Pastor files for District 6 school board seat

Pastor Jamie Martin filed Tuesday to run against Joe Craig for the District 6 school board seat.

Martin has been a pastor for six years. He recently became pastor at Lavonia Baptist Church in Mooresboro, N.C. He previously worked as a Cherokee County employee and spent years as the Board of Public Works distribution supervisor.

Martin is married with four sons in the Cherokee County school system and is a volunteer with the American Legion junior baseball team. He has two sons at Gaffney High and another son who just finished the fifth grade. His youngest son will start kindergarten this fall.

Citing his business management experience, Martin said he wants to ensure Cherokee County students receive a quality education.

"I am concerned about the welfare of the education system and school district operations. I believe ethics and education go together," Martin said.

Martin made his school board candidacy official after longtime District 6 school trustee Sandra Greene announced earlier this week she will not seek another term.

"I hope with my experience that I can be an asset and help make the county's education system better," Martin said.

Martin is the second candidate to file this week for school board elections scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 12.

Cherokee County School Board Chairman Donnie Lee Smith filed Monday for re-election to the District 4 school board seat.

School board candidates who filed last week include incumbent school board member Billy Blackwell (District 9), Cheryll Smith (District 8) and Craig (District 6). No one has filed yet for the District 2 seat currently held by Willie Crosby.

The school board filing period will continue through Friday, June 13. There is a $200 filing fee.