School Board, House candidates speak out

WINNSBORO  – As the Nov. 6 elections approach, School Board candidates Henry Miller (Dist. 3) and Rev. Carl E. Jackson, Jr. (Dist. 5), both incumbents, are not worried about the outcome of their races since they are running unopposed. However, four school board and two House candidates, however, are on the stump.

School District Board of Trustees

District 1

Incumbent Sylvia Harrison, 51, is seeking re-election to the school board after serving a partial first term following the death of longtime board member Andrea Harrison. 

I have faithfully served this community as a change agent for more than 30 years, and honorably served District 1 for the past two years on the school board.

I have served as the Fairfield Central High School PTO president for several years, on the school improvement council as a parent and community member and the First Step board. She is a member of the NAACP.

I continue to serve as a mentor to our children through Sylvia’s Foundation that awards scholarships to our Fairfield County students.

I have owned a hair salon in Winnsboro for the past 29 years and I am the mother of three adult daughters, all of whom graduated at the top of their classes and earned college degrees.

I love the children of Fairfield County and all those I’m entrusted with representing. I’m thankful for the love and support from all the parents, schools, and especially my Geiger family.

I am seeking re-election to the school board and I pray that I did everything thus far pleasing in God’s eyesight. I pray that I have been the voice for ALL children and that I have represented the Ridgeway area well.

Elliott Qualls is throwing his hat in the political ring for the first time, and here’s why.

I am a lifelong resident of Ridgeway and I want to represent the people of Ridgeway and the county. I have been working with children through the recreation center since 1970, from baseball to football. I am well known and respected as having coached many kids in the district over the years.

And I am a man you can trust on council.

I am married to Clair, who has worked for Fairfield County school District for 33 years. We have four children, three of whom attended school in Fairfield County along with our grandkids.

I am the man for District 1, I promise you.

District 7

Incumbent Darreyl Davis was elected in January to finish the term for a board member who passed away. He is seeking re-election to a full term.

I am a native of Fairfield County and a member of the Shiloh Presbyterian Church. I am a graduate of Fairfield Central High School and am currently employed at Isola USA of Ridgeway as an Environmental Health and Safety Specialist.

My wife, Tamika, and I are the proud parents of six children, two of which are enrolled at Fairfield Elementary School.

I am passionate about serving the students, teachers, support staff, parents and administrators of the Fairfield County School District.

The district is making great strides towards excellence, and I am honored to be a part of the approval of: the construction of a new athletic field house, renovations to three schools (Kelly Miller, Fairfield Middle, and Fairfield Central), the expansion of the SRO program to all elementary schools, the renaming of McCrorey-Liston Elementary school cafeteria.

I want to help our school system to continue to grow and I want to serve the people of this county.

Herbert Rentz is making his second run for a seat on the school board this year. That seat was previously held by his late wife, Beth Reid.

Crucial to the successful operation of our education system is accountability. Our results have to correlate appropriately to our expenditures. Our superintendent, as our primary employee, successfully prioritizes our goals and objectives and is responsible for matching our resources so that we achieve maximum efficiency.  Policies established by the board are designed to insure that this process continues.

School districts across the United States are experiencing a major teacher shortage. This is especially evident in rural school districts. The opportunity to attract talented teachers to our county should have a direct and positive effect on student performance.

Poverty is a community challenge. Every agency and civic group must work tirelessly to elevate the living standards of our neighborhoods. The school district has been, and will continue to be, an integral part in this process.

I believe in open government. The school board should be a forum for seeking answers to rational and reasonable questions.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree from the Citadel and a graduate degree from Winthrop University. I am a U. S. Army veteran, retired with the rank of LTC and I have taught and coached at Great Falls High School. I am manager at Mid County Water Co.

House of Representatives

District 41

Fred Kennedy, 65, of Winnsboro has filed to run for the House of Representatives, District 41, the seat currently held by MaryGail Douglas. His opponent is Anne McDaniel who won the Democratic primary in June over Douglas.

I am a member of the United Citizens Party, and my platform for the office of House Representative for Fairfield County is aimed at building up the Fairfield community, to improve housing and help people get jobs. That is also my goal in my work through my church, Man Up Ministries.

One of the problems is there is not a father leader in many of our families here in Fairfield. I believe if we can get to the man of the house, we can save the family.

There are some crucial issues that must be addressed in this community, and you have to be a part of the community to really know what people need, if you are going to help them. I grew up in this community. I live here, and I believe I can help my fellow community members.

I am a retired truck driver, and I work for a construction company under the South Carolina Housing Authority. I want to give the people of Fairfield County a helping hand. I want to see the county and its people prosper.

Kennedy is the father of two adult children. His daughter Chrishonda Baker is a computer science teacher at Fairfield Central High School. His son, Kenard, is a truck driver.

Annie McDaniel won the Democratic primary in June for the House seat currently held by MaryGail Douglas.

A longtime school district trustee, McDaniel holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Carolina and is a member of the SC School Boards Association Board of Directors. She is a Leadership SC graduate and her campaign literature states that she has experience in county government, health care and private sector finance.

McDaniel states that she wants to ensure accountability and equality in public school funding and provide more support for classroom teachers and support staff. She wants more accessible healthcare options for all South Carolinians, to create economic development opportunities and support for small businesses and to enhance the quality of life and opportunities for senior citizens.