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 Brandon E. Bailey, who is running for the Anderson School Dist. 4, Area 4 board.
Why are you running for the Anderson School Dist. 4 board?
Voting is the first exercise whereby the public has a voice to “make a difference” in their community. When possible, I believe people should get more involved in their community to “make a difference”. I am at a point in my career and family whereby I have the time to invest further in my community by being a voice on the local school board. I believe I have several unique qualities, and leadership experience, to serve on the local school board. We need to continue to promote excellence in Academics, Arts, Agriculture, and Athletics. We need to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and teachers, and we need to listen to teachers to guarantee they are unencumbered to do what they do best—Teach. We need to help our families through parent counsel and education. It’s difficult raising children in the face of social media, cyber risks, marginalization, and lower disposable income. Finally, we need to pledge transparency to the community that funds our district and utilize the experience of our community and alumni business Owners.
What experience and/or education make you a good candidate for the board?
First, my children represent the fourth generation in Anderson 4 schools. I know this community. I have served in this community all the way back to working in local establishments as a teenager and college student. I still trade with many of the local businesses and call them my friends. Second, I taught college for ten years, so I understand what is required for students to be successful at the next stage of their education. Unfortunately, many students are ill-equipped when they enter college. Third, I work in the technology industry. I understand Artificial Intelligence, including its promise and its pitfalls. It’s not “the future”. It’s “today”, and we must embrace it with responsibility and security. I am also certified in the two most common Lesson Planning/Delivery platforms in the Education world: Google Workspace for Education and Microsoft for Education, so I understand the classroom and the requirements for continued support for teachers and IT personnel. Fourth, I manage multi-million-dollar budgets and projects for my employer, so I understand fiscal accountability. Finally, I have served on other Boards and understand the “rules of engagement” and the responsibilities therein.
What are the three most important responsibilities of a school board member?
First, they must provide vision and support for district personnel, students, teachers, and the community which includes consistent policy evaluation. Second, they must ensure the safety of all district personnel, students, and teachers. This includes maintaining a distraction-free environment for teaching and learning. Finally, Board members have fiduciary responsibility to the district and the community they serve which includes transparency and communication.
What are the three greatest challenges facing Anderson School District 4?
Great question! The greatest challenge facing the district is growth! Our community is one of the fastest growing in the state. Growth is a double-edged sword. While it is exciting to see families joining our incredible community and award-winning schools, it demands responsible growth. School board members must engage with state and local governments to ensure our infrastructure and Public Safety needs are being met. Responsible Planning and Zoning, along with proper funding, is critical to our growth and sustainability. Our voice MUST be heard! Additionally, the culture and values that make our community unique cannot be lost in the process. Second, the speed of technology is a challenge! While there is the responsible implementation and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that is critical, there is also the rapid advancement of machine and robotic technology. We must continually evaluate the curriculum and equipment at AIT to ensure our students are prepared to enter a workforce that is utilizing the latest advancements in technology. Likewise, Teachers are being tasked with the responsibility of evaluating the fine line of “cheating” and “enhancement” as it relates to AI and student work. Are we using the resources available to ensure a student’s work really is their work, and they truly understand the course material? Finally, Rocky Balboa once said, “…keep moving forward.” We have award-winning schools, new and updated facilities, amazing teachers, great leadership, and a supportive community. The challenge is to avoid taking these superlatives for granted and resist resting on our achievements. We must continue the climb!
Will you work toward and support the extension of the capital sales tax for schools? Why or why not?
ASD4 constituents are already burdened with the Bond Referendum property taxes and the soaring prices of goods and services, so I would not support the continuance of the Capital Improvements sales tax. However, I do believe other revenue sources should be explored. As mentioned, our community is growing at warp speed. Anderson County should consider an impact fee on Developers to fund infrastructure and Public Safety needs for sustainability. In addition, we have many transient visitors to our community, whether for Clemson University events or for business with our Manufacturing facilities. As a result, I could support a hospitality sales tax that would support the schools.
How would you meet the challenge of working with board members with whom you disagree?
The first rule is that you never engage in heated debates publicly. Polarizing opinions should be discussed privately. Additionally, you must take the time to understand the perspective of other individuals. Our individual perspectives have been shaped by a lifetime of challenges and experiences. Take the time to get to know one another. Compromise. Whenever and wherever you are able, work together for a compromise. And remember, we are in these roles to serve our students, their families, community, and all district personnel. Personal agendas and egos must be left at the door.
Do you see the role of a school board member as a proxy vote for those who elect you or are you a public trust to do what’s best for the district no matter the political consequences?
I genuinely believe you must balance both roles. While you must make decisions that are in the best interest of the district, you cannot shirk the responsibility to those who voted you into office. You represent the community and their interests, but you must also ensure the policies enacted within the district are beneficial and edifying to our students, their families, and all district personnel. To do otherwise, I believe, would be irresponsible.
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?
Honestly, I could not care less either way. However, I do believe constituents should understand your core values and vision as they shape the way you lead. While I would never want voters to “turn me off” because of a -D or a -R, I think it is important to know that I am a Christian with conservative values shaped by a Biblical worldview. Many of the debates across party lines have no place in the classroom or district policy. Common sense should always prevail. Safety should always prevail. As I have stated numerous times, anything, ANYTHING that distracts from teaching and learning are not welcome in the classroom.
What else do voters need to know about you as a person?
Pendleton is my home. I fondly recall my student experiences from La France all the way through Pendleton High School. It has been good for my children. My daughter is an Honors College student at Lander University now, and my son is a student scholar athlete at PHS. My wife, while not a Pendleton native (she’s a Westside girl!), has grown to love this community and serves as a volunteer-- while managing her career in healthcare and life as a mom. You will find us cheering on the Bulldogs under Friday Night Lights, repairing cattle fences on Saturdays, and worshipping at Mt. Pisgah on Sundays. You may encounter me soliciting athletic sponsorships at your business or supporting our amazing agriculture program as a volunteer. I appreciate the success of our district and the values of our community. I want to continue to grow those qualities. If elected, I will work diligently to ensure our district and community continue to make a significant positive impact on the world around us, our students are prepared for “next steps” in their lives, our personnel are appreciated, and our culture is protected.
