Meet the candidates running to represent Lexington County’s largest school district

The largest school district in Lexington County could see as many as four new faces after the Nov. 5 election.

The election comes at a hinge point for the Lexington 1 School District and its roughly 27,000 students, as Superintendent-Elect Keith Price is set to replace current Superintendent Gerrita Postlewait next summer.

Seven challengers and two incumbents — Kathy Henson and Mike Anderson — are running to be part of the seven-member board that oversees the district, which covers a large swath of the county, running from the shores of Lake Murray down through Lexington, Gilbert and Pelion. Longtime members Brent Powers and Anne Marie Greene, the current chair, are exiting when their terms end this year.

Anderson declined to answer the questionnaire sent to the candidates. The other eight candidates are listed in alphabetical order. Voters will select four.

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McKenzie Flashnick

Age: 40

Occupation/place of employment: Small business owner

Education/school: University of South Carolina, BA in Journalism & Mass Communications

Political or civic experience: I am an active community member who is or has been involved with Zion Lutheran Church, Boy Scouts of America, Lexington Soccer Academy, South Carolina Agritourism Association, United Way of The Midlands, Columbia Museum of Art Contemporaries, Certified SC Grown, Women Owning Woodlands, Columbia Chamber of Commerce, and SC Farm Bureau. I was the treasurer of my homeowners association. I am a 2012 graduate of Leadership Columbia.

Campaign website: mckenzieflashnick.com

Why are you running for the school board?

I am a mom, small business owner, and active community member who is passionate about the families that make Lexington County truly special. My eyes were peeled wide open in 2022, when the district announced plans for an elementary school on Corley Mill Road. I felt as though no one at the district was listening — let alone hearing — what stakeholders were saying. When six out of seven board members voted to raise millage, I knew it was time for real change on the board.

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

1. Agenda changes that require a financial report from the CFO in each board meeting

2. Bring policy creation and revision back to the board (currently, administration is crafting policy using model policies that often conflict with our community values & state law).

3. Teacher and support staff retention and recruitment — we need to get creative in today’s environment. We can start by ensuring our educators have the autonomy and resources they need to drive an increase in student outcomes followed by clear contract language. This goes hand-in-hand with priority Nos. 1 and 2.

The district is set to transition to a new superintendent next year. How would you approach that transition? What do you feel the board’s role is in getting the next superintendent ready to take on the role?

I met directly with the current superintendent and the superintendent-elect on Sept. 12 to discuss the transition and other priorities. As of this writing, I believe that Dr. Price is the right fit for the future of the district. In addition to the superintendent change, we will have a new board — at least two new voices (possibly four). Change in any organization can be disruptive. It’s critical that the current superintendent, administration and board ensure our superintendent-elect receives all of the support, training, institutional knowledge, etc. that is required to make the transition as seamless as possible. It’s important that the board has clear objections and expected outcomes documented for the transition. We should be evaluating those benchmarks and addressing any challenges to meeting those immediately.

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Kathy Henson

Age: 40

Occupation/place of employment: Student teacher supervisor and grant director in the College of Education at the University of South Carolina

Education/school: Bachelor’s degree-Mathematics; master’s degree-Teaching (Secondary Math Education)

Political or civic experience: Current school board trustee in Lexington County School District 1 since 2020; former PTA president, SIC member, and superintendent’s parent advisory council member; currently serve on the Pelion Middle, Gilbert Elementary, and River Bluff High counseling advisory committees; LTC Education advisory committee; Lexington 1 Educational Foundation board member; participant with the Lexington Chamber

Campaign website: facebook.com/khensonlex1board

Why are you running for the school board?

I’ve worked hard the last four years to serve our community well. There’s still work to be done. I’ve intentionally visited all of our schools, which has been quite valuable. I’ve seen great things happening as well as things that can be improved. I’ve been able to advocate for safety, policy enforcement, and purchase of resources for our schools because I was there to see the need. I’ve spent hundreds of hours on the phone with parents and employees listening to their thoughts and answering their questions. I’ve built good relationships with our local delegation so that I can work with them to do what’s best for our district. I am a mom, certified teacher, passionate advocate for public education, a hard worker, and an involved community member with great integrity who will continue to work hard to help my hometown excel and strive to be the best district in the state of South Carolina!

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

1. I’m currently helping modify our certified salary schedule making yearly steps even. Each year is valuable and should be acknowledged with equal steps in the salary schedule.

2. Adding another parameter to our high school student-teacher ratios. We staff our schools at an 18:1 ratio, however that ratio isn’t actually what’s seen. Some classes are 8-10 students while others are 30+. I believe we should cap our core academic classes at 25 to boost student success and teacher retention. Smaller class size is more conducive to quality instruction and learning.

3. Continue to address growth. We have overcrowded schools after opening several new schools. We have schools that need additions or possibly a new school built in a certain area. One priority is our Lexington Technology Center. This facility helps train students in many skills and trades and benefits our community by putting students straight into the workforce upon graduation.

The district is set to transition to a new superintendent next year. How would you approach that transition? What do you feel the board’s role is in getting the next superintendent ready to take on the role?

The transition has already begun. Dr. Postlewait is working closely with Dr. Price to make sure he is prepared to lead Lexington 1 July 1, 2025. He is helping lead our new strategic plan so that he is familiar with it and ready to continue the good work in the years to come. He is spending time in our schools getting to know our people. This builds trust when people see him in schools. The board did a great job hiring him and I feel he is already ready to take on the role. The next nine months will be more on-the-job training for him and I couldn’t be happier!

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Dana Homesley

Age: 36

Occupation/place of employment: P&L claims adjuster with the S.C. Association of Counties

Education/school: Bachelor’s degree at Clemson University

Political/civic experience:

• Co-founded the Facebook page Informed Citizens of Lexington County School District One, which has over 4,200 followers

• Corley Mill Grassroots Community group in 2022 that advocated for a better site for the proposed elementary school on Corley Mill Road

• Spoke at the joint Town Council and County Council meeting about the Smallwood Cove development on Lake Murray

• Moms in Prayer at Lexington Elementary School

• School Improvement Council at Lexington Elementary

• Member of the PTA at Lexington Elementary for three years, current PTA secretary

Campaign website: homesleyforlexington1.com

Why are you running for school board?

I decided to run for school board after attending a board meeting three years ago. What began as three minutes of “citizens’ participation” time in front of our school board turned into a years-long journey. I couldn’t unsee what I had seen. Some board members never looked up while I was speaking and others were visibly agitated. I began showing up regularly to meetings, each time leaving with more questions than answers. When I reached out to board members, IF I received a response, it was from one or two members and my questions remained unanswered.

After trying to communicate with this board, having my mic cut off during citizens’ participation and watching this board claim to be transparent, civil and open to questions, I feel like the only option is to run for school board. The people need a voice and I don’t feel like they have one. I have submitted FOIA requests, sharing that information with the board and the public through the Facebook page “Informed Citizens of Lexington County School District One”, which I co-founded. The page has over 4,200 followers and shares information obtained through records requests that you won’t find anywhere else. I am ready to hit the ground running

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

Fiscal responsibility: Stop inflating the budget when we have millions of excess dollars every year. Lexington 1 has a spending problem, not a funding problem. We need to ensure fairness of funding and resources across schools, increase support staff pay, fund smaller class sizes and no-cost meals to students and “Recruit, Retain, Reward!” our educators. They are being asked to do more and more and they are being given less and less.

Hire an internal auditor that reports directly to the board, followed by a forensic audit. You cannot audit your own work without a conflict of interest. Based on what little financial information the board receives, they cannot assure the public that they are being good stewards of our money.

Transparency and accountability: Bring back the policy committee. We have policies from the 1980s. The board should be proactive in revising and creating their own policies instead of paying the S.C. School Boards Association, which provides model policies that conflict with state laws. I will provide information you won’t find anywhere else and keep stakeholders, students and staff informed so that they are able to provide input and feedback.

The district is set to transition to a new superintendent next year. How would you approach that transition? What do you feel the board’s role is in getting the next superintendent ready to take on the role?

The transition is already underway, as Dr. Keith Price began serving a one-year term as superintendent-elect in July. The board in Lexington 1 has always deferred most of their responsibilities to the superintendent and the transition to the next superintendent was no different. Dr. Postlewait will ensure that her successor is ready to take on the role when she ends her decades-long career in education next year.

With at least two and possibly four new members coming on the board in November and two of the longest serving members coming off of the board, the dynamics of the board will definitely change. The real question is how the district will transition with a new superintendent and new board. When Dr. Postlewait began serving our district, she had comprehensive research conducted to pinpoint areas for improvement and began implementation. We need to continue that focus with our students and also look at our checkbook so we can support students and staff better. I am ready to work with Dr. Postlewait and Dr. Price to bring Lexington 1 back as a top district in our state as we help our students prepare better for life.

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Nicholas C. Pizzuti

Age: 45

Occupation/place of employment: Interim director, Local Government Services, SCDOT

Education/school: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Finance and Management, University of South Carolina

Political or civic experience: Mission Lexington - Board of Directors; GMS School Improvement Council; vice president - Gilbert High School Athletic Booster Club; past president - Rotary Club of Lexington; past master - B-L Lodge 138, AFM

Why are you running for the school board?

I’m running for Lexington 1 school board because, like many, I’m a parent who wants what is best for my children. But it doesn’t stop there. I want every student in our district to have the same opportunities, the same chances to excel, and the same quality education that we all expect and deserve.

We are fortunate to live in a phenomenal district, one that has accomplished so much over the years. Yet, I believe there’s always room for improvement. Our teachers and staff are at the heart of our children’s education, and they need every resource to succeed. We must prioritize our budget wisely, ensuring that those areas with the greatest need receive the most attention and support. Transparency to the parents is critical to the success of a good relationship between schools and the public.

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

Our No. 1 priority should always be the students and their families. The goal of public education is to prepare each child for their future. In order to prepare them we must make it a priority to support the teachers and staff that work with them daily. We must keep the taxpayer in mind and budget wisely to make sure that the needs of the classroom are prioritized over the wants of a few. We have to be transparent to the parents and let them know what is happening in the schools.

The district is set to transition to a new superintendent next year. How would you approach that transition? What do you feel the board’s role is in getting the next superintendent ready to take on the role?

The current board in place has already preselected the next superintendent. This is something I did not agree with because one of the roles of the board is to select the superintendent. The choice by the current board has taken this role out of the hands of the new board that will be in place next year. With that being said at the end of the day the superintendent serves at the will and pleasure of the board. Communication is key to the transition and both parties must understand their role. The board must use their due diligence when reviewing the work of the superintendent. The next superintendent should be ready to take over as he is spending his time now learning the district and serving next to Dr. Postlewait.

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Mariel Taylor

Age: 41

Occupation/place of employment: Contractor engagement specialist, Gordian

Education/school: Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of South Carolina

Political or civic experience: Although this is my first time running for political office, I have always had a passion for serving my community where there is a need. I’ve volunteered with local organizations like Final Victory Animal Rescue, Cattin’ Around Town, and Transitions Homeless Shelter as well as organized local donation drives for school supplies and socks for veterans at the VA Hospital. I am an active member of the PTA and School Improvement Council at my children’s schools, and am a regular volunteer. I am a proud supporter of small businesses and enjoy attending local events such as The Market at Icehouse Amphitheater and the Old Mill Pond Trail ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Campaign website: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564134458060

Why are you running for the school board?

I am running for the Lexington 1 school board because our community deserves more than just promises; we need actionable change. As a former Lexington 1 educator, I know firsthand the challenges our teachers and support staff face every day. I’ve seen how top-down decisions can impact both student performance and staff morale, and I’m committed to supporting and retaining the educators who are vital to our students’ success. I’m ready to elevate educator voices so they feel valued and empowered to make decisions that are best for their students. I also understand the need for financial transparency. In my role as a Contractor Engagement Specialist, I’ve worked with public entities and know the importance of transparency with taxpayer money. I’m dedicated to fostering an environment where every student feels safe, supported, and set up for success. With a focus on collaboration, I will ensure our district prioritizes education, values educators, and delivers on its promises.

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

When I resigned in 2022, it was due to the district’s lack of understanding with daily challenges faced by teachers — an issue that has teacher retention becoming a critical problem. I’m running to change this by prioritizing the well-being of teachers and staff, while also ensuring all schools have equal access to resources, and serving as a common-sense voice for taxpayers. In my first year as a school board member, shifting teacher morale and value will begin with raising starting teacher salaries to a level above our neighboring districts, fiercely protecting their planning time, and bridging the disconnect between Central Services and classroom realities.

If elected, I will push for an external audit to know where tax dollars have been spent and see where we can “cut the fat” to reallocate resources fairly among all of our schools. I’m committed to bringing transparency to district spending and ensuring projects follow plans, deadlines, and budgets with full visibility.

The district is set to transition to a new superintendent next year. How would you approach that transition? What do you feel the board’s role is in getting the next superintendent ready to take on the role?

Transitioning to our new superintendent, Dr. Keith Price, is a crucial moment for our district, which the school board plays a key role in to ensure the process is smooth. The board must foster a positive, collaborative relationship with Dr. Price while holding him accountable for performance and maintaining public trust. To support him, the board should facilitate a structured onboarding process, starting with clear communication about the district’s goals and priorities. This includes providing an overview of current policies and setting clear expectations for his role. It’s important for the board to offer guidance and oversight without micromanaging, and make room for him to bring forward new ideas that support our district’s goals. Additionally, the board must ensure that he is committed to transparency in decision-making and the responsible use of district resources. By establishing clear expectations and valuing his leadership, the board can put into place a strong foundation for Dr. Price to lead the district effectively for the benefit of students, teachers, and the community.

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David P. Terry

Age: 33

Occupation/place of employment: Project manager, Johnson and Lesley Construction Company Inc.

Education/school: MBA LSU Shreveport 2019, BS USC Aiken 2017, BA USC 2013

Political or civic experience: No prior experience.

Campaign website: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564025580059

Why are you running for the school board?

I am running for school board for the betterment of our community. Thanks to our local tax base we have one of the most well funded districts in the area and the state as whole. Despite this we have seen declining academic standards and scores in the past few years. In addition to declining academics we have seen an absolute mismanagement of funds with school improvement projects constantly over budget and an inflated bureaucracy at the district office level. I am running to provide students, parents, and teachers a real voice on the board as I have been a student in district one, a teacher in district one, and am now a parent in District 1. I am running for school board because I believe we can do better for our students and our community but we need board members that are willing to interact with the public, and receive and apply feedback which I don’t currently see in my interactions with the board.

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

If elected my top immediate priorities would be to increase fiscal transparency with how our district and board spend the taxpayer dollars. That would mean creating a salary database for all employees making over $50,000 similar to the one the state has. I would also advocate for a disclosure of additional benefits that top district office personnel receive such as clothing allowances, travel allowances, vehicle allowances or vehicles provided to them, and petty cash spending. I believe it is not just the salaries of top administrators that are wasteful but also the additional benefits the district is providing them.

The district is set to transition to a new superintendent next year. How would you approach that transition? What do you feel the board’s role is in getting the next superintendent ready to take on the role?

I approach this transition with some trepidation. The superintendent-elect has been a superintendent prior to coming to Lexington 1. I find it very unusual that we would hire a second superintendent on a superintendent salary but no superintendent responsibility for the first year of their tenure. I don’t believe the board has a role in preparing the superintendent to be ready to take on the role. Dr. Price has experience outside of our district as a superintendent and will have a full year under his belt within our district. If he is not prepared to take over by the time Dr. Postlewait departs next summer, we have a real problem and clearly made an egregious hiring mistake. If the transition isn’t flawless and Dr. Price doesn’t hit the ground running, it will just be another example of our current board’s misuse of taxpayer resources.

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Scott Whetstone

Age: 52

Occupation/place of employment: Supervisor - Fiber Engineering Services SC/VA, Dominion Energy

Education/school: Some college

Political or civic experience: Eight years Lexington County Council, past executive board member central SC Alliance, past board member MBLG, school improvement council

Why are you running for the school board?

Throughout my career, I’ve developed a unique blend of skills that make me an ideal candidate for the school board. My experience in utility and infrastructure has taught me the importance of strategic planning and efficient resource management. As a County Council member for eight years, I’ve honed my ability to navigate complex government systems and advocate for transparency. With over 25 years of high-level budget experience, I’m confident in my ability to make informed financial decisions. Most importantly, my years on county council have shown me the value of listening to the people’s needs and fighting for what’s right. I’m excited to bring this expertise to the school board and make a positive impact on our community’s education system.

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

First would be getting the budget under control, For too long the citizens have complained about District 1 building glamour schools and going over budget and buying land for more than its value. With my background on County Council and knowledge of the tax base, I believe I can bring insight to fixing these issues and help to trim spending from the highest taxing source in the county.

Second would be protecting the rights of the parents and children and being available to the parents and children. This priority I would say is the most important, as too many times once you are elected you stop being available and stop listening as you fall into the motion of rubber stamping the big machine. This needs to stop and all elected need to remember they are there to represent the parents who elected them and the children they are responsible for. I’m a parent and will never allow anyone to take my rights so I will fight for this priority to always protect parental rights.

The district is set to transition to a new superintendent next year. How would you approach that transition? What do you feel the board’s role is in getting the next superintendent ready to take on the role?

I would approach the transition with an open mind and a clean slate. The board’s role in this is very vital and needs to be a key component, as the superintendent works for the board and needs to be aware of the expectations the board has for the district. The board should be very active in this transition with frequent updates.

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Shelton Yonce

Age: 29

Occupation/place of employment: Commercial real estate

Education/school: Pelion High School graduate, some college

Political or civic experience: Councilman on Pelion Town Council, Lexington County Tax Assessment Board of Appeals

Why are you running for the school board?

My motivation to run for the Lexington 1 Board of Trustees comes from the commitment to better our community and a desire to contribute to the success and well-being of our students, teachers, staff, and their families.

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

Academic excellence, community engagement, and fiscal transparency are my top priorities.

The district is set to transition to a new superintendent next year. How would you approach that transition? What do you feel the board’s role is in getting the next superintendent ready to take on the role?

As a new candidate I believe it’s important to come in with and open mind and listening ear. Yes, we will have a new superintendent. I’m excited to hear his perspectives and as the superintendent-elect, what are some things he sees that are going well and what he would like to change once he becomes the superintendent.

While all of this is taking place, you have to remind yourself you’re also new. There is going to be a time where listening and understanding what the current board is working through is very important. With that I think we all have to be respectful to his role and his expectations of how he feels the district needs to be led, we as the board need to support that. Be receptive to change and help to see his vision for Lexington 1.