘Tre’ Bray and Liz Chitty Castles, who currently serves as vice-chair. This board oversees a district that serves nearly 9,000 students across various schools, including Airport and Brookland-Cayce High Schools.

Candidate Insights on Educational Priorities

The candidates recently shared their thoughts and priorities concerning key issues facing the district, especially regarding the ongoing debates over the accessibility of controversial books. Each candidate has unique experiences and insights on how to navigate these challenges, which have caught the attention of parents and community members alike.

A Better Future for Students

Among the candidates is a 66-year-old operations support director from Dominion Energy, who believes in the power of educated minds. He stresses the importance of academic rigor and believes enhancing reading levels in elementary schools is crucial. His vision also includes career readiness, advocating for locality partnerships to shape programs that will prepare students for the workforce better. Another candidate, a retired educator now aged 74, echoes similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of listening to stakeholders and building a cohesive board.

Challenges with Controversial Material

Recent discussions around the board’s approach to handling access to controversial books have raised eyebrows. Some candidates advocate for establishing clear, locally-driven policies within the existing framework of state guidelines. A notable point made by candidates is the necessity of involving educators, parents, and community members in determining which materials will be appropriate for students.

A Vision for Change

Incumbent Abbott ‘Tre’ Bray, also a candidate for reelection, speaks passionately about his advocacy for improved teacher pay and the need for consistent discipline in schools to help curb classroom distractions. He wants to focus on data-driven decisions that can pull the district out of what he sees as a two-decade decline.

On the flip side, another candidate, a 54-year-old owner of Genesis Studios, voices concern over the current state of education, stating that nearly 70% of students are below grade level in key subjects such as reading and math. He argues for the enforcement of consistent disciplinary measures and prioritizes transparency in educational content, aiming to steer away from materials he considers inappropriate for younger audiences.

The Power of Community and Collaboration

Not all candidates come from an educational background. A 43-year-old director of facilities and operations at a neighboring school district sees his community and experience in school internal operations as vital to supporting teachers and keeping students’ safety at the forefront. He advocates for innovative learning options to retain current students and attract new families to the schools.

Ultimately, the candidates seem to share a common goal: to uplift the educational landscape of Lexington 2. Whether through enhanced academic structures, better communication with parents, or implementing community-backed resources, they all strive to create a nurturing and efficient learning environment. As Election Day draws near, the future of West Columbia and Cayce’s schools will hinge on the decisions made by voters.

Conclusion

With a dynamic mix of candidates—from seasoned educators to dedicated community leaders—the upcoming election promises a chance for fresh ideas and new approaches to longstanding issues in the Lexington 2 school district. It’s an exciting time for the community as they prepare to make important choices that could shape the educational experience of their children for years to come.