Manning Rotary Club to Host Clarendon County School Board Candidate Forum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 8, 2024

Manning Rotary Club to Host Clarendon County School Board Candidate Forum

MANNING, SC – On Thursday, October 10th at 7:00 p.m., the Manning Rotary Club will proudly host the first-ever Clarendon County School Board Candidate Forum at Weldon Auditorium. This landmark event will bring together 22 of the 27 candidates running in the county’s historic first unified school board election.

As this is the first election since the consolidation of the three school districts in Clarendon County, this forum marks a pivotal moment for the future of education in the region. Previously, one of the districts held elected positions while the other two operated with appointed boards. Following a strong push from the community, a decision was made to transition to an elected school board, and earlier this year, a district map was agreed upon by local representatives. Now, voters will have the opportunity to elect their school board representatives for the first time as a unified district.

The event will feature moderated discussions with each of the candidates. Moderators for the evening will be Johnson James, Erika Williams, and Melissa McCoy. Each candidate will introduce themselves, participate in a brief Q&A session, and deliver a closing statement. Following the formal portion of the event, light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the chance to meet the candidates during an informal meet and greet.

Moderator Biographies:

• Johnson James is the President of the Manning Rotary Club and the Resident and Agency owner of State Farm Insurance in Manning. He and his wife, Stormy, are the proud parents of two young children. Johnson has a deep passion for serving his community and is an active leader in local projects.
• Erika Williams serves as the Communications and Talent Development leader for TheLINK Economic Development Alliance in Lee and Sumter Counties. A Global Career Development Facilitator and Master Economic Development Practitioner, Erika brings a wealth of experience to the discussion and a passion for community empowerment.
• Melissa McCoy has been the Managing Editor of The Manning Times since January 2024, with over 12 years of experience in journalism. She is also a member of the Manning Rotary Club and stays involved in her children's education, having served as a SEPTA liaison and substitute teacher. With her connection to the community and commitment to education, she brings a well-rounded perspective to the forum.

Moderator Quotes:

Johnson James emphasized the significance of this election, saying, "2024 is a very important election cycle for the citizens of Clarendon County. Not only do we have national elections, but for the very first time, the entire CC school board will be elected. Manning Rotary is proud to host the first-ever school board candidate forum to showcase the candidates that have so willfully presented themselves for public office."

Erika Williams highlighted the importance of civic participation, stating, "Truly, our vote is our voice, and every voice should be heard. In order to make the best, most informed decision regarding the future of our students, I encourage residents to get to know each school board candidate."

The Manning Rotary Club invites all residents to join them for this unique opportunity to hear directly from the candidates about their vision for the future of education in Clarendon County.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, October 10, 2024
• Time: 7:00 p.m.
• Location: Weldon Auditorium, Manning, SC
• Refreshments: Light refreshments will be provided after the forum

For more information, contact the Manning Rotary Club at [insert contact information].

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Press Contact:
Johnson James
President, Manning Rotary Club
803-460-2144
johnson@johnsonjamesinsurance.com