Below are the questions and responses from Spartanburg School District Four Candidates for the Board of Trustees. Reminder: Early Voting is October 20-31, and Election Day is November 4.
1. Why is it important to you to serve on the Spartanburg School District Four Board of Trustees?
It is important to me because I am proud to be from Woodruff. I was born and raised here. I graduated from WHS in 1985, and I love my community.
2. What are two significant challenges facing the district where you feel your leadership and expertise can make a positive impact? There are lots of changes taking place in our town. The most obvious is growth. With growth we will face many hurdles, but if we stay focused and work together there is nothing we can’t conquer together as a team.
3. What changes would you like to see in Spartanburg School District Four?
Although there is always room for improvement, I feel that our district is very good in all aspects—from education to safety to school spirit. I have said before that Woodruff District Four is becoming the crown jewel of Upstate SC.
4. How do you plan to support teachers, staff, and administrators in creating a safe and effective learning environment for students?
First, our schools must be safe, and the students, faculty, and staff must believe in this safety. Second, a key job of the board is to support teachers, staff, and administration by listening to their needs and providing them with the tools necessary to succeed.
5. What is your vision for how Spartanburg School District Four can best prepare students for success beyond graduation (college, career, or military)?
By having a curriculum and schedule that will allow students to explore different fields of interest.
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1. Why is it important to you to serve on the Spartanburg School District Four Board of Trustees?
I believe we are all called to service, service that may look different dependent upon the season of life that we are in. Prior to 2021, I served, just as many of you, in various roles as a spouse, a father, a coach, a business owner, a volunteer, a church member, etc., but never as a publicly elected official. Public service, because it required one to be in the public eye, was not on my radar because selfishly this made me uncomfortable. In 2020, while my mom, a lifelong educator with over thirty years of service to District Four, was battling cancer, I was reading a book that referenced Isaish 6:8, which reads “And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here I am! Send me.’” When my mom passed later that year, my mind raced back to that scripture, and I realized, while being raised by a mother who served our district for over thirty years, while being married to my wife who has served our district now for twenty seven years, growing up with a sister who has served our district for twenty five years, and a sister-in-law who has served our district for twenty seven years, that the least I could do is climb out of my comfort zone and volunteer my time, skills, and knowledge to serve not only a district that served me so well for thirteen years, but also the entire community of Woodruff that I have been a part of my entire life. While the last four years of service on our school board have been, at times, challenging, and I have often found myself selfishly trying to convince myself that I have fulfilled my civic duty, I have a much stronger calling to continue to serve the people, the school district, and the community I love with my time, knowledge, and skills, to the best of my abilities, if voters see fit!
2. What are two significant challenges facing the district where you feel your leadership and expertise can make a positive impact?
I believe there are, and will always, be countless challenges facing our school district, and I believe some of my life experiences uniquely qualify me to assist in making positive decisions that impact the district positively. I believe everyone in the community would agree that our unprecedented growth has been and will continue to be a significant challenge. Having grown up in Woodruff and witnessing the growth firsthand, I understand the core values that make Woodruff special, and understand that while we must continue to evolve, we can never waiver from these values despite the growth. As a family member and friend of many who have and continue to serve our district at various grade levels, I hear directly the challenges they face in the classroom and the support they need to be successful. As the parent of two recent Woodruff graduates, I have seen and heard the challenges of growth from a student’s perspective and witnessed with my own children where each were served well by our district, and where each would have benefited from expanded opportunities in our district. And as a business owner with a background in construction and development, I understand local growth trends and the costs associated with school expansion and maintenance, costs that must be managed with financial responsibility. I also believe that another significant challenge is ensuring that our children are educated and prepared for the ever-changing job market that they will be entering upon graduation from high school or college. As the parent of a senior and a sophomore in college currently, I see where expanded dual credit opportunities can provide significant financial savings for children and their families, and how vocational training not only provides children with career opportunities without the need to go to college, but how those same vocational opportunities can provide children career path direction even if they choose to go on to college. As a college graduate with a “white-collar” degree who subsequently chose to pursue a career in a “blue-collar” industry, I understand the benefits of college for some, and the opportunities to pursue trades for others. I have been, and will continue to be, an advocate for all our children to pursue dual-credit opportunities and vocational opportunities that will best prepare them for their next steps.
3. What changes would you like to see in Spartanburg School District Four?
I believe change is a strong word, and while I understand change is often necessary, I believe evolution is the better choice of words in this setting. I believe we have a strong district, one of the strongest districts in the state, but I also believe we must continue to evolve to best prepare our children for the world they will be entering while not wavering from core values we are unwilling to compromise.
4. How do you plan to support teachers, staff, and administrators in creating a safe and effective learning environment for students?
I believe the second most important priority in District Four, second only to the children of our district, 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-five 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 better do their job. With that said, it would likewise be my intention to continue 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.
5. What is your vision for how Spartanburg School District Four can best prepare students for success beyond graduation (college, career, or military)?
I believe District Four must continue evolving to prepare students for life after graduation—whether in the military, workforce, technical school, or college—without losing sight of our core values. The core values of discipline and rigor that are ingrained in District Four have always, and will continue, to serve our students well, no matter their post-graduation plans. I currently believe, as stated earlier, that we must continue to expand our dual-credit offerings to benefit our college-bound students, while also expanding our career and technical opportunities, which will benefit all students, whether their next steps are in the military, the workforce, or college.
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1. Why is it important to you to serve on the Spartanburg School District Four Board of Trustees?
Serving on the Woodruff School Board matters to me because this community and school system have shaped my life and my families for generations. All of my children graduated from Woodruff High School, and now I’m proud to have grandchildren in our schools. I want to ensure our teachers have the resources they need, and our schools remain safe, supportive places where every child feels they belong. Serving on the board is my way of giving back and helping preserve the strong foundation that makes Woodruff such a special place.
2. What are two significant challenges facing the district where you feel your leadership and expertise can make a positive impact?
I’ve noticed that staff and student morale can sometimes be low, and that affects everyone’s ability to thrive. We must listen to teachers, staff, and students, acknowledge the challenges they face, and take steps to create a more supportive environment. By fostering open communication, celebrating successes, and providing the resources and recognition our staff deserve, we can rebuild pride and positivity across our schools. Retaining our best teachers is essential for student success. Great teachers need support, competitive compensation, and the resources to do their jobs effectively. By investing in professional development, recognizing their achievements, and creating a positive, collaborative work environment, we can ensure our schools keep the talented educators our students deserve.
3. What changes would you like to see in Spartanburg School District Four?
I think District Four does a lot of things very well, and I’m very proud of the tradition we have here. At the same time, there are a few changes I would like to see.
Community Engagement & Transparency: When it comes to community engagement and transparency, I believe strong communication builds trust. We need open, two-way communication between the board, parents, staff, and the entire community. I also believe families deserve to feel included and informed about the decisions that affect their children. By making the decision-making process more transparent, we can strengthen that trust and ensure everyone knows their voices matter.
Expanded Career and College Readiness: Another priority for me is expanding career and college readiness, ensuring every student leaves high school prepared, no matter their chosen path. We can achieve this by strengthening existing programs and partnering with local businesses and colleges to expand internships, apprenticeships, and dual-enrollment opportunities.
4. How do you plan to support teachers, staff, and administrators in creating a safe and effective learning environment for students?
A safe approach to supporting teachers, staff, and administrators in creating a safe and effective learning environment should involve several key steps. Creating a safe and effective learning environment starts with open communication, proper resources, and ongoing professional development. By fostering collaboration, clear policies, and support for staff and student well-being, we can ensure every classroom is safe, positive, and effective.
Open Communication: Encourage regular dialogue so staff can share concerns, ideas, and feedback without fear of judgment.
Professional Development: Provide training on classroom management, mental health awareness, conflict resolution, and inclusive teaching practices.
Resources and Tools: Ensure classrooms and staff have access to the materials, technology, and support personnel they need to teach effectively.
Clear Policies: Maintain well-defined safety protocols for emergencies, bullying, and behavioral issues so everyone knows expectations and procedures.
Collaborative Culture: Foster teamwork among teachers, staff, and administrators to share strategies, celebrate successes, and address challenges collectively.
Well-being Support: Promote mental health resources for staff and students to help manage stress and maintain a positive school climate.
This approach emphasizes proactive planning, clear communication, and mutual support to create a safe, effective, and nurturing learning environment.
5. What is your vision for how Spartanburg School District Four can best prepare students for success beyond graduation (college, career, or military)?
My vision for Spartanburg School District Four is to ensure that every student graduates fully prepared for the next stage of their life—whether that’s college, a career, or the military. To achieve this, we need a multi-faceted approach:
Academic Excellence: Strengthen core academics while offering advanced coursework, dual-enrollment options, and personalized learning paths to challenge and support every student.
Career and Technical Education: Expand programs that prepare students for trades, technical careers, or entrepreneurship. By partnering with local businesses, industries, and colleges, we can provide hands-on experiences, internships, apprenticeships, and mentorship opportunities.
College Readiness: Provide guidance and resources for students considering higher education, including counseling, test preparation, and exposure to colleges and scholarship opportunities.
Life Skills & Leadership: Teach critical thinking, problem-solving, financial literacy, and leadership skills to help students navigate real-world challenges with confidence.
Supportive Environment: Ensure schools remain safe, inclusive, and supportive, where students feel valued, motivated, and prepared to take risks, explore their interests, and develop their full potential.
By combining strong academics, career pathways, life skills, and a supportive environment, Spartanburg School District Four can give every student a clear path forward and the tools they need to succeed in life beyond graduation.
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1. Why is it important to you to serve on the Spartanburg School District Four Board of Trustees?
As a parent and a local business owner, I care deeply about the future of our community. Our schools are the heart of Woodruff, and I want every student to have the same sense of pride and opportunity that I want for my own kids. Serving on the Board allows me to contribute my time and energy to making sure our schools stay strong, focused on students, and connected to the families we serve. I believe we have something special here, and I want to help protect and grow that for years to come.
2. What are two significant challenges facing the district where you feel your leadership and expertise can make a positive impact?
One major challenge is managing growth. Our community is expanding, and we need to plan carefully so we have the facilities, technology, and staff to meet the needs of every student. My background as a business owner gives me experience in planning for the future and working within a budget to get things done.
Another challenge is keeping and supporting great teachers and staff. Strong teachers build strong students, and we need to make sure we’re offering competitive pay, listening to their feedback, and giving them the tools they need to succeed. When our teachers and staff feel valued, our whole district wins.
3. What changes would you like to see in Spartanburg School District Four?
I’d like to see even more opportunities for parent and community involvement. We have such a supportive community, and I think finding new ways to connect families with what’s happening in our schools can only make us stronger. I’d also love to see our district continue to invest in both academics and athletics. Our students need strong programs in the classroom, but athletics play a huge role in building character, teamwork, and school pride. Having great athletic facilities, coaches, and support systems helps our students succeed on and off the field.
4. How do you plan to support teachers, staff, and administrators in creating a safe and effective learning environment for students?
It starts with listening. I believe the people who work in our schools every day know what they need to create the best learning environment, and as a board member, I want to hear from them. I plan to be approachable, present, and committed to gathering feedback before making decisions that impact their work.
We can then focus on what matters most … safety, manageable class sizes, professional development, and resources that make teaching and learning easier. I also think supporting mental health for students and staff is critical to keeping our schools a place where everyone can thrive.
5. What is your vision for how Spartanburg School District Four can best prepare students for success beyond graduation (college, career, or military)?
My vision is for every student to graduate with confidence about what comes next … whether that’s college, a career, or serving in the military. We can do that by strengthening our academic programs, expanding career and technical education opportunities, and building partnerships that give students real-world experience before they leave high school.I also believe in teaching practical life skills like financial literacy, communication, and problem-solving so that students are ready to handle whatever life throws at them. And I want athletics, arts, and extracurricular programs to stay strong so that every student has a chance to find their place and grow as a person, not just a student.
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1. Why is it important to you to serve on the Spartanburg School District Four Board of Trustees?
Serving on the Spartanburg County School District Four Board of Trustees for a second term is important to me, first and foremost, because I love Woodruff, our wonderful school system, and the children we are entrusted with. I am a 3rd generation graduate of Woodruff High School. My wife, Stormy and I, live, work, and raise our two beautiful children (Mason and Charlie) in Woodruff. The children of District 4 are our community’s, state’s, and nation’s future leaders. They, along, with the educators and staff that lead them each day deserve the best support that we can possibly give them and that continues to be my promise to the district.
2. What are two significant challenges facing the district where you feel your leadership and expertise can make a positive impact?
The tremendous growth coming to our community can be exciting but also shares its challenges. The city limits of Woodruff as well as the volume of people seems to be growing every day. The space to put all of the new children as well as the staff to teach them and keep them safe are constantly on our minds. I believe that the Trustees, staff, and administrators who come before me as well as those that I have been blessed to serve with over the last four years have done a fantastic job of seeing a need, planning for it, and putting this plan into action. You can see this firsthand in the amazing new Woodruff High School and the new grade structures being implemented throughout the remaining schools. I believe my experience in the finance/banking industry helped us as we navigated the bond referendum, repayment strategy, and budgeting over the life of this project. The second challenge is also a by-product of growth. In a constantly growing community, how do we hold fast to the core values of self-discipline, resiliency, hard work, accountability, teamwork, and supporting/loving each other that have made Woodruff one of the most sought-after school districts and housing markets in the State? I believe that being able to work together for a common good, regardless of personal differences is something that is missing in today’s society. While we may not have agreed at times, I believe what has made our current Board of Trustees great is our ability to have hard conversations, listen to each other’s perspectives, bring concerns from our community, and come out unified on the other side. We want what is best for our students, teachers, staff and community and will tirelessly continue in this pursuit.
3. What changes would you like to see in Spartanburg School District Four?
I believe that we could continue to improve our technology offerings. In a society and workforce that depends on technology to communicate, gain information, and perform everyday tasks, I believe it is vitally important to have the best and most up to date equipment. When our children graduate and move on to college, military, or the work force I want them to be as prepared as possible for what they will be asked to do.
4. How do you plan to support teachers, staff, and administrators in creating a safe and effective learning environment for students? First, I plan to support our teachers, staff, and administrators by continuing to uphold our current discipline structure. Holding children accountable can be an uncomfortable necessity. However, I believe there is no greater support for our staff than allowing them to do their jobs in peace, feeling safe while they are doing it, and being as free from distractions as possible.
Secondly, a constant conversation we have had with our Superintendent is opportunities to reduce class sizes for teachers. This is important because it will reduce the workload on our teachers, provide more one on one instructional opportunities with the students, and can reduce discipline issues. This may be a slower process as there are many different hurdles to cross for this in a small district like ours including budgeting and classroom space in our already overcrowded buildings. However, moving into the new high school and restructuring the other schools will be a tremendous help as we will now have five schools instead of four.
5. What is your vision for how Spartanburg School District Four can best prepare students for success beyond graduation (college, career, or military)?
My vision for preparing students for success beyond graduation is to constantly be evaluating ourselves. The old adage of “we do it this way because it’s the way we’ve always done it” cannot be our mantra. Hold strong to what makes us great but always be willing to adapt. We have shown this through the change to a “hybrid block” schedule at Woodruff High School. Not only was the state accountability model changing, but we were also tasked with finding a way for more students to have the opportunity to attend R.D. Anderson, a greater opportunity for dual-enrollment classes, having more sports specific classes, bringing classes back to Woodruff High School that allow for a job specific certification, and others. Preparing students for success after graduation is a moving target but one that we always have our eye on. I have been honored to serve our District for the last four years and would count it a blessing to be able to serve another four years. I would be grateful to have your vote this November.
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1. Why is it important to you to serve on the Spartanburg School District Four Board of Trustees?
My name is Rhonda Sumner, and I am running for school district 4 board of trustees. I graduated from WHS and Clemson University with a degree in elementary education. I also graduated from Converse with a master’s degree in gifted education. I taught school in Woodruff. My mom taught school here and my dad was a principal in District 4. They left me an awesome legacy of love, respect, and faith in Jesus Christ and for this community. The Lord has impressed upon me to run because He will save America and the way to do that is by saving the younger generations. Here’s a verse which He laid on my heart to share with you: Isaiah 54:15 says, “And all your children shall be taught of the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children. “
2. What are two significant challenges facing the district where you feel your leadership and expertise can make a positive impact?
One significant challenge facing the district is the rapid growth of the community and trying to keep the “hometown” feel in the midst of this growth. While we welcome new members to our community, it is imperative that we keep our small-town identity and faith in God in the midst of the new and growing community. Another significant challenge facing the district or education in general is the fact that many of the children come from homes where there is no one to watch over them. So, we as a community of educators need to promote different types of activities because each child has something inside him or her that can be nurtured and grown through things like sports, arts, music, drama, clubs, hobbies, etc.
3. What changes would you like to see in Spartanburg School District Four?
One change I would love to see in all school districts, not just ours, is for prayer to be put back into schools—-not a moment of silence, but an actual prayer in Jesus name. When I went to high school , every day we had devotions on the intercom and a prayer led by student council. I would also love to see the 10 commandments in all classrooms, and I would also like more faith-based curriculum. This also includes some of the materials in the libraries.
4. How do you plan to support teachers, staff, and administrators in creating a safe and effective learning environment for students? I have utmost support for the teachers, staff, and administrators in the job that they are doing. There are many problems facing educators today—one thing being the discipline. In order to teach anything, there has to be discipline. I’m talking about the kind of discipline where it may seem to be tough, but it is done with love and respect- a mutual bond between teacher, administrators, and students. School should be a safe , happy environment where students can grow with their abilities into productive adults.
5. What is your vision for how Spartanburg School District Four can best prepare students for success beyond graduation (college, career, or military)?
My vision is for every student to be prepared for life after graduation. Instill into the children a firm foundation with the Word of God, integrity, and discipline and also focus on what each student is interested in. There is something that is within each child and we as educators have to find a way to unlock their gifts and full potential.
Author: Vareva Harris
