Voters return to the polls July 28 for a rare special election to fill a vacancy on the Cherokee County School Board.

Robin Duncan Harper, Joe Craig and Jerry Ruppe are the three candidates seeking to replace former school trustee Jamie Martin as the District 6 representative.

Martin served one year before he resigned from the school board in May, citing personal reasons.

Harper is a local real estate agent and president of R.M. Duncan Realty & Appraisals, Inc.

Harper said she is running for the school board because she is concerned about the quality of the education her two sons Paul and Zach and other students are receiving in county schools. She believes teachers are forced to spend too much time in class preparing students for state tests.

Harper said she wishes schools would provide individual student learning plans so parents could better track how their children are progressing. For example, Harper said the curriculum taught in schools does not teach students critical skills like cursive writing, multiplication tables and proper grammar.

"There are many wonderful teachers in the Cherokee County school system," Harper said. "We need to give teachers back the classroom and allow them to teach the basic skills students need to learn to be successful after graduation. Every child, regardless of their learning capacity, should be served."

The other District 6 candidates share Harper's concern for the welfare of students.

Craig is the owner of Craig's Towing. His daughter Brittany is a Gaffney High graduate and his son Joe is a ris- ing Gaffney High senior.

Craig has a 16-month old grandson, Vincent, and a granddaughter will be born next month.

"It's all about the kids and the best education we can give the kids," Craig said. "I'm looking at our school system years down the road, not tomorrow."

Education has never been more critical than in today's technology-oriented society.

Ruppe is a team leader with Automated Distribution Systems in Gaffney. He previously worked at Cherokee Finishing for 25 years.

A lifelong Cherokee County resident, Ruppe has coached in the youth football league for many years. His two sons are Gaffney High graduates and four grandchildren are headed into the county school system.

Ruppe said his concern for the future of the county's children and his own grandchildren prompted him to enter the school board race.

"I want to be a strong voice in representing District 6 on the school board. I am particularly concerned District 6 did not have any board member in office when the school budget was approved last month," Ruppe said. "I just hope the residents in District 6 will come out to vote in the election. I believe I can make a real difference for our children."

School board members are elected to 4-year terms. Cherokee County School Board members receive a yearly salary of $5,000, making it one of 53 school districts statewide in which board members are paid.

The District 6 school board candidates must receive a majority of the votes to win the July 28 election. If necessary, a runoff election will be held Aug. 11.

School Trustee Special Election

Votes to be cast Tuesday, July 28

THE CANDIDATES