School Board Candidates Answer Questions: Rick Bradshaw

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

The Anderson Observer reached out to all candidates running for school board seats in this year’s election. The following are the responses of those who responded. These interviews in no way constitute an endorsement of any candidate. They are published as a public service to Anderson County voters.

Candidates who still wish to be included in providing voters with information can contact news@andersonobserver.com no later than 11 p.m. Oct. 28 for a chance to answer questions. The deadline for all submissions will be 11 p.m. Oct. 29. 

Rick Bradshaw, Anderson School Dist. 5,  Area 6

1. What is the primary responsibility of a school board member? 

Primarily, school board members should be responsive agents to the constituents that they serve, while making sure that good fiscal and ethical practices are being observed by the school district. Board members need to support our teachers and provide them with the resources they need to be successful. They also must do everything possible to make sure Anderson Five is giving a high quality education to our students and providing a safe place to learn.  

2. What are the three most pressing issues facing the school district for which you seek to serve? 

Without a doubt, safety is the most important issue. Secondly, making sure Anderson Five is preparing our students for the workforce. Another top issue is making sure the district is financially prepared for any future financial downturn.  

3. How would you resolve these issues?   

For safety, the district already has full time school resource officers in each school and is in the process of implementing full body scanners at the high schools. Beyond this, additional security measures will continually need to be adopted, to do our best to stay ahead of new threats. Schools must be as safe as possible for our students, and my greatest commitment to those in Anderson is to make sure I am doing everything in my power to keep our kids safe.  

Workforce development is economic development. Giving our students the skills they need to succeed in the workforce is critical. Anderson Five needs to continue developing high quality programs at the Anderson Institute of Technology, and creating partnerships with Tri-County Technical College and Anderson University. The more opportunities we give our students while they are in high school, the better they will fare after they graduate. 

Saving money is critical. Just like with your personal finances, school districts need to save money for the future. If and when there is another financial downturn, Anderson Five will need to be in a strong financial position so that the storm can be weathered. Over the last decade, Anderson Five has created a strong fund balance for this occasion, and I am committed to sound financial stewardship. 

4. How would you solve differences in your goals/approach working with the superintendent/other board members?  

Unlike Washington D.C., local government officials have to work together on certain items. We MUST pass a balanced budget, and we can't kick that can down the road no matter what individual thoughts may be regarding the budget. I am strong in my convictions, but I will work with the other school board members and the staff to make sure that we are doing what is best for Anderson Five. We may not always agree, but as long as we remain committed to a common goal of doing what is best for kids I know we can work together.  

5. Have you ever served on boards/foundations?  

I am a member of the Greater Anderson Rotary Club, a past booster club president and a current member on the Board of Trustees for Anderson Five. 

6. What experience/qualifications do you possess which make you an ideal candidate? 

I think my experience as a small business owner here in Anderson makes me understand the value of each dollar that is in the budget. I know how to make hard decisions, and how customer service works. Being responsive to those who elect you is critical, and I pledge to always respond to phone calls and emails and advocate for what is in the best interest of our community.  

7. Describe your own education journey and what role education has played in your life.  How do you maintain a commitment to lifelong learning in your own life?  

I am a graduate of Anderson School District Five and then received a bachelor's degree in business from Erskine College.   After more than 30 years in the insurance business, I wanted to continue to help people in Anderson and began working as a funeral service director.  To begin this new path, I went back to school at Piedmont Technical College and received a degree in Funeral Services. Education doesn't end when you graduate - it continues as long as you want to learn. I am committed to setting that example for my family, and the constituents I serve.

8. How important is it to maintain competitive teacher salaries and how would you boost morale among teachers? 

Anderson Five currently has the second highest teacher salaries in the state of South Caroline. That means there is still room to grow! I want to make Anderson Five the most attractive place for our teachers to work, and having a competitive salary is a great recruitment tool. Empowering our educators and treating them like the professionals that they are is the only way we will continue to have a strong school district, and I want our teachers to know that they are supported by the school board. 

9. How would you encourage the board to challenge high-achieving students?   

Offering challenging classes, and recruiting highly qualified teachers for those classes is one way to provide for our high-achieving students. Students have to be engaged in their learning, and providing these types of courses also prepares them for the workforce and higher education.

10. Name three things you want voters to know about you as a person.

I am a graduate of Anderson Five, my three children graduated TL Hanna, I have several grandchildren either in Anderson Five schools or about to enter Anderson Five schools, and I am married to a career educator in Anderson Five!

I care about each and every student in each and every school, and I want them to have opportunities that prepare them for the future.