COLUMBIA, S.C. — Richland County voters will be deciding on two candidates to join or return to the Richland One School Board.
The incumbents, Angela Clyburn and Tamika Myers just finished their first terms. But Angela Brown, Richard Moore, and John Black would be new faces to the school board if elected.
Following a tumultuous year for Richland One, involving lawsuits and being placed on "fiscal caution" by the SC Sate Department of Education, candidates have an optimistic outlook for the next term cycle.
Incumbent Angela Clyburn said she's not ready to throw in the towel yet with retention on the rise.
"Our recruitment has improved and I think we're making gains and making progress. So I definitely feel that we're on the right track and I want to be a part of the progress that we're making in our district," Clyburn said.
News 19 reached out to the second incumbent, Tamika Myers about an interview, but she replied "No thank you."
As for candidate John Black, he said a fresh face and fresh perspective could do the district some good.
Black said the most important issues are special needs resources and clearing the air when it comes to the district.
"There needs to be a regrouping and they need to ensure that everything that was outlined in the Inspector General's report and the original responses from the Department of Education are adhered to 100% you know, having permits in hand, ensuring the procurement process is followed to the t," Black said.
Candidate Richard Moore said first on his agenda is student achievement.
"There have been some improvements based on the test scores that have come out recently. But my concern is that the student achievement needs to be consistent across all the schools. We need for every student and every teacher to be in a classroom that's nurturing and caring, that's challenging and effective," Moore said.
Clyburn said top of mind is academic success, meaning support and resources for students and teachers.
News 19 also reached out to candidate Angela Brown via email, texts and calls and she did not reply.
When asked about what they would change or build on, Clyburn said it would be better communication and improving public perception.
Moore and Black said the same, citing more transparency in decisions, listening to parents, teachers and staff, and releasing all school board reports to the public.
All five candidates will appear on the ballot for voters in Richland County Tuesday, November 5, 2024 and voters can choose two candidates.