As part of our continuing effort to bring local news that’s impactful to our readers, we’ve proactively reached out to the six candidates running for the Fort Mill School Board and offered then a chance to submit an article for our readers. As we receive responses, we will share them here, unedited.
This week, we’ll introduce Ellen Abramo. For a list of all candidates, please refer to our original article from several weeks ago: https://tegacaysun.com/2023/09/08/candidates-for-tega-cay-city-council/
Ellen Abramo: A Vision for Strong Values and Strong Schools in Fort Mill
Ellen Abramo, a dedicated educator, mother of six, and long-time resident of South Carolina, is running for the Fort Mill School Board with a clear and compelling vision: “Strong Values, Strong Schools.”
Her campaign is rooted in her deep commitment to education and the community, shaped by her background as both a teacher and a parent.
As Fort Mill continues to experience rapid population growth, Abramo believes that the key to maintaining the district’s success lies in upholding the high standards of its schools while adapting to new challenges.
A Lifelong Commitment to Education
Abramo’s passion for education is no accident. She grew up in a household where learning was a way of life. Both of her parents were lifelong educators in public schools, instilling in her the importance of teaching and learning from an early age.
Her own academic journey includes time at the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics, one of the state’s top institutions for academically gifted students, and continued with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Special Education/Learning Disabilities from Furman University.
This educational foundation set the stage for her professional career as a teacher. Abramo taught both second grade and kindergarten in South Carolina’s Anderson 1 District, working in both public and private schools. Her hands-on experience in the classroom gave her a comprehensive understanding of the challenges teachers face, from managing diverse classrooms to navigating the complexities of educational policies.
Abramo’s perspective as a parent of six children only deepened her belief in the power of education. “Through raising my own kids, I recognized that my experience as a teacher could be a valuable asset on the school board,” Abramo states.
Building on Success in a Growing District
Abramo’s campaign centers around the idea that Fort Mill is already home to some of the best schools in the state. But with the area’s tremendous population growth, there is a pressing need to build on this foundation to ensure every student continues to receive a top-tier education.
One of Abramo’s top priorities is to retain and attract exceptional teachers. “Our district’s success hinges on the excellence of our educators,” she says, advocating for competitive salaries and professional development opportunities. By fostering a collaborative culture that supports educators, she aims to create a school environment where teachers feel valued and motivated to stay, directly benefiting students.
Another crucial aspect of her platform is maintaining a safe and orderly learning environment. Abramo plans to advocate for improved discipline policies that emphasize respect and responsibility, ensuring all teachers and students feel secure.
A Comprehensive and Balanced Approach to Education
In addition to fostering academic rigor, Abramo emphasizes the importance of a well-rounded curriculum. She believes that success in the modern world requires more than just strong test scores; students need critical thinking skills and exposure to a variety of subjects, including STEM, arts, and humanities. “Our curriculum should be designed to promote rigorous academic standards,” Abramo notes, explaining her focus on preparing students for the diverse challenges and opportunities that await them after high school.
While focused on academic excellence, Abramo is also intent on removing red tape that can hinder educators’ effectiveness. By streamlining administrative processes, she hopes to eliminate unnecessary obstacles and allow teachers to focus on what truly matters—delivering quality education to their students.
Communication, Accountability, and Financial Responsibility
Abramo’s platform is also built on a foundation of open communication with all stakeholders in the school community—parents, teachers, and local businesses. She believes that transparent dialogue is crucial to creating a shared vision for the district, where everyone has a voice in shaping the future of Fort Mill’s schools. “Respecting parental rights is fundamental to fostering a collaborative and supportive educational environment,” she emphasizes, promising to listen to and involve parents in decision-making processes.
Fiscal responsibility is another key pillar of Abramo’s campaign. She is deeply concerned about the tax increases the community has faced over the last few years and is committed to being a good steward of taxpayer dollars. Rather than continually raising taxes, Abramo plans to scrutinize the district’s expenditures and cut unnecessary spending.
By focusing on accountability and financial stewardship, Abramo aims to build a sustainable future for Fort Mill’s schools—one where resources are used effectively to directly benefit students and teachers, without placing additional financial burdens on families.
Remember to Vote on November 5!
Lean more about Ellen Abramo at https://vote.ellenforschools.com/
