As part of our continuing effort to bring local news that’s impactful to our readers, we’ve proactively reached out to the candidates running for Fort Mill School Board.
We will not manipulate their answers in any way, we’ll simply provide to you, our readers. This will allow you to make an informed choice.
This week, we’ll introduce Keith Griffin
I have lived in this area for most of my life. I am a native of the Indian Land community and a resident of Fort Mill for the past 38 years. My connection to this community is deep and personal, not only because I spent 34 years serving students and families in this district, but because the Fort Mill School District saved my career. Two wonderful educators, Bob Jones and Neil Collins, offered me a science teaching job and the head baseball position at Fort Mill High School. I fell in love with the district, the students, the school staff, and the community. After being a disillusioned educator while working in another area district, I became motivated and inspired during my time in this amazing school district.
At FMHS, I spent nine years teaching and coaching and then two years as an assistant principal. These years allowed me to gain valuable experience in school leadership, student discipline, teacher support, curriculum and the day-to-day operations of a school. From there, I was hired as the principal at Gold Hill Middle School and I served in that position for 6 1/2 years. At that point, I had the opportunity to open a new school named Springfield Middle School. After preparing for the opening of Springfield for a semester, I remained there for the next 16 years. I had the privilege of working with thousands of students, teachers, parents and community members. My tenure as a principal at Gold Hill and Springfield Middle Schools taught me so much about our community. Much of my time as principal was spent working with growth and developing a family oriented atmosphere among our staff, students, and families.
My motivation for running for the school board is deeply rooted in gratitude. Our district provided me the opportunity to grow as an educator and leader. Now, I would like to give back to the district that gave me so much. I believe that serving on the school board will allow me the chance to repay that investment by helping to ensure that future generations of students have the same opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed. I am not a one-issue candidate or someone who has a beef with the district. I will have a holistic approach as a board member if elected. When decisions are necessary, I will investigate and research for accurate information to help make a responsible and thoughtful decision.
My wife and I are the proud grandparents of three grandchildren who are currently enrolled in the Fort Mill School District. All three of our children are graduates of Fort Mill Schools and two of our three children work in the district. My wife, Judi, is a retired teacher and literacy specialist for 35 years. As you can see, our family is entrenched in this district. We all are so thankful that we live, work, and spend our days in such a tremendous educational environment with a history of excellence.
Strong school districts are built on high expectations, excellent teachers and staff, responsible financial stewardship, strong community support, and a commitment to put students first. I believe that the school board’s responsibility is to provide thoughtful oversight, establish sound policy, listen to parents and employees, and make decisions which protect the strength of the district for now and in the future.
In conclusion, I am running for the Fort Mill School Board because I believe in this community and its schools. After dedicating the majority of my career to Fort Mill students, I am ready to continue serving in a new role. My goal as a school board member is very simple. I want to use my experience, knowledge, and love for the Fort Mill community to help make an already strong school district even better for today’s students and for the generations that follow.
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Associate Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
