S.C. Schools Deserve Lisa Ellis as State Superintendent

Dear Teachers (Democrat, Republican, Independent, or none of the above), 

If you are not angered and frustrated by Ellen Weaver’s audacity to even run for state superintendent when she clearly lacks the credentials, then you can’t be surprised when you are treated like second-class citizens and your concerns are ignored. 

Ellen Weaver’s recent “quickie” masters degree from Bob Jones University represents the embodiment of cheating, corruption, incompetence, and everything wrong with politics. Like many of you, I worked hard for both my degrees, and although I was on a “fast-track” when I earned my MA from Clemson, graduating ahead of my classmates, it still took 15 months and a lot of discipline to finish. 

Furthermore, many teachers seeking higher degrees take night classes (after teaching all day), devote their weekends and holidays to studying, and invest three to five years of their lives (often sacrificing family time) to achieve what was merely handed to Weaver in six months.

That is a slap in these teachers’ faces. 

Please vote for the best interests of South Carolina educators and students. Elect Lisa Ellis as our next state superintendent. Lisa worked hard, just like you, to earn her credentials.

No one just handed her a Master’s Degree because of her connections to some partisan super-pac. Lisa has also spent decades in the classroom and administration, and she has boldly stood up for SC teachers even if it meant she might risk losing her job. 

Furthermore, unlike Ellen Weaver, Lisa knows what it is to work multiple jobs; she’s doing that now by teaching full-time while campaigning full-time. Trust me, campaigning is no picnic, and Lisa amazes me with her grit and unyielding determination to leave it all on the playing field. 

Teachers, you and our students deserve a leader who is not only qualified but who has walked in your shoes, who knows your frustration, who has been with you on the front lines. You deserve Lisa Ellis as your next state superintendent. 

Please get it right this time. 

Mary Geren/Anderson S.C.