May 8, 2025

New Members Elected to Florence-Carlton School Board

News Summary

James Kennedy and Emily Dismukes have been elected to the Florence-Carlton School Board after a contentious election. They will focus on transitioning to a four-day school week, a topic that has divided the community. With a voter turnout of 36%, their election marks a significant shift for the district, as they take over seats from former board members. The ongoing discussions surrounding the school week changes highlight the need for transparency and community involvement in decision-making.

Florence

James Kennedy and Emily Dismukes Elected to Florence-Carlton School Board

James Kennedy and Emily Dismukes have been elected to the Florence-Carlton School Board following a contentious election held on May 6. The results, which remain unofficial as reported by the Ravalli County Elections Office, indicate that Kennedy secured 819 votes, while Dismukes received 665 votes. The two candidates will occupy seats vacated by former Chairman Matthew Roth and Vice-Chairman Matthew Reeves. Candidate Gabriel Thorness received 473 votes and did not win a seat on the board.

Community Divided Over School Week Changes

Both newly elected board members, Kennedy and Dismukes, are proponents of transitioning to a four-day school week, a significant shift that has spurred months of debate within the community. This contentious issue has even led to legal action concerning how the board has conducted its decision-making process regarding the change. Community discussions have highlighted concerns over effective communication and the need for transparency as the board approaches future decisions.

Election Context and Voter Engagement

The election saw a voter turnout of 36% in Ravalli County, demonstrating a noteworthy level of engagement among community members. Florence-Carlton School District’s elections were notable for featuring two open positions filled by new candidates, unlike other districts where candidates ran unopposed. This election comes alongside other significant events, including a bond proposal for Hamilton Middle School, which failed to pass despite over 2,640 votes against it compared to approximately 1,630 in favor.

Future Collaboration and Community Focus

Both Kennedy and Dismukes expressed enthusiasm about their roles and the opportunity to work collaboratively with fellow board members. They acknowledge the importance of community involvement in addressing school-related challenges and ensuring the success of students moving forward.

Background on School Week Transition

The debate over the shift to a four-day week format has been a prominent issue within the Florence-Carlton community, reflecting broader discussions on educational effectiveness and resource allocation. District staff emphasize the need for community engagement to navigate this transition successfully and to create a positive environment for students and families alike.

In summary, the election of James Kennedy and Emily Dismukes to the Florence-Carlton School Board marks a pivotal moment for the district. As they step into their new roles, their support for a four-day school week and a commitment to community collaboration position them as key players in the ongoing dialogue surrounding educational reform in the area.

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Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER

FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.

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