Columbia, SC – The South Carolina State Board of Education proudly announces new leadership for the upcoming year and honors those members that have fulfilled their terms on the board.
"My colleagues on the South Carolina State Board of Education are extremely pleased with the succession of leadership at the Board Level. Our Board is committed to serving our constituents and keeping the students of South Carolina as our top priority,” said Dr. Traci Young Cooper, immediate past SBE Chair and 5th Judicial Circuit representative.
The State Board of Education (SBE) unanimously elected Mr. Michael Brenan as Board Chair and Dr. Ivan Randolph as Vice Chair. Mr. Brenan is Governor Haley’s appointee to the SBE, while Dr. Randolph represents the 8th Circuit (Abbeville, Greenwood, Laurens, Newberry).
“Our new Board Chair (Mr. Michael Brenan) and Vice Chair (Dr. Ivan Randolph) will bring new skills, knowledge and experience to help us on our journey to ensure optimal teaching and learning in every classroom, for every student, every day. Both Mr. Brenan and Dr. Randolph were unanimously elected - testaments of their influence and respect among their Board peers. I know that all my fellow Board Members, Superintendent Spearman, and the South Carolina Department of Education Staff are looking forward to working with them," concluded Dr. Young Cooper.
Michael R. Brenan is the State/Group President of BB&T for South Carolina and is the Governor’s Appointee to the State Board of Education, a capacity he has served in since 2010. Mr. Brenan also serves on the board of directors for many business and educational organizations including the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, United Way of the Midlands, and Transform SC.
Samuel Ivan Randolph Jr.’s career has spanned many years in NC and SC as an award winning educator. He is the former superintendent of Abbeville County School District, a position he held for 8 years. Dr. Randolph also served his country in the United States Navy and North Carolina National Guard. He is a strong advocate for community involvement and is active in local and statewide organizations.
In addition to Mr. Brenan and Dr. Randolph moving into leadership positions, four board members have fulfilled their terms and will be rotating off the board at the end of the current year. Their names and respective represented areas may be found below. (Bold represents county of residence).
- Mr. Jim Griffith - 2nd Circuit (Aiken, Bamberg, Barnwell)
- Mrs. Lonzena Harry - 3rd Circuit (Clarendon, Lee, Sumter, Williamsburg)
- Dr. Danny Varat - 13th Circuit (Greenville, Pickens)
- Dr. Thomas L. Shortt - 15th Circuit (Georgetown, Horry)
"As we celebrate our newly appointed Vice Chair and Chair-Elect, we wish to also publicly express our appreciation to the Retiring Board Members who have served with great passion, commitment and diligence. Their respective perspectives on the State Board of Education have strengthened our body and enhanced our governance role,” said Dr. Young Cooper.
The local delegations of Bamberg, Williamsburg, Pickens, and Horry will elect representatives to serve beginning January 2016. An announcement will be forthcoming.
The State Board of Education is the policy-making body for public elementary and secondary education in South Carolina. It is established in Article XI § 1 of South Carolina Constitution. The Board consists of 17 members, one appointed from each of the state's 16 judicial circuits by the legislators representing the various circuits, and a 17th member appointed by the governor. Members are appointed for four-year terms. County representation within a given circuit rotates from term to term. A full list of the board members may be found here - SBE Members.
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