School Board Candidates Answer Questions: Gale Dickerson

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.

Gale Dickerson, Anderson School Dist. 3 Area 4

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

The primary responsibility of a school board member is to be service-minded and a voice for all stakeholders in providing an excellent education to all students.

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

School Safety – The top priority is ensuring safety for all schools.  We can never be too safe when it comes to our students.  We must make sure we are examining, reviewing and enforcing every safety measure and protocol every single day.

Academics – Education is never a one size fits all.  We need to work diligently to seek and identify ways to close achievement gaps and we also need to re-visit strategies to challenge the growth of high-achieving students.

Transparency – To lead with transparency to ensure all stakeholders, including taxpayers have a clear understanding of district funds and are informed on the plans for updates and spending.

3. How would you resolve these issues?   

See Item 2. 

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

All parties share the same purpose and goal to ensure the best education for all students.  Difference in opinions can lead to healthy and meaningful discussions that are needed for change which can lead to better results.  

5. Have you ever served on boards/foundations?  

I have previously served on the School Advisory Team, School Renewal Plan Committee, Leadership Team, Planning Committee for Gifted and Talented and RTI/MTSS (Providing Support to struggling students) Team.

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

I have 23 years of experience, serving as a teacher and an administrator.  Twenty-two of those years have been served in Anderson 3 School District. 

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?   

Lifelong learning is important because it allows one to grow, learn new skills and to gain more knowledge in specific areas.  A Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Elementary Education allowed me opportunities to teach sixth grade and first grade.  Gaining an endorsement in Gifted and Talented allowed me to teach Gifted and Talented Science.  Receiving a Master of Science in Education with a focus on Elementary Reading and Literacy provided me with the opportunity to serve as the Literacy Specialist at Iva Elementary.  Furthering my career as Instructional Coach/Assistant Principal, I obtained a Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision.

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

Anderson 3 has some of the best teachers in the country and they deserve competitive salaries.  Research shows that teachers are the number one in-school factor for student success and it is critical we bring teacher pay to the national average. Teachers deserve to be equipped with all the resources and materials they need to provide meaningful and engaging learning without having to spend their own funds. Teachers tend to stay when they are paid competitive salaries, valued, empowered, trusted and appreciated. 

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

As a former Gifted and Talented teacher, I would like the board to re-visit the academic program for Gifted and Talented students in grades 3-5.  These students deserve appropriate educational services that recognizes and challenges their academic abilities to obtain higher achievement.  Without additional support advanced students can fail to reach their full potential. 

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

I am an Educator for Education. I have 23 years of experience as a teacher and an administrator. 

I will work diligently to be a voice for ALL stakeholders in Anderson 3. Let’s 

work together to move Anderson School District 3 from fifth to FIRST in the  

state and from third to FIRST in Anderson County.

Favorite Educational Quote: “Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of

true education.”  - Martin Luther King Jr.