As the nation approaches the pivotal date of November 5th, voters are gearing up to make transformational choices at the polls.
While much of the media spotlight focuses on the high-stakes elections for president, vice president, and Congress, there's another significant decision quietly taking place in communities across America: the election of school board members. These elections hold incredible importance as the leaders chosen will shape the policies and decisions guiding the education of today’s youth.
Championing Change in Education
In an era where educational systems are at a crossroads, it is essential for voters to scrutinize school board candidates. What backgrounds do they possess? Have they immersed themselves in the educational field?
It is with these questions in mind that we welcomed Michelle Green, a school board candidate in Horry County, SC, who is championing change in education locally and across the nation, to our Lean to the Left podcast.
Green brings with her a wealth of hands-on educational experience, standing out
as a candidate with actual classroom experience. As a proud product of the Horry County Schools, she transitioned from student to teacher, and later to principal and human resources director, contributing over three decades of service to her community.
Her deep-rooted connection to the county and understanding of the educational landscape make her a formidable advocate for change.
Reasons for Running
When asked why she chose to run for the school board, Green cited the lack of educational experience among current members as a primary motivator. Horry County, along with many others in South Carolina, is facing a troubling decline in academic performance. As a result, Michelle emphasizes the importance of electing board members with firsthand educational insight—leaders who understand pedagogy, instruction, and the developmental needs of children.
Challenges in Education
Delving into the larger challenges facing education, Green extended the discussion beyond Horry County, pointing out systemic issues at the state and national levels.
Highlighting the troubling trend of appointing unqualified individuals to key educational positions, she argued that effective leadership requires experience and understanding of educational systems—not merely corporate acumen.
Among the pressing issues, Green highlighted the controversial policies, such as Project 2025's proposal to dismantle the Department of Education, which, she believes, could unravel the accountability and support structures vital to school success.
School Safety and Policy Concerns
One of the most urgent topics is school safety, an area Green feels requires expertise beyond the educational realm. While supporting the presence of trained safety professionals, she vehemently opposes the notion of arming teachers—describing it as an impractical and hazardous proposal.
Green also voiced concern over the politicization of education, including attempts to ban books and control curriculum content. She argues that such measures trample on the freedom of intellectual exploration and choice that have long defined the educational pursuit.
A Vision for Teachers and Education Reform
In her role as a former Human Resources Director, Green possesses valuable insights into the factors influencing teacher retention and recruitment. She advocates for tangible support for teachers—not just financial incentives but also a reevaluation of job responsibilities to ensure educators can focus on teaching.
Michelle Green remains steadfast in her mission to realign education priorities, ensuring the well-being and academic success of children are the focal points. She aims to dismantle the barriers that prevent qualified professionals from effectively fulfilling their roles in the educational system.
A Call to Action
Michelle Green's passionate commitment to education is clear. She called for voters to transcend partisan lines, recognizing that the future of education—and consequently the future of the community—depends on responsible and informed decisions.
As election day approaches, Michelle Green encouraged voters to “go green,” casting their support for a candidate who is not only experienced, but deeply rooted in the academic and emotional well-being of students. Through her candidacy, Michelle offers a vision of thoughtful reform and the opportunity for substantive progress in the education sector.
View the podcast:
Listen to the podcast: https://feeds.podetize.com/ep/THqFwB88I/media
Read the transcript:
Comments