Scott Herring, Lexington-Richland Five
Name: Scott Herring District: Lexington 5
Contact Information:
Email: votescottherring@gmail.com
Phone number: 803.467.2968
Website: votescottherring.com
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/VoteScottHerring
School Board Trustee Duties
1. Why are you running for School Board Trustee?
I am running for School Board Trustee to ensure that every student in our district receives the best possible education. My children have benefited greatly from the schools in District 5, and I want to help maintain and improve the high standards of education for all current and future students. My goal is to support policies that enhance educational opportunities, ensuring that every child in our community can thrive.
2. What is the most important issue facing your school district today or a key problem you want to address?
The most pressing issue in our district is the challenge of attracting and retaining talented teachers. Like many districts nationwide, we are facing a teacher shortage that impacts the consistency and quality of education. The shortage has deeply impacted us, leading to the increased reliance on long-term substitutes, which, while admirable, is not a sustainable solution. And we've seen an unfortunate turnover in key teaching positions. For instance, over the past four years, Irmo High School has had five different band directors—a clear sign that we are struggling to retain quality educators. To address this, we need to offer competitive teacher salaries and retention bonuses for milestone years, provide support and development opportunities, and develop a district culture that fosters trust and support for our educators. These changes are essential to ensuring that teachers not only choose District 5 but also remain committed to it long-term.
3. If you could make only one change, what would you advocate?
I would advocate for a comprehensive support system for our teachers, which includes competitive salaries, protected planning time, and consistent enforcement of discipline policies that ensure a focused learning environment. Ensuring that teachers feel valued and supported will directly impact their commitment to our district and, by extension, the quality of education our students receive.
4. What knowledge and skills are currently lacking that you will bring to your School Board of Trustees?
My background as a career educator and my active involvement in the district provide me with a unique perspective that is currently underrepresented on the board. With an undergraduate degree in Music Education and over 25 years as a collegiate music educator, I bring first hand knowledge of the educational system’s challenges and opportunities. This experience allows me to understand the perspectives of students, teachers, and parents in a way that is crucial for informed decision-making. Moreover, my ongoing interactions with D5 students and teachers, along with my wife’s experience as a teacher and my experience as a parent in the district give me a unique, multifaceted view of our educational landscape. This perspective is invaluable for creating policies that truly serve our community.
5. What does the word “stakeholder” mean to you?
To me, a stakeholder is anyone who is invested in the success of our district, whether directly or indirectly. This includes students, parents, teachers, and school staff, but also extends to local businesses, residents without school-age children, and even the schools themselves. Public education is a collective responsibility, and the success of our schools impacts the entire community. Educated citizens strengthen our community, and our schools are integral to that process. This interconnectedness is why I believe it’s crucial to involve a broad segment of the community in discussions and decisions regarding our schools.
6. How do you plan to communicate with constituents and how accessible will you be?
I plan to be highly accessible to all constituents through multiple channels such as email, social media, and community forums. I will also be available for individual meetings and actively participate in school events to stay connected with the community. My goal is to foster an open and ongoing dialogue where all stakeholders feel heard and valued.
7. Have you supported millage increases in the past and what are the circumstances where you would support them in the future?
While I have not taken a public stance on millage increases in the past, I believe they should only be considered when necessary to address critical needs, such as maintaining educational quality, improving infrastructure, or ensuring competitive compensation for our teachers. Any support for a millage increase would be grounded in a thorough analysis of the district’s financial situation and a commitment to balancing the needs of our schools with the impact on taxpayers.
8. What should be the top funding priorities?
Our top funding priorities should focus on ensuring competitive salaries and benefits for teachers, maintaining and improving school facilities, and investing in programs that directly support student success and well-being. It’s also crucial that we fully support special education, accelerated learning programs, and other essential services to meet the diverse needs of all students.
9. It is difficult to get an IEP or 504 for Special Education. How would you address this and how would you support Special Education?
While my personal experience has shown that the process for obtaining a 504 plan can be straightforward, I recognize that some families face challenges. I would advocate for streamlining the process for obtaining IEPs and 504 plans, ensuring that every student receives the support they need. This includes providing additional resources, training for staff, and better communication with parents to navigate the system effectively. My priority is to make these services more accessible and responsive to all students and their families.
10. What are your thoughts on the budget proviso requiring use of restrooms and changing facilities based on birth sex?
This is a complex issue that requires careful consideration to balance the rights and safety of all students. As a board member, I would engage with the community, listen to diverse perspectives, and work to develop a policy that aligns with our district's values while meeting legal requirements. The primary goal should always be to create a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for every student.
11. Would you make any changes to your district's policy on challenging instructional materials, and if so, what would those changes be?
I would advocate for a clear, transparent, and inclusive process for challenging instructional materials, one that includes input from educators, parents, and other stakeholders. The goal should be to ensure academic freedom while respecting community values, with decisions made through thoughtful consideration and dialogue. If elected, I would review the current policy to ensure it is fair and balanced, allowing for thoughtful consideration of concerns while protecting
academic freedom and ensuring that students have access to diverse educational materials.
12. Teachers often complain about the lack of discipline in the classroom, stating that many times students are sent to the principal’s office and promptly returned to the classroom, where the student continues to disrupt the class. As a board member, how would you address student discipline through policy?
To address student discipline effectively, I would support clear and consistent policies that are fairly enforced across the district. This includes providing teachers with the training and resources they need to manage classroom behavior, and ensuring that administrators have the tools to address disciplinary issues promptly. I also believe in incorporating restorative practices to help students understand the impact of their behavior, learn from their mistakes, and improve their behavior while maintaining a positive learning environment.
Experience
13. What has been your involvement at a school level and at a Board of Trustee or district level?
I have been deeply involved in our district, previously running for a Board of Trustees seat in 2022. As a band parent, I have volunteered extensively, serving in roles ranging from chaperone to clinician. Additionally, I have participated in interview committees for the band director position and frequently serve as a clinician and adjudicator for music events in South Carolina public schools. My experience has given me a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within our district.
14. How many board meetings have you attended in person and over how long?
Over the past two years, I have attended approximately 4-5 board meetings in person. Additionally, I have regularly watched the streams of other meetings to stay informed and engaged with district matters.
15. Have you spoken during citizens’ participation? If so, how often and what topics did you address?
Yes, I have spoken during public participation three times over the past two years, addressing issues such as the hiring process for the Irmo High School band director, the district's handling of book challenges, and the importance of maintaining free lunch programs for our schools in the Irmo and Dutch Fork clusters. These experiences reflect my ongoing commitment to advocating for the needs and concerns of our community.
16. Have you made SC FOIA records requests for information? If so, what information were you seeking?
No, I have not made any SC FOIA records requests.
17. Have you served on any district boards or committees? If so, which ones?
No, I have not served on any district boards or committees, but I have been actively involved in school-level volunteer work and advisory roles. I have actively recruited applicants for a number of music positions in the district and provided recommendations for these applicants both to district employees and school administrators.
Get to Know You
18. Do you have kids currently enrolled in Lexington-Richland Five? If so, which schools do they attend? If they have graduated, what schools did they attend?
Yes, I have two children who have attended or are currently attending Lexington-Richland Five schools. My son, Sam, graduated in 2024 and is a first-year student at the University of South Carolina this fall supported by the SC Palmetto Fellows scholarship and the USC Dean’s Award. My daughter, Ella, is a 4th grader at Harbison West Elementary in the Escolares program. Both of our children have thrived in the Irmo cluster of schools, and our family's experience reinforces our belief in the strength and potential of public education in D5. Additionally, my wife spent five years as a Reading Recovery Teacher and Reading Interventionist at Nursery Road Elementary, further deepening our connection to the district.
19. What is your current occupation and are your hours flexible?
I currently teach in the School of Music at the University of South Carolina. My hours are somewhat flexible, but I am also in demand as a performer and clinician throughout the United States. This professional experience allows me to bring a unique perspective to the school board.
20. What other occupations have you held, if any?
Beyond part-time jobs in high school and college, I have dedicated 26 years to collegiate music education. I am currently a tenured Full Professor at USC, a role that takes me beyond the classroom and into the broader world of music education
and performance not only at the local and state level, but also nationally and internationally, broadening my educational experiences and perspective.
21. How much time do you plan to invest each week in board-related activities?
The amount of time I invest will vary depending on my professional schedule. However, I will ensure that I am well-prepared for board meetings, visit schools regularly, and remain visible and engaged within the District 5 community.
22. Please list your community involvement – previous and current.
I previously ran for the D5 school board in 2022. As a band parent, I have volunteered extensively with the Irmo High School Band as a chaperone, clinician, arranger, pit-crew member, and prop builder. I frequently serve as a clinician and adjudicator for music events in South Carolina public schools.
Politics
23. In an age where partisan politics have crept into K-12 classrooms and boards, how would you describe your position on partisan politics?
I firmly believe that the education of our children should be guided by what is best for their academic and personal development, free from partisan influence. My focus as a school board member will always be on fostering an environment where all students, teachers, and families can thrive, without the distraction of political agendas. Our responsibility is to ensure that decisions are made based on educational merits and the well-being of our community, not on political affiliations.
Other
24. Please include any other relevant information not mentioned above.
Lexington-Richland Five - Specific
1. Do you support districted school board of trustee seats within each county? Why or why not?
Yes, I support districted school board trustee seats within each county because it ensures that both Lexington and Richland counties have equitable representation. This is crucial for addressing the unique needs and concerns of each area. Furthermore, I would support a policy that guarantees representation for each of the district’s clusters—Chapin, Dutch Fork, and Irmo—on the board. This would help ensure that all areas of our district have a voice in the decision-making process and that the diverse needs of our students and communities are met.
2. Are you in favor of electing officers by secret ballot or voice vote?
I support electing board officers by voice vote because it enhances transparency and ensures that each board member’s decision is made openly and with accountability to the public. Transparency in decision-making fosters trust and allows the community to see how their representatives are acting on their behalf.
3. Do you support standing committees? If so, what would those committees be?
I do not support the establishment of standing committees. I believe that the full board should engage in all major decisions to ensure transparency and comprehensive input. While standing committees can streamline certain processes, involving the entire board in discussions and decisions allows for a more thorough and balanced approach, ensuring that all perspectives are considered.
4. Do you support hiring an internal auditor? Why or why not? Do you support being briefed on district finances during monthly meetings?
Yes, I support hiring an internal auditor to enhance financial transparency and accountability. An internal auditor would provide the board with ongoing, independent oversight, allowing us to address any financial concerns promptly. Regular briefings on district finances during monthly meetings are essential to ensure that both the board and the public are fully informed and that financial decisions are made with the most current information.
5. What are your thoughts on redrawing attendance lines to accommodate more students?
Redrawing attendance lines is sometimes necessary to manage growth and ensure that all students have access to quality education in an environment that is not overcrowded. This process should be approached carefully, with input from the community and experts, to minimize disruption and maintain a focus on student achievement. The goal should always be to balance enrollment fairly and consider factors such as transportation, community ties, and the impact on learning.
6. What are your thoughts on the $240M bond referendum on the November ballot?
I support the $240M bond referendum, provided it is directed toward critical infrastructure improvements, such as renovating aging schools, upgrading technology, and ensuring our facilities meet current safety standards. These upgrades are crucial for maintaining a safe and effective learning environment for our students. Concerns brought up at board meetings are evidence that we need to address the maintenance needs of many of our schools, while also addressing the population growth in parts of the district. However, I believe it’s important to review the specific projects and costs involved to ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently and effectively.
7. Do you support the current millage rate for operations? Why or why not?
I support the current millage rate for operations as long as it meets the district’s financial needs without placing an undue burden on taxpayers. It’s important to regularly review the rate to ensure it continues to fund essential services and programs while remaining affordable for our community.
8. Do you support the current millage rate for bonds? Why or why not?
I support the current millage rate for bonds if it is necessary to fund important capital projects that improve our schools and enhance the learning environment. Like the operations millage rate, it should be reviewed periodically to ensure it aligns with the district’s needs and the community’s ability to support it.
9. Do you believe Lexington-Richland 5 would benefit from engaging in another forensic audit? Why or why not?
I do not support another forensic audit at this time. The previous audit did not yield significant findings that justified the expense, and we should focus on strengthening our internal audit processes instead. If new concerns arise, we can consider further actions, but our current priority should be on maintaining transparency through regular oversight and reporting.
10. Would you make changes to how the district chooses legal counsel? If so, how?
If elected, I would review the current process for selecting legal counsel to ensure it is transparent, competitive, and that the district is receiving the best possible legal representation. It’s important that our legal counsel is not only cost-effective but also highly qualified to meet the district’s needs. Any changes would be aimed at increasing accountability and ensuring that our legal decisions are made in the best interests of the district and the community.
