Woodruff voters will go to the polls on November 2 to fill five seats on the Spartanburg County School District Four Board of Trustees from among seven candidates, including two incumbents. Three Woodruff City Council members will retain their seats in uncontested races.
The District Four Board will feature at least three new members following this fall’s election, as Chairman Melvin Brewton and trustees Joni Phillips and Chris Bennet have decided not to run again. Incumbent trustees Tony Davis and Charles Hembree seek to retain their seats on the Board against five other candidates: Ted Harrison, Jr., Gary Lee, Jay Phillips, David Sawyer, and Morgan Smith.
District Four Trustees are elected to represent the entire district and not from specific areas within the district. The seven candidates are all vying to fill the five open seats. To be eligible, candidates must be 18 years old, live within the boundaries of District Four, and submit a petition with the signature of 120 verified votes within the district by July 15. School board members are elected to a four-year term.
In the Woodruff City Council race, seats in districts 2, 4, and 6 are up for election. Incumbent council members Toni Sloan, Scott Dickard, and Allen Durham are running unopposed and will retain their seats.
School District Candidates
The Woodruff Times reached out to the seven candidates vying for the five open seats on the Spartanburg County School District Four Board of Trustees to provide voters with more information to make their decision at the polls. Below are the responses from the seven candidates listed in alphabetical order.
Tony Davis (Incumbent)
Age: 54
Current Occupation: Self-employed at Davis Auto Sales
Years Living in Woodruff:
Born and raised in Woodruff, 1984 graduate of Woodruff High School
Previous Political or Public Service Experience:
Served eight years on District Four school board
Why Do You Want to Continue Serving on The District Four Board of Trustees?
I want to continue to serve as a trustee because I am proud to be from Woodruff. My entire family graduated from WHS and still lives here today. Also, I am very excited for the future of this community.
What Are the Top Issues You Will Focus on as a Trustee?
With the growth that is predicted for this community, a top issue will be to continue to provide quality education and adequate facilities to accommodate the growth. I think that my eight years of service, along with my love for and dedication to Woodruff, will ensure that any decision the Board has to make will be made with the best interest of the school and student in mind.
Ted Harrison, Jr.
Age: 44
Current Occupation: President, Harrison & Son Contractors, Inc.
Years Living in Woodruff:
44 years living in Woodruff
Previous Political or Public Service Experience:
No prior political experience
Why Do You Want to Serve on The District Four Board of Trustees?
I believe District Four has entered one of the most exciting yet pivotal seasons in the history of our district. I believe my experiences as a former student of the district, a child of a former student of the district, a child of a former educator in the district, a husband to a current educator in the district, a brother and brother-in-law of current educators in the district, a parent to children in the district, a volunteer coach in the district, and a business owner of a company that specializes in land acquisition, construction and development, all have equipped me in a capacity that would serve the district well during this season of unprecedented growth.
What Are the Top Issues You Will Focus on as a Trustee?
I believe the top priority of District Four should always be, no matter the season we find ourselves in, the children. I believe we have one of the best school systems in the state, but I also realize that there is always room for new ideas and improvement. My business has afforded me the opportunity to work in many areas across our wonderful state alongside an array of amazing and talented people, many of who have become friends. My children have participated in traveling baseball and cheer teams during off-seasons in school sports across the state and the Southeast, where I have again made many friends. I have also had the great privilege of assisting with the Woodruff High School Diamond Prospects Baseball team for the past three years, assuming the role of head coach this year. This privilege has allowed me to not only interact with children in our district, who may not be in the same circle of friends as my children, but also with many other children from across the Upstate. I have seen with my own eyes and heard stories of how children and communities have been impacted, both positively and negatively, through their respective school systems. I believe that everyone learns from their own mistakes, but the wise learn from the mistakes of others. I intend to serve our children not only based on our experiences in District Four, but from the experiences of others I have witnessed over the years. As our children evolve, so must we, as a district, to equip our children for the future.
I believe District Four’s second most important priority should always be the employees, from the administrators to the custodians, from the teachers to the cafeteria workers, from the maintenance crews to the bus drivers. The employees have always been and will always be our greatest asset and resource. Having been blessed with the opportunity to lead my own company for the past twenty years, I have admittedly made many mistakes dealing with people both within and outside of my organization. It has been through those mistakes that I have learned my role as a leader is to deflect the praise heaped on my organization to my coworkers, to absorb any criticism directed towards my company and coworkers, to cast a positive vision of where we as an organization are headed, and to equip my coworkers with anything I could to help them to better do their job. With that said, it would likewise be my intention to serve the employees, the heartbeat of District Four, in the same manner, advocating for them to have the resources and support needed to foster the best learning experience possible not only for our children, but our children’s children, insuring that for generations to come District Four employees are equipped in a manner to educate the next generation.
If elected as a trustee of District Four, the final issue I feel strongly motivated to address would be that of our infrastructure and facilities. As I have previously stated, after college, I pursued a career specializing in construction, land acquisition, and development, all areas that our district is currently immersed in and will be for years to come. As we, District Four, experience unprecedented growth, it will be paramount that someone in leadership be well versed in construction, land acquisition, and development as we work toward not only building new facilities but maintaining aging facilities that they may not become antiquated. The addition of new facilities and the improvement to current aging facilities are paramount to equip our employees with a much-needed resource to promote the highest level of public education for our children for generations to come.
Charles Hembree (Incumbent)
Age: 75
Current Occupation: Retired educator and coach
Years Living in Woodruff:
75 Years Living in Woodruff
Previous Political or Public Service Experience:
Three terms on District Four school board
Why Do You Want to Continue Serving on The District Four Board of Trustees?
I am a lifelong resident. My late wife and I both graduated from Woodruff schools. Both of my children and my grandchildren also went through Woodruff schools and graduated from WHS. I taught and coached for over 30 years in this district. I know and understand Spartanburg District Four Schools. I’m passionate about its growth and future. It is my desire to help ensure that Woodruff schools remain one of the leading school districts in South Carolina.
What Are the Top Issues You Will Focus on as a Trustee?
I will focus on future growth, adding to the curriculum, and continuing to be an advocate for all employees.
Gary Lee
Age: 42
Current Occupation: Territory Consultant at RedHill Biopharma
Years Living in Woodruff:
Living in Woodruff for 35 years
Previous Political or Public Service Experience:
No previous political or public service experience
Why Do You Want to Serve on The District 4 Board of Trustees?
I would like to serve on the Spartanburg County District Four Board of Trustees to help ensure that the kids of District Four have everything they need to be successful both in and out of the classroom, just as I did as a student here. My wife and I both attended K-12th grade here at Woodruff and decided to move back so that our kids could do the same. I’m a WHS graduate of 1997 and feel that now is a great time to give back and help invest in our school district as we embark on growth in our area. I am also interested in using my business and sales background to offer a new perspective for our Board, District, staff, educators, and most importantly, the students. While our schools have seen great success, it is also important to explore what other surrounding districts are doing to reap success in and out of the classrooms. Gaining new perspectives and a fresh look is always good for any organization as it challenges growth and commitment to excellence. At the end of the day, that is the goal for any district.
What Are the Top Issues You Will Focus on as a Trustee?
District Four schools have always been considered one of the best in the state of South Carolina. With the growth taking place in our community, it is imperative that the schools continue to help lead the way. I am sure that issues will arise, and communication will be critical. I want to be a sounding block for the community and the faculty and staff of the District. If elected, I would try to address any needs within our academic and athletic programs, improve on the variety of electives, help support any future projects within our district and work on the expansion of broadband in and around our school district, including the rural areas.
Jay Phillips
Age: 36
Current Occupation: Owner, Smash Ink (Design and Printing)
Years Living in Woodruff:
36+ Years Living in Woodruff
Previous Political or Public Service Experience:
No previous political or public service experience
Why Do You Want to Serve on The District 4 Board of Trustees?
My parents, Carol and Joni Phillips have instilled in me a love for the Woodruff community and a love and commitment to our Woodruff Wolverine family since I was a child. That legacy of love for Woodruff is something that I hold dear in my heart and impacts the way I lead my family. My wife, Miranda Brown Phillips, and I had the privilege of growing up in Woodruff. We both attended District Four schools, and both graduated from Woodruff High School. We are so glad that our two children, Ali Reese and Truett, are attending Woodruff schools now, and that they are continuing a LEGACY marked by our family’s dedication to Spartanburg School District Four.
What Are the Top Issues You Will Focus on as a Trustee?
With all of the growth coming into the Woodruff area, I feel an intense calling in my life to help protect our Woodruff Wolverine family traditions. I want to have a positive impact on the growth in our community that can impact our children and our school system. My goal is to strive to provide every child in District Four an equal opportunity to live, learn, and grow in a safe environment so that each child may receive the best education possible. We need to continue to support the Woodruff Wolverine family tradition to love, protect, and support our children, as well as our teachers, staff, and administrators.
David Sawyer
Age: 73
Current Occupation: Retail sales and service
Years Living in Woodruff:
Grew up in Woodruff from 1958 – 1968 and recently moved back in 2019
Previous Political or Public Service Experience:
No previous political experience, U.S. Navy veteran
Why Do You Want to Serve on The District 4 Board of Trustees?
I graduated from Woodruff High School in 1966. My education in Woodruff schools, the friends I made here, and the values I learned here made me a big part of who I am today. I believe strongly in serving and the importance of giving back, and I want to give back what I can to the community that gave so much to me.
What Are the Top Issues You Will Focus on as a Trustee?
I want to make sure the education we’re providing in District Four is individualized to students’ future goals and plans. Whether they’re entering a four-year college, a technical school, going straight into the workforce, or entering military service, we must recognize that one size doesn’t fit all.
I think education is only the beginning of what we teach our students. I will push for a curriculum that stresses work ethic, leadership, citizenship, honesty, and integrity. Those values are as much a part of success as anything traditionally learned in a classroom.
Lastly, I think every organization can benefit from a fresh perspective from time to time. I want to listen to all perspectives and ideas from parents, students, teachers, and the community as a whole to make sure every good idea for the betterment of our District is on the table.
Morgan Smith
Age: 34
Current Occupation: President and Chief Executive Officer of Woodruff Federal Savings and Loan Association
Years Living in Woodruff:
35 Years Living in Woodruff
Previous Political or Public Service Experience:
I am a current member of the City of Woodruff Planning Commission, Past President of the Woodruff Rotary Club, Current Board Member of W. Ray Miller Homes for Hope (previously, Lower Spartanburg County Habitat for Humanity), Past Master of Bethel Masonic Lodge 112, Past Chairman of Woodruff Ducks Unlimited, WYRA and WYFL Little League Coach, and member of Team Heart and Soul (we raise money for underprivileged children and adults in the Woodruff Community through fitness events).
Why Do You Want to Serve on The District Four Board of Trustees?
My beautiful wife, Stormy, and I work, live and raise our two beautiful children Mason (3rd Grade at Woodruff Elementary) and Charleston Rae (5k at Woodruff Primary) in Woodruff. I absolutely love this town and truly believe that our school system is the best in the state. I am a very proud 2005 graduate of Woodruff High School. My motive behind running for District Four School Board is purely because I want what is best for the children and employees of Woodruff schools. The children of our district and the wonderful staff who take care of them and teach them every day deserve nothing but the absolute best that we can give them. Our current and past Board of Trustees, administrators, teachers, and staff have done a tremendous job setting our children up for success in their futures. I would love the opportunity, if elected, to contribute to the continuation of guiding our district to even greater heights.
What Are the Top Issues You Will Focus on as a Trustee?
The first and foremost issue is the need to alleviate overcrowding in our individual schools. Every school, from the Primary to the High School, is packed with children. To alleviate this, we will need to build a new high school and reorganize the current grade structures between the existing schools. This is an issue that the current School Board is actively working on and will have to continue to gain momentum with the new members being elected in November. Secondly, we are simply continuing to give the children, administrators, and staff of District Four the best opportunity for success. School District Four and the Woodruff Community have a long tradition of educational excellence and pride in our Woodruff Wolverines. If elected, I promise that every decision I make or vote I cast will solely center around the fact that I want what is best for our children and staff of School District Four.
Author: Tracy Sanders
