State Superintendent of Education
Election Day November 8th
Ellen Weaver (R) **
Political Party: Republican
Term expiration/ term length: 4 years
Education: Master’s degree in Management and Leadership – Graduating this year, BS in Science, Political Science and Government from Bob Jones University - 2001
Occupation: SC Education Oversight Committee - 2016- present, South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities board member – 2018 –present, President & CEO at Palmetto Promise Institute – 2013- present, Senior Advisor and State Director for US Senator Jim DeMint – 2005-2013
Top Concerns:
Laser-focus on literacy and math skills, Unleash access to high-quality education options for every student (money follows the child choice), Advocate for Children with Special Needs.
Statement:
Proven conservative leader who will serve with a listening ear, strong backbone, and a laser focus on excellence.
Endorsements:
Dr. Ben Carson (Former Presidential candidate, Trump US Sec of HUD), Jim DeMint (Former US Senator), Congressman Ralph Norman, Congressman Jeff Duncan (US Rep SC District 3), Mick Zais (Former SC Superintendent, Trump’s Deputy & Acting Sec of Education), Barbara Nielsen (Former SC Superintendent), Cindy Bohn Coats (CCSD Board Member, Former candidate for SC Superintendent) And 27 SC Legislators (Sen. Sean Bennett (R-Dorchester), Sen. Wes Climer (R-York), Sen. Larry Grooms (R-Berkeley), Sen. Dwight Loftis (R-Greenville), Sen. Scott Talley (R-Spartanburg), Sen. Ross Turner (R-Greenville), Sen. Danny Verdin (R-Laurens), Rep. Bruce Bannister (R-Greenville), Rep. Lin Bennett (R-Charleston), Rep. Jeff Bradley (R-Beaufort), Rep. Sylleste Davis (R-Berkeley), Rep. Bill Hixon (R-Edgefield), Rep. Bobby Cox (R-Greenville), Rep. Heather Crawford (R-Horry), Rep. Jason Elliott (R-Greenville), Rep. Kirkman Finlay (R-Richland), Rep. Patrick Haddon (R-Greenville), Rep. Josiah Magnuson (R-Spartanburg), Rep. R.J. May (R-Lexington), Rep. Adam Morgan (R-Greenville), Rep. Roger Nutt (R-Spartanburg), Rep. Melissa Oremus (R-Aiken), Rep. Garry Smith (R-Greenville), Rep. Mark Smith (R-Berkeley), Rep. Bill Taylor (R-Aiken), Rep. Anne Thayer (R-Anderson), Rep. Mark Willis (R-Greenville)
Laura Ellis (D)
Political Party: Democrat
Term expiration/ term length: 4 years
Education: MA in Organizational Leadership from Columbia College – 2018, MS in Forest Management/Forest Resources Management from Clemson University – 2001, BA in English Language and Literature – College of Charleston - 1997
Occupation: Journalism & Media Production Teacher at Blythewood High School – 2018 – present, Leadership Teacher at Hand Middle School – 2017-2018, Instructional Facilitator at Fairfield Middle School – 2015-2017, English Teacher at Blythewood HS – 2014-2015
Slogan:
Inspire. Improve. Innovate
Platform:
Educational Outcomes, Partnerships between Parents and Schools, Keeping Public Funds in Public Schools, Teacher and Staff Recruitment and Retention, School Health, School Censorship (“The whole of US history should be taught”), School Safety, Special Services, Mental Health
Endorsements:
Patricia M Mickel (Green)
Political Party: Green
Term expiration/ term length: 4 years
Education: M.Ed in Secondary Mathematics from Cambridge College in 2010, BS in Mathematics from Benedict College in 1994
Occupation: Educational Consultant with Ann-Thel – 2018-present, Professor of Math at Clinton College – 2014-Present, Mathematics Teacher at Legion Collegiate Academy – 2019-present, Director of Assessment at Allen University – 2012-2014