Richland School District 2, which serves nearly 29,000 students in northeast Richland County from Blythewood to Fort Jackson, will have three at-large school board seats up for election on Nov. 5. Those seats are currently held by Monica Elkins (previously known as Monica Elkins Scott), Lindsay Agostini and Lashonda McFadden.
Elkins and McFadden are running for reelection, according to election filings. Agostini, who was first elected to the board in 2016, will not seek another term.
I am running for school board to give an experienced voice a platform for those in education who want to affect practical, logical and sensible change for the betterment of students, parents and the community. In short, shed light, dust off cobwebs and clean up the way R2 guides the education of its students.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year on the school board?
Tackling student attendance and engagement. Creating strong bonds between schools and families. Address teacher retention and recruitment, as well as safety in schools, emotional and physical.
Has the district taken appropriate action in response to the Inspector General’s report from 2022? Why or why not?
Without having access to documents that are currently not available to the public, it is hard to ascertain what progress has been made. Transparency is necessary.
Gary Dennis Campaign photo
Gary Dennis
Age: 44
Occupation: Retired U.S. Air Force, REALTOR®
Education: College of the Air Force
Political or civic experience: Currently serving as president and coach of the Dentsville Youth Baseball League, former member of the Richland County Planning Commission from 2019-2023, including a term as vice chair. I have also served on the Round Top Elementary School Improvement Council from 2022-2024 as secretary and vice president, as past president of the Lonnie B. Nelson Elementary PTO, a member of the Richland Two Cell Phone Tower Committee, the Richland Two Parent Advisory Council and as Past Chair of the REALTOR® Political Action Committee.
As a parent, I have witnessed first hand that our district has not performed to the standard it should have. The focus seemed to be more on appearances than on safety, education and transparency issues highlighted in the Inspector General’s report about the district. This reality struck close to home when a gun was found at the very school where my wife works and our daughter attends. Around that same time, I was getting notifications about threats and weapons at my son’s middle school. My wife, who is a reading interventionist within the district, said, “We need your help with safety, discipline, and more transparency.” I knew I had to step up and run for the school board. When we initially chose Richland Two for our children’s education, we believed in the quality of education it promised. However, the district has not maintained the standards it upheld in the past, and there has been a noticeable decline in educational effectiveness.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year on the school board?
In my first year on the school board, I won’t focus on just a few issues. I plan to implement metal detectors in every school to enhance security and address discipline issues that are causing teachers to leave and disrupting students’ education. Streamlining teachers’ professional development with the Department of Education is also a priority. I will strengthen special education programs, ensuring all students have access to high-quality education, including advanced placement and trade skills. Adjusting salaries for faculty and staff to recognize their dedication is crucial. I support implementing online tools for real-time tracking of district spending and transparent reporting of safety concerns. Comprehensive drug education is another key focus, empowering students with knowledge for informed decisions. Every decision will be guided by what benefits students, faculty, staff and the community.
Has the district taken appropriate action in response to the Inspector General’s report from 2022? Why or why not?
I believe the board has made progress on several important issues, but only time will tell if the new administration will adhere to the established rules and guidelines. In my view, the finding #DO-2 did not go far enough in addressing discipline guidelines. The current policy still allows for open ended interpretations, which leaves unresolved discipline issues that are negatively impacting education and driving employees to leave their jobs. In 2022, the voters took steps to address the board’s decorum and dysfunction by electing four new members. However, after closely following every board meeting since that election, I continue to observe tension and dysfunction between the newly elected members in 2002 and the incumbents from 2020. This is why I’m hopeful that the 2024 election will provide a fresh start with a board that has moved beyond the Inspector General’s report. One of the biggest concerns I still have is the lack of focus on academic improvements in the district. Even after the issues highlighted in the Inspector General’s report have been addressed, the district has not placed enough emphasis on enhancing academic achievement. I am confident that I can help bridge that gap by serving as a servant leader who will unite the board and steer Richland Two toward a future centered on safety, education and transparency.
Monica Elkins Campaign photo
Monica Elkins
Age: 57
Occupation: Retired principal and national professional development trainer for teachers
Education: Ed.D, Educational Leadership, South Carolina State University; Ed. S, Educational Leadership and Administration, Cambridge University; M.Ed, Divergent Learning, Columbia College; B.S., Early Childhood Education/Family and Consumer Science, South Carolina State University
Political or civic experience: Chairwoman for Richland Two School Board; 12 years on the school board. Reelected each term.
Website: N/A
Why are you running for the school board?
I am running to continue the progress that we have and are making as it relates to school safety, increasing the salary for ALL teachers and classified staff, as well as fiscal responsibility. As well as being an advocate for teachers, parents and students, I have worked in education for more than 30 years, so I truly appreciate the “heart” work that our teachers and staff do on a daily basis because I have walked and still walk in their shoes. Therefore, I know for a fact that it takes all hands on deck; a village (parents, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, faith base leaders, business partners, etc.) to ensure that our students are loved, respected, protected and provided the best possible environment to learn and become successful citizens when they graduate.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year on the school board?
Purchase metal detectors for all of the middle schools (we have them in all of the high schools), increase teacher salary and provide bonuses for retention/recruitment and offer more CATE courses for students in the areas of welding, barbering, construction, cosmetology, auto mechanics, etc.
Has the district taken appropriate action in response to the Inspector General’s report from 2022? Why or why not?
Yes! Most definitely. We have made the required changes to procurement, created new policies and completed all required tasks with satisfaction.
Dionne Sumpter Fleshman Campaign photo
Dionne Sumpter Fleshman
Age: 52
Occupation: HR Consultant, The DESA Group, Inc.
Education: B.S., South Carolina State University; M.B.A., Mercer University; Project Management Professional Certifications; Senior Professional in Human Resources Certification
Political or civic experience: Richland/Lexington Disabilities and Special Needs, member then board chair, 2021-present; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, member, 1994-present; South Carolina Alzheimer’s Association, Ride to End ALZ Ride Ambassador, 2022-2024; Greenview Dolphin Swim Team, member then board member, 2021-2023; Palmetto Cycling Coalition, board member, 2018-2019; March of Dimes of the Midlands, board member, 2016-2017; Communities in Schools (CIS) of the Midlands, board member, 2013-2016; South Carolina Education Policy Fellow, 2008-2009; Leadership Columbia, 2007; Leadership South Carolina, 2008; Society of Human Resources Management, member; Human Resources Certification Institute, member
1. To ensure that all students receive a quality education that prepares them for the future, the academically gifted, the average, and the academically challenged student.
2. To emphasize the importance of character, courtesy, and commitment being reflected in leadership and as a part of the educational process in Richland School District Two.
3. To strengthen partnerships between the business community and the school district that help retain our best and brightest, providing opportunities for students to be educated and trained in the community so that they remain in the community to work and make an impact.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year on the school board?
My priorities are to . . .
1. Ensure that all students receive a quality education that prepares them for the future, the academically gifted, the average student and the academically challenged.
2. Emphasize the importance of character, courtesy and commitment being reflected in leadership and as part of the educational process in Richland School District Two.
3. Strengthen the partnerships between the business community and the school district to help retain our best and brightest students, providing opportunities for students to be educated and trained in the community, so that they remain here to work and make an impact in the community.
Has the district taken appropriate action in response to the Inspector General’s report from 2022? Why or why not?
I believe the district has taken appropriate action in response to the Inspector General’s report. The district chose to look at the issues that were raised and tackle each one with action and a thorough review of the current policies in place. While some issues were immediately correctable, others would take a more in depth set of actions to correct.
Lashonda McFadden Campaign photo
Lashonda McFadden
This candidate did not respond to this questionnaire and did not answer questions for The State’s opinion section.
James A. Mobley Campaign photo
James A. Mobley
Age: 71
Occupation: Cosmetologist, 43 years
Education: College
Political or civic experience: Current commissioner, Richland County Recreation Commission
Website: N/A
Why are you running for the school board?
I am running for the board to bring transparency and establish policy to guide the operation of the school district leadership.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year on the school board?
My first priority will be school safety, addressing teacher shortage and promoting success in the classroom.
Has the district taken appropriate action in response to the Inspector General’s report from 2022? Why or why not?
I am not aware of any action the district has taken except hire a new superintendent, but transparency is a priority.
Brett Porterfield Campaign photo
Brett Porterfield
Age: 39
Occupation: I.T. Infrastructure Manger, Blanchard Machinery Company
Education: Bachelor of Arts Degree in History, Coastal Carolina University 2007
Political or civic experience: Chairman, CCU-Edwards College Board of Visitors; Chairman, Divine Nine Foundation of Columbia; Past state director, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.; Past president, NPHC at Columbia, SC
I am running for school board because I am passionate about Richland School District 2. I am service minded, solutions oriented and driven to achieve the best possible outcomes. By electing me to the school board, the community gains a champion for public education. I will serve knowing that it is not about self but the continuation of the success of our students. My modus operandi has always been to seek a deep understanding of an institution’s culture and then to help build or strengthen that culture. And that is my vision for R2.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year on the school board?
My top three priorities are ensuring our children receive a valuable education, providing solid support for our teachers and staff and proactively engaging parents in the educational process. As a proud graduate of Richland School District 2, I personally can attest to how a quality education can affect your overall wellbeing, both personal and professional life. I am committed to delivering the same results for our students. Our teachers and staff are the bedrock of the educational system, they should be within the fabric of everything we do. Having engaged and active parents is essential to having a strong district as well. Part of that is to ensure all students and staff are protected. This means working together to address school safety, mental health, nutrition and access to technology and internet in school and at home. Lastly, we must inspire each other to be our absolute best. As a board member, I will be the example that I would like to see.
Has the district taken appropriate action in response to the Inspector General’s report from 2022? Why or why not?
I believe there is room for improvement. In the OIG report, it was stated that the board paid inattention to academics. It is important to recognize that the citizens of the district will elect us to be problem solvers not problem causers. All board members should work toward the best interests of the district and students. Establishing a united and professional culture will allow the board to focus fully on academic and social progress. As board members, we have the responsibility of setting the tone for the district. We are role models, and I know at times we can be deeply passionate about the things we care about, but we should always remember we always have the microscope on us and what we do and say is always magnified.
Larry Smalls Campaign photo
Larry J. Smalls
Age: 54
Occupation: Loan Officer, Palmetto Citizens FCU
Education: Benedict College, Midlands Technical College
As a concerned parent and father of 2 kids in district two, I wanted to ensure all children in our district are receiving a viable education in preparation for their future in our community’s workforce.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year on the school board?
Prioritize initiatives that insure our students graduate and acquire life skills for the workforce. Implement a comprehensive approach to school safety, mental health and prevention. Ensure that our budget is a priority.
Has the district taken appropriate action in response to the Inspector General’s report from 2022? Why or why not?
Yes, we are beginning to see some tangible improvements.
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