Education

Berkeley Co. School District 2 candidates pick up more endorsements

Pictured: Mac McQuillin & State Representative Larry Grooms
Pictured: Mac McQuillin & State Representative Larry Grooms

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.-Since announcing their candidacy for District 2, both Mac McQuillin and Rindy Ryan have picked up numerous endorsements.

Both candidates call Daniel Island home. Ryan is a former elementary school teacher and a past representative for the Daniel Island Neighborhood Association on the Berkeley County School District’s community committee. McQuillin is a local attorney.

Mac McQuillin picks up multiple endorsements

Recently, McQuillin picked up numerous endorsements from local and state leaders.

An event was held on Friday, October 3rd, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Travis Propes on Daniel Island. Senators Larry Grooms and Chip Campsen headlined the event in support of School Board candidate, Mac McQuillin.

“I support Mac as a candidate, but most importantly, I will continue to support Mac after he is elected to the Berkeley County School Board. Mac’s legal and business background will bring a needed skill set to the School Board and will play a crucial role in cutting wasteful spending and redirecting resources to the classroom,” Grooms stated.

Pictured: McQuillin with Family
Pictured: McQuillin with Family

At the event, Hanahan Mayor Minnie Blackwell also announced her endorsement of Mac and the endorsements of every member of Hanahan City Council. Mayor Blackwell stated “this is the first time she could remember in 20 years where the Mayor and all members of City Council were united in endorsing the same candidate.”

Senator Chip Campsen also endorsed Mac and discussed the importance of having a business minded lawyer on the School Board.

“The Berkeley County School Board is predominately made up of former educators and administrators, which is like the hen guarding the hen house. Like any effective board, our School Board needs a diverse array of backgrounds and experiences,” Campsen added. “Mac McQuillin’s legal and business mind coupled with his history of leadership in our community will help eliminate Berkeley County School District’s enormous legal fees and bring the voices of parents and the community to the School Board.

McQuillin was also recently endorsed by the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce as well as the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors.

For additional information on McQuillin, click here.

Rindy Ryan picks up multiple endorsements

Pictured: Rindy Ryan
Pictured: Rindy Ryan

Ryan has also picked up her fair share of endorsements lately including Alicia Hughes, an assistant principal for South Carolina Connections Academy. Hughes met Ryan four years ago while their children attended the same pre-school at Holy Cross on Daniel Island.

“Rindy was the person responsible for creating the ‘Keep K-8 on Daniel Island’ movement. Without her foresight, drive, and sacrifices, this outcome may not have been achieved. She worked hard to understand all points of view, find common ground, focus on solutions, and hold the School Board accountable to the families in Cainhoy, Clements Ferry, and Daniel Island,” stated Hughes.  “She researched, organized, attended, and communicated consistently through the process, always keeping what was in the best interest of our children at the forefront. Once the Board agreed to keep Daniel Island School as a K-8, a perceived “win” for Daniel Island residents, Rindy continued to advocate for the entire community, from Shell Ring to Cainhoy, to ensure the needed schools would be exemplary.”

According to Hughes, Rindy is passionate about the students of Berkeley County and is not looking for political acclaim or public recognition for the position she is eagerly seeking.

“She does it solely for the Berkeley County children; yours, mine, as well as her own. Don’t we want a mother who cares so deeply for the outcomes of public education to serve us? Don’t we want someone who is willing to give up time with her loved ones to make certain we get a quality education system? Don’t we want someone who is not afraid of a challenge and will tackle it head on? I know that I do. If you want the same, please vote for the intelligent, hardworking, loyal, ethical, experienced Rindy Ryan. I promise you will not be disappointed!” Hughes stated.

Pictured: Rindy supporters
Pictured: Rindy supporters

Andrea Kelly served with Rindy on the committee to explore and make recommendations for the best location and configuration of a new elementary/middle school to serve the growing population of Berkeley County.

“To ultimately be successful, the School Board must be served by individuals with a deep understanding of and current experience in education, who are intimately familiar with area schools,” stated Kelly. “There is simply no substitute for recent, hands-on experience to understand the challenges unique to each setting. Rindy fits this bill and more; she was an elementary school teacher for 9 years and is a mother of three children enrolled in Berkeley County public schools.”

Daniel Island resident Stephanie W. Mackara also publicly endorsed Rindy for the District 2 seat.

Rindy has selflessly put herself in a position to advocate on our behalf and I have no doubt she will approach her seat with energy, enthusiasm and common sense,” stated Mackara. “The next several years contain a tremendous amount of change with Common Core, new schools and significant overcrowding across Berkeley County.  We need candidates who have proven they understand the nuances of issues and how to collaborate with the community to get things done.  Rindy’s background in education and community involvement are particularly appropriate as Berkeley County navigates its funding and education needs for our children’s readiness in the 21st century.”

For more information on Rindy, click here.

Prior Stories:

Letter to the Editor: Voter supports Rindy Ryan For Berkeley Co. School District 2

Letter to the Editor: Former member of state board of education endorses Mac McQuillin

Nikki Gaskins Campbell
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