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.
Today, we’ll introduce Kristy Thames Spears. 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/
Hi! My name is Kristy Thames Spears and I am seeking RE-Election on the Fort Mill School Board. I was first elected to the Board in 2016 and have served as the Chair since 2017.
I am a proud product of the Fort Mill School District, having grown up in Tega Cay and attending Fort Mill Schools from elementary through graduation from Fort Mill High School. My father was transferred to the Charlotte area in the 70’s, and selected Tega Cay to call home because of the wonderful schools and community. I graduated from Clemson with a B.S. in Math and went on to work for Bank of America for 25 years, holding multiple leadership positions in Project and Risk Management.
Proven Leadership
I have served 8 years on the Fort Mill School Board and am proud to say we have maintained our Tradition of Excellence throughout continued growth and expansion
I hold the highest level of certification with the SC School Board Association, reflecting a deep understanding of the role of a School Board member
I lead the Board through the implementation of our Impact Fee and ensuing legal challenges, saving residents and businesses approx. $70M in taxes for needed facilities
I have established relationships with local and state leaders, which have enabled support and partnerships that are critical during challenging issues
Critical Experience
During my 25 years at Bank of America I led organizations with personnel and budgets comparable to Fort Mill School District through numerous challenging projects
I have a deep understanding of education finance, public policy, and education law as it relates to South Carolina and Federal regulations
Prior to running for School Board, I was heavily engaged in the schools, having served on various PTO boards, School Improvement Committees, Parent Liaison Committee, and I co-chaired the 2015 Bond Referendum that built Catawba Ridge High School
I have always been deeply involved in the Tega Cay / Fort Mill Community. I am on the Board of the Fort Mill Rotary Club and Piedmont Medical Center. I previously served on the Tega Cay Community Relations Committee and was the Lions Club Citizen of the Year in 2021.
Demonstrated Results
Fort Mill Schools continue to provide the Tradition of Excellence our community has come to know and expect
✓ A+ Niche rating – #1 District in SC, #1 in District in the CLT metro area, Top 2% in all of US
✓ Students progress from average of 53% Kindergarten Readiness to 96% On-time graduation
✓ Leader in SC for SAT / ACT scores which are also well above the National Average
✓ 98 AP / Dual Credit courses are available to students, along with 15 Career and Technical Tracks
✓ Year upon year we produce Award Winning Bands, Art, Theater, Athletic, and JROTC Programs
✓ Over $50M in scholarships are awarded annually to our graduates!
Our greatest asset continues to be our High Quality teachers and staff – truly our secret sauce…
✓ Niche rated our District as the #1 Best Teachers and Best Place to Teach in the CLT metro area
✓ Our students benefit from having over 95% Daily Teacher Attendance and 88% Teacher Retention
✓ We are extremely proud to average 95% for Teacher Satisfaction with School Climate
Our District has consistently met new challenges as they have been presented
✓ We began the year fully staffed amid a National Teacher Shortage
✓ We have significantly increased Mental Health resources to meet student needs
✓ We continue to add Special Education resources and programs as that population increases
For 8 years I have proudly served the Fort Mill School District and have been dedicated to the unique educational needs of our community.
I have the necessary knowledge, skills and experience and I would be honored to have your vote on November 5th!
