COLUMBIA, S.C. — As the South Carolina General Election approaches, residents are gearing up to make informed choices ahead of the November local and state elections. In Newberry County, we heard from two candidates vying to represent District One on the county’s school board.
Incumbent Ike Bledsoe is seeking to extend his tenure, having already served over 15 years as a board member. “My desire was to make Newberry County as good as we could make it in public education,” Bledsoe said. With a background that includes 12 years as Whitmire’s mayor and 16 years on the school board, Bledsoe hopes his experience will resonate with voters.
“I had to find out when I got into public office that I’m only one vote. I’m one person, and I have to advocate for what I want in such a way that I can bring enough people with me to make it a policy,” he explained. “And that’s true when on the school board.”
Bledsoe will face Travis Grimsley, a first-time candidate who operates Grimsley Iron Works, a welding shop located on Highway 34 in Pomaria. Grimsley has been inspired to run by parents in the district who have expressed their support after hearing him speak at previous school board meetings.
“It’s like people overlook school boards so much because it’s ‘just’ a school board position. But that’s seven people in this county that collectively set policies that govern the way your children are introduced to their education,” Grimsley emphasized. “That’s pretty big!”
Both candidates share similar priorities, focusing on advocating for teachers, increasing teacher pay and retention, and improving safety measures within schools. However, their third priorities differ.
“I want to help in repairing the divide between elected members and parents, and some teachers,” Grimsley said. “A lot of teachers I talk to feel they can’t voice complaints without fearing retaliation. If they don’t feel comfortable bringing up an issue with the school board, that leads back to broken communication.”
In contrast, Bledsoe aims to prioritize fair funding for public education across South Carolina. “I think one of the threats I’ve seen right now—this has come to light because of a recent SC Supreme Court ruling—is the threat to public education from private schools. I hope advocates of public education realize how much of a threat that is,” he elaborated. “Once that foot gets in the door, the most vulnerable public educated children will be the first to lose.”
Election Day is set for November 5, and Newberry residents can click here to find where the most convenient polling place will be located.
