School Board Candidates Answer Questions: Brad Mock

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 this public service can contact news@andersonobserver.com no later than 11 p.m. Oct. 28 for a chance to answer these 10 questions. The deadline for all submissions will be 11 p.m. Oct. 29. 

Brad Mock, Anderson School Dist. 4, Area 5

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

The primary responsibility of a school board member is to provide oversight of the system administration working toward the common goals of a better education for our students and a better environment for the teachers and staff. 

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

Not being a current member of the board there may be important issues I am unaware of, but the following are three important issues.

    a. Significant growth in district four population.

    b. Recruiting and retention of excellent teachers.  

3. How would you resolve these issues?  

a. Consideration will need to be given to school expansion in District 4

b. The district will need to continue to prioritize recruiting and retention of quality educators for our district. 

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

I have always found that a collaborative approach to problem solving is the most effective and results in the best outcome. 

5. Have you ever served on boards/foundations?  

I serve on the Committee that acts as a board for the nonprofit ministry Young Life and have for the last 20 years. 

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

I have served in an administrative role for the past six years and have experience in management, budgets, problem solving, and leadership.  

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 received a BS in Chemistry from the University of Georgia, an M.D. degree from the Medical College of Georgia, completed a four year residency at the Medical University of South Carolina, and more recently a Masters Degree from Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh. Education has played a pivotal role in my life and the importance of it was drilled into me by my parents who were both educators. My mother taught high school and my father was a teacher and coach who went back to school and became a principal and eventually superintendent. In today's world of constant change, you must continue to learn in every field. 

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

The importance of maintaining competitive salaries has only increased with current economic conditions. It is the job of the board and the administration to balance that against a budget that is not unlimited. We have many outstanding teachers and staff in District Four. I'm sure there are opportunities to better recognize those who add so much to our children's education. Being appreciated for the work you do is important to everyone. 

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

High achieving students need to have available to them courses that allow them to excel and compete as they apply to college, such as a wide array of Advanced Placement classes and dual enrollment offerings.

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

I am a person of integrity who believes in dealing with people and issues transparently. I believe education provides a great opportunity to improve the lives of our children as it has mine. I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given to serve others in many capacities. I am a Christian and that informs how I live my life and how I serve others.