Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
The Anderson Observer is interviewing school board members in contested races who were willing to discuss why they might be a good candidate.
This interview is with Tara Hawkins Evans, School District 2, Area 1
1. Why are you running for the Anderson School Dist. 2 board?
ASD2 is home. As a lifelong resident, BHP graduate, and a parent with children currently in our schools, I care about the opportunities our children and the community’s future children will have. I am passionate about the future of our district. I bring an accessible, honest and new voice that will be fair and supportive of all-not just a small portion of our community. We need change, and I feel I have the voice for change.
Some of the changes I believe should be initiated include:
Recruiting and retaining effective educators. Prioritize competitive compensation, manageable workloads, meaningful professional support, and a positive working environment. Teacher retention provides students with greater instructional consistency and experienced educators.
Protecting instructional time. Reduce unnecessary administrative tasks, excessive testing, and competing initiatives that take teachers' attention away from teaching and student learning.
Supporting safe, orderly classrooms. Establish clear, consistent expectations for student behavior and ensure teachers have administrative support when addressing discipline. Students learn best in environments where they feel safe, respected, and free from unnecessary disruptions.
2. What experience and or education make you a good candidate for the board?
I am a Board-Certified Family Nurse practitioner with over 21 years of direct patient care experience. I’ve taught nursing students at the collegiate level. My professional background has taught me to evaluate evidence, make difficult decisions, communicate clearly and advocate for people with different needs. Additionally, education runs deep in my family. My late father served as a principal in ASD2 before retiring, was Chairman of the board and also worked in higher education as Associate Dean of Education at Anderson University. My mother was also a teacher who retired from this district. My mother-in-law was a librarian in the district for 50 years, with several of her years spent in Anderson District 2.
3. What are the three most important responsibilities of a school board member?
The most important responsibility to me is to review current—and if needed, establish new—policies that support safety, academic achievement, and fair treatment of students. Secondly, I believe holding district leadership accountable for results is imperative. I also believe a board member responsibility includes budgeting that directs resources towards students’ needs and protect taxpayers’ investments. Also, listening to teacher voices to create meaningful opportunities for teachers. This would provide input on policies, curriculum decisions, and district initiatives from those who are affected by decisions on a daily basis. Teachers offer valuable firsthand insight into what students need and what is actually working in classrooms.
4. What are the three greatest challenges facing Anderson School Dist. 2?
One challenge facing ASD2 is limited local funding due to a smaller industrial tax base, making it more difficult to fund school improvements without placing additional pressures on taxpayers. This intern means fewer local job opportunities and less funding for schools which makes it harder to attract new families. Slower growth then limits the additional tax revenue from new homes and businesses.
Additionally, the district faces challenges in providing a broad range of advanced placement courses, foreign languages, and even electives which can limit students opportunities to explore their interest and prepare for college or the work force. Broadening these opportunities would impact the future of not only the students, but also the entire community as it may allow for new businesses in our area.
Prioritizing strong Tier 1 instruction—The district should ensure teachers have the curriculum, instructional resources, professional development, and planning time necessary to deliver effective, grade-level instruction. Strong classroom instruction should be the foundation of student achievement, rather than relying primarily on interventions and/or computerized testing to address learning gaps.
5. Will you work toward and support the extension of the capital sales tax for schools? Why or why not?
First and foremost, I believe any proposal that extends sales tax should include clearly defined projects, transparent spending, and strong accountability to follow through with said projects and spending. I do believe funding for school facilities should share costs beyond property owners alone, so a capital sales tax helps to offset this by funding through purchases made by both residents and visitors. However, my support will come with the expectation for the district explain what has been accomplished with previous collections, what remains and how future funds would be used.
6. What should the district do to fund the renovation of the two middle schools?
The 8% borrowing capacity allows a South Carolina school district to borrow money for school facilities without a voter referendum within a constitutional limit. The 8% refers to a borrow limit not the interest rate. This allows us to use 8% of the assessed property value to sell bonds. The bonds give the district money upfront for school projects and the debt-service millage collects money to repay the loan.
7. How would you meet the challenge of working with board members with whom you disagree?
All disagreements should begin with respectful conversation that includes listening, asking open ended questions, and focusing on the end goal—to protect the future of our children and teachers. Disagreement often times can improve a decision if everyone is willing to consider other perspectives. I will explain my position clearly and look for common ground without compromising on my principles. In the event the board makes a lawful decision that I do not agree with, I will respect the process and continue working professionally.
8. Do you see the role of school board member as a proxy vote for those who elect you or are a public trust to do what’s best for the district no matter the political consequences?
I definitely see this as a public trust. Listening to people of our district is an essential part of this responsibility. You must also study facts and consider the needs of the entire district and not a small portion. This position in essence will hold you accountable to the community. Therefore, I expect that my views should be explained, especially if the decision is difficult or unpopular.
9. There has been talk of making school board elections, which are currently non-partisan, into partisan elections. Do you support this change? Why or why not?
I do not support making this school board elections into partisan elections. Voters should evaluate candidates’ qualifications, judgment, and commitment to public education—not a political affiliation. Our schools serve families with many different backgrounds, socioeconomic status and political backgrounds; therefore, school board members must be able to consider what is best for all and not just those who align with his or her political beliefs. A board is made up of several people so that different views and opinions are considered—otherwise it would be one person with one belief.
10. What else do voters need to know about you as a person?
I am a wife, mother to three daughters and a life community member. I am a member of Beech Springs church. My faith and family guide my commitment to honesty, integrity, and treating others with respect – no matter their background, religion or political affiliation. I will be approachable, willing to listen and willing to ask difficult questions. I want every family in district 2-not just my area-to feel heard. I want families to know that I believe EVERY child matters. Accountability matters. Transparency matters. And most importantly, your voice matters.
