COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - Here’s a look at the four Democratic candidates for state Superintendent of Education.
Montrio Belton
- Former Director of School Transformation for state Department of Education under current Superintendent Mick Zais.
Prior experience: Former teacher, Darlington administrator.
Three things he supports:
- Implementing South Carolina teaching standards statewide.
- Public school choice and providing state transportation to students across district lines.
- Declaring a state of emergency for failing schools.
Sheila Gallagher
- Former president of South Carolina Education Association.
Prior experience: Former Florence County school teacher, 2010 Democratic candidate for state representative.
Three things she supports:
- Legalizing marijuana and using revenue to fund education and increase teacher pay.
- Current school funding laws should be enforced and tax exemptions be closed.
- Quality after-school programs for student involvement.
Jerry Govan
- State Representative, Orangeburg.
Prior experience: Former parent educator and after-school program coordinator.
Three things he supports:
- Boosting morale and image of the State Department of Education.
- Instilling and supporting parental rights, responsibility and involvement in education.
- Coordinating a state effort to generate economic and educational development along Interstate 95’s “Corridor of Shame.”
Tom Thompson
- Dean of Graduate Studies and Educational Leadership chair at South Carolina State University.
Prior experience: Former principal, former Educational Leadership chair at University of South Carolina.
Three things he supports:
- A close working relationship between the superintendent, state department and local school districts.
- Community projects and involvement of parents and businesses in education to create safer schools.
- An emphasis on early childhood education.
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