As Clarendon County gears up for its first-ever elected school board, a significant number of candidates have thrown their hats into the ring, including Eleazer “Leazer” Carter, a former Democratic State Senate candidate. This historic election, set for November 2024, will mark the first time that residents will elect members to the Clarendon County School Board of Trustees, following a recent transition from an appointed to an elected board.
Carter, who recently lost in the Democratic primary to incumbent State Senator Kevin Johnson, is among those vying for a position on the new board. His candidacy for the school board comes after a tumultuous Senate primary campaign that included legal challenges over his residency. In April, a Richland County judge ruled in Carter’s favor, allowing his name back on the primary ballot after it had been removed by the South Carolina Democratic Party (SCDP) due to questions about his residency. Despite this victory in court, Carter was ultimately defeated by Johnson in the June 11 primary.
Carter’s decision to run for the school board adds another chapter to his contentious political career. He has been vocal about what he perceives as a lack of transparency in the local school district, particularly criticizing Johnson for alleged conflicts of interest related to his family’s employment within the district.
The school board election has attracted a wide array of candidates from across the county’s newly established nine single-member districts. The list includes community leaders, educators, and concerned citizens, all eager to shape the future of Clarendon County’s educational system.
As of the August 12 print deadline, the following candidates have filed:
District 1: Dr. Falecia L. Miller
District 3: Gregory Bradley, Roger Jowers
District 4: Linda P. Lemon, Shelley Richburg, Pam Rodine
District 5: Eleazer Carter, Arthur Moyd, Mike Shorter, Margaret Walker
District 6: Robert W. Kolb, Kenneth Lovorn, Timothy Miller
District 7: George Frierson, Ron Wingard
District 8: John R. Hardy, Jennifer Howard Powell, Darren Wilson
District 9: Ceth Land, Jameel Zamir
The transition to an elected school board was set in motion earlier this year when the South Carolina General Assembly passed Bill S738, establishing the new districts. This move represents a significant shift in how educational governance will function in Clarendon County, moving from an appointed system to one directly accountable to the voters.
Christine Harvin, Director of Voter Registration, has emphasized the importance of the upcoming election, noting that every registered voter in the county has received a new voter registration card. These cards contain updated district information, ensuring that voters know which school board district they belong to ahead of the election.
With the filing period set to close on August 15, additional candidates may still emerge, adding to an already competitive race. The November election will not only determine the composition of the new school board but also set the tone for educational leadership in Clarendon County for years to come.
The Clarendon County School Board of Trustees election will take place on November 5, 2024, in conjunction with the General Election. This nonpartisan election is a pivotal moment in the county’s history, as voters will select board members from nine single-member districts, replacing the previously appointed board.
Contact Information: For more information about the election or to verify your voter registration, contact the Clarendon County Board of Voter Registration and Elections at 803-435-8215 or visit their office at 3 S. Church St., Manning.
