Candidates for School Board District 4
Jeffords and Phillips: Candidates for Darlington County Board of Education District 4
The following questions were posed to the two candidates for the Darlington County Board of Education District 4: Warren Jeffords, Incumbent, and his challenger Stacie Phillips. Running unopposed for school board are: Connell Delaine, Charles H. Govan, Jr., and James O. Morphis.
1. What motivates you to want to become a board member?
Warren Jeffords
Warren Jeffords:
I have been supportive of Public Education my entire life. Our schools are the lifeblood of our community. All of my children graduated from Darlington County Schools, as well as one of my grandchildren. I also have two in Lamar schools at present. My family has been supportive of our school system in good times as well as bad. Because we all worked together, we have a strong school system, which we can be proud of.
Stacie Phillips:
There are many motivators for me to run at this time. In order for Darlington County to progress and prosper we have to be able to bring in new business and industry. To ensure this work force, DCSD must provide our children with a world-class education. In return we can bring in innovation and industry to our county. Our children and grandchildren are our most powerful resource and the future of our county.
2. What attributes are essential for successful school board members?
Stacie Phillips
Warren Jeffords:
School board members must always make decisions based on what is best for the children. Having this attribute will guarantee that you made the correct decision.
Stacie Phillips:
It is essential for the board member to be attuned to school level concerns as well as state and district needs and mandates. They also must be a good listener and open to new ideas.
3. What do you see as the board’s roles and responsibilities?
Warren Jeffords:
The role of the board is to hire the superintendent and to make policy. It is not the job to micro-manage schools.
Stacie Phillips:
The board member is there as a voice for his/her community. It is their responsibility to recommend policy to address issues that arise. These policies should reflect a common sense; compassionate approach to all staff and students, while also reflecting mandates and laws by our state.
4. Do you have sufficient time/energy to devote to this position?
Warren Jeffords:
I am a high-energy person who is self-employed and definitely have time to perform the duties. I have done so for over 20 years.
Stacie Phillips:
Yes. I have a fluid schedule.
5. How would you handle the requests, if approached, by an individual? Special interest groups?
Warren Jeffords:
There is a process to following orders to handle the problems. IF there is a problem at the school, the principal is the first contact. If not resolved there, it goes up the chain of command and could ultimately end up with the board. In regard to special interest groups, it is important to listen to them. They may have an idea or suggestion that warrants action. We must always remember that we act as a board and not as an individual. The board does not always have all the answers, and other opinions are welcome, whether from a group or individual.
Stacie Phillips:
There are always two sides to every situation or request. I would listen carefully, gather all of the facts, involve all that needed to be and give a response that is free of bias based on the information gathered in accordance to DCSD policy.
6. What is your vision for education in this community?
Warren Jeffords:
I want to see schools that we can all be proud of. This includes the buildings as well as that the learning that occurs within the facilities. We have made great strides in the past 10 years improving education in the county, but there is much more to do. In order to attract industry, we must also improve our facilities. It is my vision that the county and schools work together to improve education, which in turn will help create a more favorable environment for industry. We are all in this together and have a responsibility to the citizens of Darlington County to provide their children with a 21st Century education.
Stacie Phillips:
My vision is simple. I believe that with giving our children a strong educational background they will help our community prosper and thrive.
7. What is the most important responsibility of a school board member?
Warren Jeffords:
The most important responsibility is to make sure our students are prepared for the challenges that await them upon graduation. All students will not go to college, and we must have them prepared to be productive citizens.
Stacie Phillips:
It is to be informed on local, state and national trends in education and to interact with all in an open transparent way that promotes the best interest of students, staff and community.