District 4 incumbent seeks support

I'm Donnie Smith candidate for re-election to the Cherokee County School Board District #4. It has been my privilege to serve the parents and students of Cherokee County for almost eight years now. I'm a lifelong resident of this county, and my wife Pam and myself have enjoyed living here together for 37 years. I attended our local schools as did my son Brian, his wife Melody and our grandchildren Tanner and Tori.

My wife and I also attend Broad River Baptist Church where we serve as mission team coordinators and I serve as Deacon and decipleship training teacher. One area of our educational system that constantly needs attention and planning is our facilities or "buildings." A classroom that is large enough, warm or cool enough and above all safe enough is the goal we seek for each of our children. This has been addressed most recently with a $34 million dollar building program and a reorganization of our maintenance program.

Technology is also a confuture cern as it is constantly evolving and in need of upgrading. The district is trying to stay current in this critical area by setting the goal of having the new interactive "white" boards, document cameras, LCD projectors in classrooms where needed and technology coaches to help the teachers learn to use all these new tools effectively.

Security at the schools is always foremost on our minds. My hope is that school resource officers, more security cameras and the Ident-a- Kid camera system that make sure that a child leaves with the proper parent or guardian will keep our children safe.

In closing I would like to thank you for the opportunities in recent years to try and make our schools better for all our children and ask for your support to continue as you go to the polls on August 12.