Election 2024: Julie Usherwood, School Dist. 5, Area 1
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Julie Usherwood is a candidate for Anderson School Dist. 5, Area 1.
Usherwood earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Charleston and is Community Relations Director for the Anderson Area YMCA.
She is Vice Chair for Anderson School Dist. 5 Foundation and has served as the Chairman of Anderson Chamber of Commerce Leadership Alumni Association, past Board Member of Junior Leadership Anderson and past Board Member of Junior League of Anderson.
She has attended school board meetings and served as PTO Secretary, on the School Improvement Council and Booster Club.
Here are her answers to the Anderson Observer’s questions:
1. What is the most important responsibility of public schools? The most important responsibility of a public school is to provide the best education to all students in Anderson School District 5.
2. What are the three most important duties of a public-school board member?
The three most important responsibilities of a board member are to provide governance of the district (set policy), provide fiscal oversight, and advocate for the quality of education for all students in the district.
3. How is your combination of education and experience relevant to serving the duties identified in question one? My parents were educators in Anderson District 5 through them I saw the needs of administration, teachers and students alike. I also work at a non-profit agency that provides after-school care for the largest percentage of Anderson School District 5 students. I am aware of the needs of the community through both family and the students we serve daily.
4. Is there a particular issue that motivates you to run for a seat on the board of education? My greatest concern is that all students in Anderson School District 5 receive the best educational experience possible.
5. Please explain your understanding of how school board millage works and what you see as the top priorities for using this money. School districts only receive millage for bond debt. Due to Act 388 passed by the state, residential properties do not pay for the operations of the school district. The millage that the school district sets apply to vehicles, second homes, businesses and those funds are based on the County’s assessment of the property.Top priorities for spending include: classroom teachers, classroom needs and security.
6. Given all the issues that arise, how can the board stay focused on student achievement? Anderson School District 5 Superintendent, Dr. Brenda Kelley does an excellent job of keeping the Board informed of student achievement standards ~ successes and opportunities for improvement. Board members receive regular communication regarding student achievement.
7. How does a school board balance the need to provide a quality education with the need to respond to the local taxpayer burden? Anderson School District 5 does an excellent job of balancing the fiscal burden. Over the last five years, Anderson 5 has had the lowest millage rate in the county. The board understands that taxpayer money needs to be accounted for.
8. What are your thoughts on the current and the proposed budget for your school district? Dr. Kelley set her vision early in her tenure to have high instructional expectations while not raising taxes. I am proud of the work the district did on the budget for FY 24/25 school year. Positions and accounts were cut to keep the budget reasonable and to not ask for a millage increase.
9. As a board member, where would you look to make budget cuts? The needs of the district change each year. I want the district to continue to review each budget line item to ensure the money is being spent appropriately and wisely.
10. Are there any areas you would not consider cutting? Classroom teachers and classroom needs.
11. How would you determine your budget priorities? Priorities start in the classroom and work outward. Safety has been and will continue to be a major priority of the district.
12. What changes should be made on the state and local level regarding public education? More funding of SRO Officers for the schools.
13. Do you favor renewing the penny sales tax for schools when the current law expires? Yes, Anderson School District 5 has built amazing facilities while not raising taxes. The funds from the sales are collected from individuals in Anderson County but more importantly from individuals visiting the area.
14. How important are athletics and extracurricular activities and should the school board support such endeavors for students? Extra-curricular activities are vitally important to students and the district. The board supports the District’s vision: to provide an excellent school system empowering students to reach their potential through academics, arts and athletics.
15. What is your understanding of separation of church and state when it comes to public schools in Anderson County? Separation of church and state means that public schools should be free from promoting one religious belief over others. This protects students’ religious freedom and creates an inclusive learning environment. Students, however, can organize prayer on campus but the activities can’t disrupt school activities.
16. Are you familiar with Moms for Liberty and/or Stop Moms for Liberty groups and how do you view their activities (positively/negatively and why)? I have heard of Moms for Liberty but do not know enough about their views to think favorably or unfavorably about their activities.
17. How would you work to find common ground with other school board members and the superintendent on issues of disagreement? There will always be differences of opinion between fellow board members and administration but when an issue arises, and a final decision is made; everyone needs to be a unified body. Our job is not to force our own agenda through but to work toward the betterment of the district and the students we serve.
18. Could you support a board decision you did not vote in favor of? Why or why not? I will always vote my conscience. If an action item does not favor my vote but passes with a majority, then I will support the decision made.
19. What is your opinion of current teachers in the district and what would you do as a board member to support them? The teachers in Anderson School District 5 work very hard to provide the best education for the students they serve. They are experts in their field, and they are the backbone of our district. I think Dr. Kelley has strengthened the relationship between teachers and administration and the board wants to ensure teachers feel supported and they have the resources they need to be successful.
20. How can a school board know if its goals are being accomplished and its policies are being implemented? The board has informational sessions outside of school board meetings to provide updates from the superintendent and staff to ensure the goals are being met and to track the progress toward meeting the goals. Some goals take longer to achieve but ongoing communication is key to ensuring the board and staff are working together.