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 Brandon Langford
A Current Parent. Already Serving. Ready to Lead.
For my family, the future of Fort Mill schools is personal. My wife, Mary Katherine, is a Fort Mill High School graduate, and our sons are both Fort Mill students. School board decisions shape their classrooms, opportunities, and safety, alongside those of thousands of children across our community.
I’m running for the Fort Mill School Board to bring a current parent’s perspective, professional financial experience, and accountable leadership.
I grew up in Laurens, South Carolina, in a family of educators. Both of my parents and three of my grandparents served in education. Their examples taught me to respect teachers and appreciate the commitment it takes to help children succeed and to serve their communities.
I earned my undergraduate degree and MBA from the University of South Carolina and hold professional project management credentials. As a financial professional for a bank in Charlotte, I have led complex projects, managed substantial budgets, and worked across teams to address risks and deliver results. That work requires preparation, collaboration, and follow-through—qualities I would bring to the board.
Why I Got Involved
School rezoning decisions involving Flint Hill Elementary and concerns about nearby Silfab Solar led my family to relocate. That experience prompted me to examine how decisions are made, risks are evaluated, and parents are included.
It also motivated me to serve, understand our schools’ challenges, and contribute to better outcomes.
As Chair of the Pleasant Knoll Elementary School Improvement Council, I have helped implement programs and built strong relationships with administrators. I have seen our educators’ dedication and what parents can accomplish by contributing their time and expertise. Parents can and should partner with the district to strengthen our schools.
My involvement with Move Silfab has reinforced my commitment to safety and accountability. I also serve as a youth soccer coach and children’s ministry Bible storyteller. These experiences have shaped three priorities.
1. Growth for Every Student
Fort Mill’s strong reputation deserves celebration, but rankings should never make us complacent. We should look beyond district averages and ask whether every student is making meaningful progress.
That means challenging advanced learners, improving support for students with IEPs or 504 plans, and providing timely academic intervention. I want measurable goals and clear reporting that show whether our efforts are working.
Excellent teachers are essential. We should listen to educators, support their professional judgment, and reduce unnecessary demands that take time away from teaching. Recruiting and retaining great teachers requires attention to compensation, working conditions, and support.
2. Responsible Financial Stewardship
Growth puts pressure on facilities, staffing, and budgets. Meeting those needs requires long-term planning and respect for taxpayers.
My professional experience has taught me to ask practical questions: What problem are we solving? What alternatives have we considered? What will this cost over time? How will we measure success?
I would bring that discipline to budget discussions, evaluate whether investments deliver results, and explain how spending supports students and schools.
3. Proactive Leadership and Safe Schools
Every student deserves a safe, orderly classroom. Teachers and administrators need support in addressing disruptive behavior, with early parental involvement so families and schools can reinforce expectations together.
Safety also requires attention to external risks. Silfab Solar remains a serious concern. I support pursuing appropriate legal avenues and pressing responsible agencies for action to protect students, staff, and school communities.
The board should identify risks early, listen to qualified experts, communicate clearly, and act before concerns become crises.
How I Would Serve
Boards need representation that represents their community. I would work with fellow trustees, listen to differing perspectives, come prepared, ask hard questions respectfully, and explain my votes.
Parents should be partners, with meaningful opportunities to contribute before decisions are finalized. Teachers should feel heard. Students should have a voice. Taxpayers should understand how decisions serve our schools.
I would be honored to earn your vote and help move Fort Mill schools forward.
Learn more and connect with me at LangfordForFMSB.com and https://www.facebook.com/LangfordForFMSB
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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.
