We had a full house on the 16th with guest speaker Lisa Ellis, Democratic candidate for State Superintendent of Education, who emphasized her classroom experience and advocacy background with SC for ED. Multiple candidates announced their runs for local and state offices, with the party now fielding candidates for all but 4 state house seats. Brady led a workshop on converting Republican voters using talking points on education funding, federal vs. state control, and voucher impacts on local taxes.
Candidate Announcements
- Roger Pruitt: Running for SC Congressional District 2 to unseat Joe Wilson; will speak at county convention
- Melissa: Considering run for Lexington County Council District 3
- John : Exploring candidacy, strong Democratic background, family of educators
- Mike Kline: Considering County Council District 7
- Steven Asbill: Running for State House District 85
- Kathy Hensley: Running for re-election to Soil and Water Conservation District Commission (nonpartisan, unpaid); needs 100+ petition signatures at convention
- Joe Madge: Running for SC House District 89
Filing information:
- Filing opened today, closes March 30 at noon.
- State party covers filing fees for House district candidates after validity check.
- Primary election: June 9.
Potential candidates: Contact Julia/Greg if interested in running for open House seats (Districts 71, 85, 87, 88, 89, 23 covered)
Party support for candidates: No endorsements or funding before primaries; can provide volunteer connections, canvassing assistance, and resource guidance
Lisa Ellis Campaign Platform
Background: Career educator at Blythewood High School, founded SC for ED advocacy group, organized 2019 statewide teacher walkout that closed multiple districts. Lost to Ellen Weaver in 2022, seeking rematch.
Key positions:
- Funding reallocation: Redirect textbook budgets to teacher salaries and relevant resources; textbooks underutilized with internet access available.
- Cell phone policy opposition: Supports classroom restrictions but opposes all-day bans for high school students; advocates for age-appropriate policies recognizing developmental differences.
- AI integration: Advocates teaching students to use AI as a tool rather than banning it; educational system must adapt from content-focused to application-focused learning.
- Book banning impact: Criticizes fear-based environment preventing teachers from providing diverse, representative classroom libraries.
- Decision-making approach: Prioritize student interest over policy; consult teachers and students directly on impacts.
Campaign strategy: Focus on face-to-face conversations, festival circuits, and personal connections rather than big-money competition with Ellen Weaver
Education Policy Workshop – Key Talking Points
Federal vs. State vs. Local Control:
- U.S. Constitution does not mention education; no federal control authority, only influence through grants.
- SC Constitution requires “minimally adequate education” (vs. Washington state’s “superior education”).
- Federal funding represents only ~10% of school budgets.
- Private schools already receive federal taxpayer money through Title I, Title II, and IDEA programs.
- State controls: Teacher licensure, curriculum standards (including evolution), funding allocations.
Voucher Impact on Local Taxes:
- SC Constitution Article 411, Section 4: “No money shall be paid from public funds for the benefit of religious or private education institutions”.
- Education trust funds circumvent this by following students to private schools.
- Fixed costs remain: School buses still run routes, buildings still need maintenance when students leave.
- Districts must cut staff (teachers, custodians, groundskeepers) or raise local taxes via bond referendums to maintain local funding requirement.
- Removing federal strings attached means no accountability for supporting disadvantaged students in Corridor of Shame .
Teacher Shortage:
- Republican approach: Cast wider net, lower qualifications (veterans without training).
- Democratic approach: Address root causes – low compensation, lack of bathroom breaks, student behavioral support needs.
Conversation Tips for Republican Outreach
Brady’s framework for difficult conversations
- Honor their position: “I understand where you’re coming from”
- Invite yourself in: “Do you mind if I tell you something I learned recently?”
- Share factual information: Reference specific topics (Corridor of Shame, voucher tax impact)
- Encourage independent verification: “Just look up information about XYZ and validate for yourself”
