The State endorsement: Our three choices for Richland 2 school board

With more than 28,000 students, Richland 2 is the largest school district in the Midlands and one of the biggest in the state. On Nov. 5, voters in the heart of Richland County will fill three of the school board’s seven at-large seats to guide its 40 campuses, nearly 2,000 teachers and $386 million budget.

The State Editorial Board endorses Brenda Branic, Dionne Sumpter Fleshman and Shelley Williams for the three Richland 2 seats. In all, 10 candidates are running in this election. We sent each of them a six-question survey and got replies from seven. Incumbents Monica Elkins and Lashonda McFadden and candidate James Mobley did not reply to our questions.

That was disappointing because we and our readers would have liked to hear from them, Elkins and McFadden in particular. Elkins has been in office since 2012 and McFadden since 2020, so both could have shared their insights with the press and public and explained why voters should not hold them accountable for past issues and turmoil. Moreover, we base our endorsements on each candidate’s achievements, background, character, demeanor and experience, and both Elkins and McFadden have a history of inappropriate behavior at school board meetings.

Elkins had an altercation with state Sen. Mia McLeod’s sister after a school board meeting in 2019. Elkins was charged with disorderly conduct and underwent a diversion program for first-time offenders rather than face a trial. McFadden was charged with threatening the life of a public employee in an exchange with former Chairwoman Teresa Holmes during a closed-door board meeting in 2022. In audio obtained by The State, McFadden can be heard saying, “I will f--- you up,” and “If you think that you’re going to continue to disrespect me, I will catch your m-----f------ ass outside.” The charge was changed to public disorderly conduct and later dismissed following 90 days of court supervision. That year, The State also reported that a 2022 state Inspector General’s report said McFadden carried close to $2,000 in school meal debt for her children and then “advocated for the full board to forgive all school meal debts, potentially putting McFadden in violation of state ethics law by using her position for personal gain.”

The Inspector General’s report blasted the board members’ infighting and inattention to academics. It stunningly stated that from 2018-2022, only 14% of the board’s agenda items related to academic concerns and that the board addressed only five academic items in a two-year span of the worst board member “acrimony and disruptive communications.”

This is all troubling if not disqualifying for those who represent and are role models for students.

Voters who agree and are looking for more civil and responsible leaders have great choices.

Brenda Branic has been involved in the community for 25 years through various affiliations and nonprofit board service. Her daughter went to the district’s schools, and her three grandchildren do now. She backs the administration but wants higher salaries for classified employees and more behavioral specialists and school psychologists in each school. She wants to involve students more and said they should weigh in on library book selections and be guaranteed two meals each school day. Crucially, she promises “to represent the district in this role with civility and dignity.”

Dionne Sumpter Fleshman also sees the big picture and a need for respect among board members. A longtime school volunteer, she and her two sons are all graduates of Spring Valley High School and she is now a human resources executive. She wants students to get a quality education, everyone to emphasize character and courtesy, and schools to strengthen partnerships with businesses so students stay in the community to work in and help it.

Shelley Williams’ top priorities are academic excellence, teacher retention and support, and fiscal responsibility and transparency. She is an English Language Arts instructional coach, has multiple education degrees and is actively involved in several civic organizations. She said she would “work to promote a culture of professionalism and collaboration among board members” and added, “Our role is to serve the community, not engage in personal disputes.”

Electing Brenda Branic, Dionne Sumpter Fleshman and Shelley Williams would be a big step in the right direction for Richland 2.

This story was originally published October 18, 2024 at 6:00 AM.