How Lexington-Richland 5 candidates see where school board has been — and where it’s going

Two years ago, Lexington-Richland 5’s school board race was so contentious, the last seat on the board was decided by just 16 votes.

The previous cycle had seen bitter clashes over COVID-19 policies, the surprise departure of the superintendent, a string of lawsuits and ethics charges. One candidate at the time compared the atmosphere around the 2022 race to the Hatfields and McCoys.

That election, like the one before, produced a shakeup in the board’s makeup, and this year’s race could do the same.

After a single term, board Chairwoman Rebecca Blackburn Hines of Lexington County and Vice Chairman Matt Hogan of Richland County are both stepping down.

Incumbent Catherine Huddle is seeking a second term in the Lexington County side of the district, along with former board member Ken Loveless, who narrowly lost reelection in 2022, and Scott Herring, another unsuccessful 2022 candidate.

The single Richland County seat will go to either landscaping company owner Jason Baynham or cybersecurity firm owner Mike Ward.

The district operates schools in both counties in the Chapin-Irmo area, educating around 17,000 students.

Lexington County candidates (two seats open)

Scott Herring

Age : 51

Occupation : Professor of Music, the University of South Carolina

Education : Bachelor of Music Education (East Carolina University), Master of Music Performance (Northwestern University), Doctor of Music (Northwestern University)

Political or civic experience : Candidate for Lexington-Richland 5 school board in 2022

Website : www.votescottherring.com

Why are you running for school board?

We need board members that bring the perspective of an educator, a parent, and a student. I am the only Lexington County candidate with direct experience in education. I have devoted my life to teaching. I am the only Lexington County candidate that actually has children in the district. Additionally, I am the only Lexington County candidate whose spouse is a teacher. As a board member, I will always approach my responsibilities through those lenses and work towards board decisions that prioritize the well-being of our students and teachers above all else.

If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year on the school board?

Priority One: Recruit and retain highly-qualified teachers. Teachers and students are the foundation of education. Attracting and retaining top educators is essential for maintaining academic excellence.

Priority Two: School safety. District 5 has a strong safety record, but we must prevent complacency. Single-point entry and secure vestibules are a good start, but building strong relationships with students and parents helps identify students needing support.

Priority Three: Equity across the district. All students and teachers deserve reliable facilities. Prioritizing equity ensures success for all students and a thriving environment for teachers.

Do you think the school board functions better now, or needs to return to the way it was a couple years ago?

The school board is functioning much better now than it has in some time. I believe my presence on the board will help maintain its current positive trajectory, keeping our focus on what truly benefits our school community and avoiding the dysfunction of the past. In my past leadership and committee roles, I have consistently demonstrated a pragmatic, solution-focused approach that values collaboration over conflict. The success of these experiences was rooted in creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust. As a school board member, I will model and foster that same environment to ensure the board remains productive and forward-moving. In decision-making, I will consider all perspectives, while also seeking input from legal, financial, curriculum and facilities experts. As an advocate, my priority will be ensuring that policies serve the best interests of our students, teachers, and families.

Do you support the district’s $240 million bond referendum on the Nov. 5 ballot?

I will support the $240 million bond referendum this November. There are additional facilities needed in the district and many long-overdue repairs, upgrades, and restorations that need to be done throughout the district. While those will come at a substantial cost, the longer we wait, the more we will have to spend in terms of rising labor and materials costs. There are issues that this referendum will not solve, but it will solve the most pressing issues first. The schools in the Irmo and Dutch Fork clusters are generally older and have safety and infrastructure needs that should be addressed as soon as possible.

Catherine Huddle

This candidate did not respond to this questionnaire, but did answer questions from The State’s opinion section here .

Ken Loveless

This candidate did not respond to this questionnaire, but did answer questions from The State’s opinion section here .

Richland County candidates (one seat open)

Jason Baynham

This candidate did not respond to this questionnaire, but did answer questions from The State’s opinion section here.

Mike Ward

Age : 39

Occupation : Entrepreneur, Turtle Creek Concepts LLC

Education : Completed some college; completed several professional development programs, including the Non-Profit Leadership Institute at Francis Marion University

Political or civic experience : Chair, Dutch Fork Elementary School Improvement Council, previously on the SIC of other schools; vice president of advocacy for the South Carolina PTA, former interim district president and president of the Lexington Elementary School PTA; Treasurer for the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors; chair of the Irmo Okra Strut Commission; former District 58 Club Growth Director for Toastmasters International; former board member of Shepherd’s Center of America and Shepherd’s Center of Lexington; ministry leader of Junior Bible Quiz; volunteer to teach older adults how to safely use technology at various senior centers.

Website : www.mikewardfortheboard.com

Why are you running for the school board?

I am running for school board trustee because I believe that education is the cornerstone of our community’s success. As a parent, business leader and advocate for public schools, I want to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe, supportive and high-quality educational environment. My experience in entrepreneurship and volunteer-leadership roles has equipped me with the skills to collaborate, listen and make informed decisions that benefit all stakeholders.

If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year on the school board?

If elected, my priorities will be focused on three key areas:

Health & Safety: Ensuring that all students have a safe and supportive learning environment is essential for their success.

Supporting Teachers: Our educators need the resources, respect, and support to thrive in their classrooms. I will advocate for policies that empower teachers to do their best work.

Strong Schools, Strong Communities: When we invest in our schools, we invest in the future of our communities. I will work to strengthen the bond between schools and the neighborhoods they serve.

Do you think the school board functions better now, or needs to return to the way it was a couple years ago?

I’ve been paying attention to the District 5 school board since some time around 2017. It seems that over the last couple years we’ve had calmer meetings and less negative press.

Do you support the district’s $240 million bond referendum on the Nov. 5 ballot?

Overall, I do believe that the bond referendum will be helpful to our district. When I have researched our current situation, I understand that we cannot continue operating the way we’re operating. When the bond referendum passes, we need to make sure we have a board that will hold the district accountable for making sure the money is spent wisely and on the projects promised to the public.