As candidate filing for school board elections across York County closed on Thursday, a substantial number of individuals have stepped forward, ready to shape the future of education in their respective districts. The elections, which are nonpartisan, feature several contested races across the county’s various school districts, including Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Clover, and York.
Fort Mill School District
In Fort Mill, voters will select three at-large board members from a field of six candidates. This election features a mix of incumbents and new challengers:
At-Large: Incumbents Anthony Boddie, Scott Frattaroli, and Kristy Spears are seeking re-election, with challengers Ellen Abramo, Denise Casey, and Michelle Hoffman joining the race.
Anthony Boddie, a dedicated community leader and current member of the Fort Mill School Board, is running for re-election as his term concludes in 2024. A resident of Fort Mill since 2006, Mr. Boddie has been an active participant in numerous local boards and non-profit service organizations, reflecting his commitment to the community.
Mr. Boddie and his wife, Kathy, have been married since 2007, and they are proud parents to their 14-year-old daughter, Addison, who is currently an eighth grader at Fort Mill Middle School. His involvement in the community extends beyond his family, as he serves as the Board Chair of Defend the Fatherless, York District Chairman for the Palmetto Council Boys Scouts of America, a member of the Governance Board for the Boys and Girls Club of York County, and a Committee Member of Anne Springs Greenway.
His dedication to service is further exemplified through his role as the founder of the Community of Hearts Project, a service initiative aimed at supporting underserved communities by distributing essential items such as food, furniture, and clothing. Additionally, Mr. Boddie has mentored high school students across York County and written over 200 recommendation letters for college admissions, scholarships, and Eagle Scouts over the past four years.
Professionally, Mr. Boddie is an executive sales representative for RICOH USA, where he plays a crucial role in opening new opportunities for the company by engaging with key stakeholders and addressing business challenges with a diverse portfolio of solutions. With over 25 years of leadership experience, his career has been marked by his work in the entertainment industry, managing numerous theme parks, zoos, and other venues across North America. He has overseen the management of over 2,000 team members, a portfolio exceeding $100 million in revenues, and facilitated training for more than 10,000 employees.
Mr. Boddie’s academic background includes studies in communications and liberal arts at the College of Lake County in Grayslake, Illinois, where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the campus newspaper, The Chronicle. His leadership helped The Chronicle earn a Pacemaker Finalist Award, one of the highest honors in college journalism. He also represented the student body on a search committee for the next President of the College.
For more information, visit AnthonyBoddie.com.
Dr. Scott Frattaroli, the incumbent Fort Mill School Board member, has announced his candidacy for re-election as his current term comes to an end in 2024. Dr. Frattaroli, who has served the Fort Mill School District for over 18 years in various capacities, brings a wealth of experience and commitment to the role.
Dr. Frattaroli’s educational background includes an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Winthrop University, and a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies with an Elementary Teaching Certification from the University of Pittsburgh. His professional journey within the district includes roles as a second-grade teacher, assistant principal, and principal at several schools. Notably, he played a pivotal role in the opening of Sugar Creek Elementary, Pleasant Knoll Elementary, Doby’s Bridge Elementary, and Tega Cay Elementary.
Outside of his work in education, Dr. Frattaroli is deeply involved in civic and philanthropic activities. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Western Carolinas Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the York County Boys and Girls Club, and the Follett Educational Services National Educators Advisory Board. He continues to contribute to the community as an Executive Board member and leadership coordinator for Camp KUDOS, a camp dedicated to children with Type I Diabetes.
Dr. Frattaroli has been married to his wife, Beth, for 25 years, and they have two sons—Anthony, a student at Berry College in Georgia, and Dominic, who attends Nation Ford High School. Dr. Frattaroli currently works as a Senior Collaboration Manager for TD Bank, leveraging his leadership skills in the financial sector.
More information is available on his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063536742426
Kristy Spears, the current Chairwoman of the Fort Mill School Board, is running for re-election as her term comes to an end in 2024. Mrs. Spears, who was first elected to the board in 2016, has been a dedicated advocate for the district, bringing her extensive experience in leadership and community involvement to the role.
A long-time resident of the area, Mrs. Spears has deep roots in the Fort Mill community. She attended Fort Mill Schools from elementary school through her graduation from Fort Mill High School in 1986. She went on to earn a B.S. in Mathematics from Clemson University in 1990 and was subsequently hired by Bank of America (then NCNB) into their technology division. During her career at the bank, she held multiple leadership positions in Project and Risk Management before retiring in 2014.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Mrs. Spears has been a consistent and active volunteer in her daughter’s schools, contributing her time and expertise in various capacities. She has served on PTO/PTA Boards, the Parent Liaison Committee, the School Improvement Council, and the AdvancED Accreditation Committee for the Fort Mill School District. Her commitment to the community extends beyond the school district, as she was also an active member of the Tega Cay Community Relations Committee.
Mrs. Spears played a pivotal role in co-chairing the successful 2015 Keep Our Schools Strong Bond Referendum Committee, an effort that earned her the 2015 Volunteer of the Year award from the Tega Cay Area Chamber of Commerce.
Kristy Spears, along with her husband, Robert, and their daughter, resides in Tega Cay. Her long-standing dedication to the Fort Mill community and her leadership on the school board have been instrumental in shaping the district’s future, and she looks forward to continuing her service with another term.
More information is available on her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/kristythamesspearsforfmsd
Ellen Abramo, a dedicated educator and South Carolina native, has announced her candidacy for the Fort Mill School Board. With a background deeply rooted in education and a commitment to conservative values, Ellen brings a wealth of experience and passion to the table as she seeks to contribute to the future of the Fort Mill School District.
Ellen’s academic journey began at the SC Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics, which laid the groundwork for her lifelong dedication to learning. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Special Education/Learning Disabilities from Furman University. Her professional experience includes teaching 2nd grade and Kindergarten in the Anderson 1 District, where she gained valuable insights into both public and private school environments.
As a wife and mother to six children, Ellen understands the importance of quality education and the impact it has on families. Her experience as a teacher has given her a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the education system, and she is eager to apply this knowledge to her role on the school board.
Ellen is committed to being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars, ensuring that the school district’s budget is managed with integrity and transparency. She also emphasizes the importance of open and effective communication with all stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and local businesses, to create a collaborative environment that fosters student success.
With a strong dedication to educational excellence and fiscal responsibility, Ellen Abramo is ready to lead the Fort Mill School District towards a brighter and more prosperous future.
More information is available on her webpage at https://vote.ellenforschools.com/
Denise Casey, a passionate advocate for the well-being of children, has officially announced her candidacy for the Fort Mill School Board. With a strong commitment to ensuring that every child thrives not only academically but also emotionally, behaviorally, and cognitively, Denise aims to bring a holistic approach to education within the district.
Denise, a Board Certified Registered Nurse with a Master’s Degree in Nursing Education, plans to leverage her critical thinking skills and professional background to enhance the board’s understanding of the diverse needs of students. She believes that schools should be places where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Her focus as a member of the school board will be on fostering an environment that nurtures the whole child, laying a foundation for lifelong success. Denise is eager to engage with the community, listen to their concerns, and work collaboratively to build a brighter future for every student in the Fort Mill School District.
Denise Casey’s candidacy is driven by a deep passion for education and a commitment to the holistic growth of every student. She looks forward to the opportunity to serve and to contribute to making the district’s schools the best they can be.
More information is available on her website and Facebook page at
https://denise4schoolboard.mystrikingly.com/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565101534001
Michelle Hoffman, an experienced educator with over eight years of teaching in both the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and the Fort Mill School District, has announced her candidacy for the Fort Mill School Board. Michelle brings a strong educational background, holding an MA in Education from Queens University in Charlotte and a BA in Media Studies and Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
As Michelle prepares to share more about her vision and priorities for the school district, she is poised to leverage her experience and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to the Fort Mill School Board. Learn more at hoffman4fmsdschoolboard.org.
Rock Hill School District
Rock Hill’s school board election is particularly notable, with all seats up for grabs facing competition. Voters will have the opportunity to select representatives for three district-specific seats and two at-large positions:
Seat 1: Incumbent Patrice Reid Cherry is running against Montrio Belton and Matt Hiers.
Montrio Belton is running for a seat on the Rock Hill School Board. Belton, who first came to York County as a student at Winthrop University, has a strong background in both education and law.
Belton holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Winthrop University, a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of South Carolina School of Law. He has also served six years in the United States Army Reserves.
Professionally, Belton has worked in various educational roles, including as a teacher, coach, high school assistant principal, middle school principal, and as South Carolina’s Director of School Transformation. He also founded the Urban and Rural Educational Institute (UREI). Currently, he runs his law firm, Montrio Belton Law Office, in Rock Hill, where he is admitted to practice in South Carolina State Courts and the Federal District Court.
Belton has previously run for public office, including a bid for York County Council in 2018 and South Carolina Superintendent of Education in 2014. His entry into the Rock Hill School Board race adds a familiar name to the field of candidates.
Patrice Reid Cherry has been the school board member for seat 1 since 2020 and is running for re-election. She works a Community Volunteer and has a Master of Divinity from Gardner-Webb University. More details about her platform and goals will be provided as they become available.
Matt Hiers, a lifelong resident of Rock Hill and graduate of Rock Hill School District 3, has announced his candidacy for the Rock Hill School Board. Hiers, who attended The Citadel and has deep ties to the community, currently serves as a Facilities Manager and IT team member at Williams & Fudge Inc. in Rock Hill. He is also involved in local broadcasting with OTS Media/WRHI and co-hosts the Carolina Crimes Podcast.
Hiers has an extensive record of community service, particularly within Rock Hill Schools, where he has volunteered for various initiatives, including the Education Foundation’s “Back the Pack” program and the Student Celebration. He has also served as a mentor and lunch buddy to students and held leadership roles in local school improvement councils.
In addition to his work with the schools, Hiers has been active in various community organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, the South Carolina High School League’s Executive Committee, and the Children’s Attention Home.
Hiers’ campaign is focused on continuing his commitment to education and community service by bringing his experience and dedication to the Rock Hill School Board.
More information is available on his website at https://www.matthiers.com/
Seat 3: This race features a unique scenario with two current board members, James Burns (an at-large seat incumbent) and Mildred Douglas (District 3 incumbent), competing against Sonya Burns.
James Burns, a Rock Hill native and graduate of The Citadel, is running for an at-large seat on the Rock Hill School Board. Burns has spent the past 13 years working in his family business, Burns Chevrolet Cadillac, and understands the importance of education in the community. Married to Jennifer (Wallace) Burns since 2010, the couple has four children, three of whom are entering Rock Hill public schools this year. Burns is focused on ensuring that Rock Hill students receive a strong educational foundation. He has served as an at-large school board member since 2020.
For more information, visit Burns4SchoolBoard.com.
Mildred Douglas, a lifelong resident of Rock Hill and retired teacher with 44 years of experience in the Clover School District #2 and Union County School District, is running for a seat on the Rock Hill School Board. Douglas has deep connections to the local schools, having served as PTO president at Northside and Sunset Park Elementary Schools, and volunteered at Rawlinson Middle School. She has also been involved in supporting the band, academics, and athletics at Northwestern High School. She has served as the Rock Hill School Board Seat 3 member since 2020.
Sonya Burns has announced her candidacy for Rock Hill School Board Seat 3, focusing on the success and safety of students, the safety and sustainability of schools, and ensuring stable support from stakeholders. Burns emphasized the importance of addressing these critical issues during challenging times. She plans to share more details about her platform and campaign in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for further updates on her candidacy.
Seat 5: Incumbent Windy Cole faces challengers Corree Carelock and Melissa Harris.
Windy Cole, the incumbent for Rock Hill School Board Seat 5, is running for re-election. Cole has served on the board since 2016 and currently works as a Volunteer Resource Manager at Culture and Heritage Museums. She has been a part of the school board for eight years, contributing to the development and oversight of the district. More information on her campaign and platform will be provided as it becomes available. Stay tuned for further updates.
Corree Carelock is running for Seat 5 of the Rock Hill School Board. At the time of publication, no further information was available. There is a Facebook page entitled, Corree Carelock for Rock Hill School Board at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563790781880, but there is no information posted yet.
Melissa Harris is running for Seat 5 of the Rock Hill School Board. At the time of publication, no further information was available.
At-Large: Voters will choose between Jennifer Hutchinson and Fred Jordan.
Jennifer Hutchinson has announced her candidacy for Rock Hill School Board Seat 3. She currently works as a Supply Chain Manager at Atotech, an MKS Brand. More details about her platform and campaign will be shared as they become available. Stay tuned for further updates.
More information is available on her Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564045263611
Fred Jordan, who has previously served as a parent representative on the Rock Hill School Equity Committee, is running for Rock Hill School Board Seat 3. Jordan’s experience on the Equity Committee has given him insight into the challenges and opportunities within the district, and he aims to bring that perspective to the school board. More details about his platform and campaign will be shared as they become available. Stay tuned for further updates.
At-Large (unexpired term): The competition includes Lacy Daniel, incumbent Bryan McAlinden, and Kevin Thompson.
Lacy Daniel, a long-time Rock Hill resident, is running for an at-large seat on the Rock Hill School Board. With a focus on improving educational outcomes and fostering community involvement, Daniel brings a commitment to ensuring that all students in the district receive a high-quality education. Her campaign emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and accountability. More details about her platform and vision for the district can be found on her campaign website.
For more information, visit LacyDaniel.com.
Bryan McAlinden, who was appointed as an interim At-Large representative on the Rock Hill School Board in October 2023, is running to retain his seat in the upcoming election. McAlinden and his wife, Mary Catherine, have four children currently enrolled in Rock Hill Schools. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, McAlinden works as a medical device salesman and is active in community volunteer work. He aims to continue serving the district and contributing to the success of its students.
Kevin Thompson is running for an At-Large seat. No additional information available. Will be updated as it becomes available.
Clover School District
Clover’s election includes three seats, one of which guarantees a new member as no incumbent is running:
• Seat 3: Incumbent Jessica Cody is running unopposed.
Jessica Cody has served on the Clover School Board since 2020 and is running unopposed. Her Facebook page says, “I am running for Clover School Board for 2016. I am the mother of two boys, Wyatt, 13, a 7th grade student at Clover Middle School, and Fenton, 10, a 5th grade student at Bethany Elementary. I also have nephews at Oakridge Middle and Bethany. I have been on the board for the Bethany PTO for the last four years and President for two, and help out with Clover Middle PTO. I am also on the boards of Moped to Memphis and Live Well Clover. I am currently the Coalition Coach for Eat Smart Move More York County where we make the healthy choice the easy choice for York County residents. I am very active in our community and love Clover. I was just named one of York Electrics 75 High Voltage Heroes. I am a graduate of Clover High and live on the same road in the Bethany area that I grew up on. I would love the chance to continue to serve our district and community on the Clover School Board. I feel this is the perfect move for myself and Clover Schools. I would appreciate your support!”
• Seat 4: Nataly Burgio and Kenda Cook are vying for the open seat.
Nataly Burgio is running for the Clover School Board to advocate for an educational environment that prioritizes freedom, critical thinking, and community values. Born in the USSR and raised in Ukraine, she experienced the impact of educational indoctrination, driving her commitment to quality education. She has been active in Clover’s educational system, serving on various committees. Her platform focuses on promoting transparency, enhancing safety, and ensuring fiscal responsibility. Nataly aims to preserve Clover’s uniqueness while providing students with a well-rounded education.
For more details, visit Nataly Burgio for Clover School Board or her Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Burgio4Clover
Kenda Cook is running for Seat 4 on the Clover School Board. Her Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564908476226. No other information is available at this time.
• At-Large: The race includes incumbent Tracy Stiff and Kevin Johnson.
Tracy Bell Stiff brings a unique perspective to the Clover School Board, blending insights from her upbringing in Clover and 30 years of experience living in Lake Wylie. As a small business owner, she values sound financial practices and believes her experience will bring a fresh perspective to the board. Tracy is committed to maintaining Clover School District’s top-tier status by supporting policies that empower teachers and create environments for student success. Her sons are 4th-generation Clover High School graduates, and throughout their K-12 years, Tracy was a dedicated volunteer, contributing to numerous CSD organizations, including the CHS Career and Technology Education Board and Crowders Creek PTA. Tracy is also deeply involved in her community, serving on the Moped to Memphis Board and volunteering at All Saints Catholic Church. She is passionate about supporting teachers, recognizing them as the backbone of student success.
More information is available on her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100047777778592
Kevin Johnson is running for the at-large seat on the Clover School Board. His Facebook page says, Like all of us, I am a common man, in need of a Savior. Faith, family and Freedom. I believe in teaching kids how to think, not what to think and that is why I am running for Clover School District Board At Large in 2024.
York School District
In York, three of the four available seats have candidates running unopposed, ensuring their election:
• Seat 1: Incumbent Wade Anderson runs unopposed.
Incumbent Wade Anderson is running unopposed for Seat 1 on the York School Board. No further information is available.
• Seat 3: Delandris Jones is up against incumbent Chris Revels.
Delandris Jones is running for seat 3 on the York School Board. He made the announcement on his personal Facebook page, “After much prayer and encouragement from local residents, I’m excited to run for election to the York One School Board. As a former educator and parent of many kids in the district, I am excited about the possibility to serve our district and our community. If you vote or have never voted, Nov. 5th is your time to show your support for me. Thank you, and please lookout for election updates from me.”
Chris Revels is running for re-election as Seat 3 representative on the York School Board. He currently serves as the Vice Chair of the board. No further information is available.
• Seat 5: Thomas Wilkerson is unopposed.
Thomas Wilkerson is running unopposed for Seat 5 on the York School Board. No further information is available.
• At-Large: Incumbent Scott Childers will retain his seat without opposition.
The current Chair of the York School Board, Scott Childers is running unopposed for re-election. No further information is available.
These school board elections are crucial for the future of York County’s educational landscape, as the elected members will have significant influence over policies, budgeting, and the overall direction of the school districts. Voters are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the candidates and participate in the upcoming elections to ensure their voices are heard in the decision-making process for local education.
