Election 2024: Mike Callahan, School Dist. 3, Area 2
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Mike Callahan is the retired CEO of CREG Systems, electrical engineer and computer scientist with a Master’s Degree in computer science. He is seeking the Anderson School Dist. 3, Area 2 Seat.
He said he has volunteered as a Reading Buddy at Flat Rock Elementary and is an active member of Unity Baptist Church, a volunteer fireman, a board of directors’ member for Mental Health in Anderson/Oconee/Pickens counties, on the board of directors for CREG Systems, and president of local Car club.
Here are his answers to the Anderson Observer’s questions:
1 What is the most important responsibility of public schools?
Educating our future generation in a safe environment
2. What are the three most important duties of a public-school board member?
Transparency, provide a forum for public commentary, making sure the money is spent in the best way to meet our objectives.
3. How is your combination of education and experience relevant to serving the duties identified in question one?
I have attended many schools while a student, I have a strong back ground in managing businesses and was Town Supervisor, contract negotiations, and finances in excess of $100 million.
4. Is there a particular issue that motivates you to run for a seat on the board of education?
SC is 42nd out of 50 states in education. The present board has no interest in changing that.
5. Please explain your understanding of how school board millage works and what you see as the top priorities for using this money.
It’s the number that is multiplied by the assessed value of your home to calculate the school tax you will pay. Educate our children in the three Rs and create a plan to increase our national rating so our students can compete more equitably.
6. Given all the issues that arise, how can the board stay focused on student achievement?
You can handle more than one issue at a time. Educate, Educate, Educate.
7. How does a school board balance the need to provide a quality education with the need to respond to the local taxpayer burden?
They should find ways to cut the non-essential costs and add to the plan to increase our national standing.
8. What are your thoughts on the current and the proposed budget for your school district?
Too much money going to Administration and building projects. Every year they ask for more money. Cost of everything is increasing, but the Board needs to curb those costs and reallocate funds where they can. The Board needs to find a way to pay for school supplies. We are in an area where 68% of our student’s parents are below the poverty level and we ask them to purchase school supplies at $50.00 per student. Surely the Board can find a way to pay for that.
9. As a board member, where would you look to make budget cuts?
Administration has grown faster than the student population, copying costs ( over $120,000) , Board expenses ( $760,000 for 2024)….
10. Are there any areas you would not consider cutting?
Teacher and principal pay and benefits, educational materials.
11. How would you determine your budget priorities?
Education of the basics. Reading, Writing and Arithmetic.
12. What changes should be made on the state and local level regarding public education?
Create a plan to increase our national standing.
13. Do you favor renewing the penny sales tax for schools when the current law expires?
Yes, if it goes to education. We are already paying for it.
14. How important are athletics and extracurricular activities and should the school board support such endeavors for students?
Yes, but it has to come after Education and there needs to be strict grade level requirements in order to play.
15. What is your understanding of separation of church and state when it comes to public schools in Anderson County?
The constitution does not call for separation of church and state. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…”
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)?
Not familiar enough to comment. To my knowledge they have never attended a Board meeting.
17. How would you work to find common ground with other school board members and the superintendent on issues of disagreement?
Present facts, ask for opposing facts and make the best decision based on the facts.
18. Could you support a board decision you did not vote in favor of? Why or why not?
Yes, once all arguments are heard and a decision is made. I would support it.
19. What is your opinion of current teachers in the district and what would you do as a board member to support them?
Our teachers as a whole are doing good for what they are required to teach. Continued support for training in new techniques to improve the students' learning.
20. How can a school board know if its goals are being accomplished and its policies are being implemented?
Look at the budget stability, SC ready scores. Talk to parents, teachers, principals - they know what works and what doesn't. We need to get back to the basics, create plans to intensify areas where students are falling behind and not just keep pushing them into the next grade.
We need to have town hall meetings with teachers, and with parents, and taxpayers so we can be more informed. The Board meetings do not work for that, the Board discourages open comments and handles controversial topics in “closed door” sessions.