Political Campaigns

Over the past few weeks, we have received concerns from a small number of individuals about a political campaign advertisement including my voice and image, as well as images of members of the Board of Trustees. While the contacts have not been numerous, I believe it is important that others who may not have voiced concerns but have questions are informed about the issue.

At the September Board meeting, during the Superintendent’s Report, the Administration publicly recognized and thanked Representative Bruce Bannister for his leadership and support of several key education issues. These initiatives, over the past two-year Legislative Session that concluded in August, were significant, positively affecting school districts throughout the state and specifically Greenville County Schools.

It is important as a District Administration we bring forward concerns and criticisms regarding actions detrimental to public education. While we do this, and do so publicly, it is equally important to publicly recognize exceptional support. The words appearing in the ads are mine, directly from the public record of the meeting, and reflect appreciation of such support. They do not state nor imply any political endorsement, nor was that the intent. Any official actions of the administration or of an employee, reflecting appreciation such as this, must not be expressed as endorsement of a candidate, whether it be in a partisan or nonpartisan election. This recognition was in keeping with that expectation and fully compliant with State Law and Board Policy.

The words and images in the ad were recorded during that public meeting, a recording of which, as well any GCS Board Meeting, may be accessed through our website. Any statement, discussion, or action in a public meeting of the School Board by any person in attendance is part of the public record and may be reproduced and/or communicated freely by anyone.

If you have questions regarding the content of an advertisement, the use of District facilities, or school district personnel involvement in political activities in a permissible manner, please contact Julie Horton, GCS Director of Governmental Relations (jhorton@greenville.k12.sc.us).

This Administration is committed to nonpartisanship, but equally as committed to speaking up both in a critical or congratulatory manner when in the best interests of the students we serve. The support of our entire community is foundational to the success that we are currently experiencing in preparing all students for the present and future.  

W. Burke Royster
Superintendent 
Greenville County Schools