Gaston, SC - If you weren’t at Taqueria Chile Caliente’ on Highway 321 in Gaston Tuesday night, you missed a great time and your first official opportunity to meet School Board candidate Lynne Fallaw. Eloy and Romanita Montiel hosted a Meet ‘n Greet for the mother of four and wife of retired police chief. The house was packed with well-wishers who came to support Lynne.
Lynne has been actively involved in School District 4 for the last 18 years, having served on school improvement councils and the superintendent’s advisory committee. Lynne received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of South Carolina. She is a retired law enforcement officer and police academy instructor. Currently an adjunct instructor for Midlands Technical College and owner of Back to Basics Driving School, Lynne remains in touch with parents’ and students’ concerns regarding education. “That’s what makes me unique from the other candidates; I have my finger on the pulse of the community, school administrators, teachers, support staff, and students. I have an advantage in that I have direct contact with parents and their children on a daily basis,” Lynne said during the festivities.
Lynne has five key points to her campaign. She says she thinks that Dr. Robert Maddox and the current board have done a tremendous job. Now, she wants to provide her own expertise for the betterment of the community.
Her first priority is safer schools. Lynne agrees with Governor Henry McMaster that every school needs a school resource officer and secure facilities. Second, the recruitment and retention of quality teachers is a must. “We must invest in our teachers so they will choose our district and stay throughout their career,” Lynne said. Thirdly, a positive learning environment is the key to quality education. “All employees at a school have a role in mentoring our young people. Set high expectations for students, and they will thrive.” Fourth, upon graduation, students must be ready for the workforce or for college. We should enhance the certification program and technologies to enable students to obtain quality jobs. Teaching and reinforcing soft skills such as oral communication, interviewing, and a strong work ethic is a must,” she continued. “Fifth, we should continue to develop a strong partnership between the schools, the parents, and the community,” she concluded. Lynne has said she believes that encouraging the businesses, churches, and civic organizations in the area to actively participate in providing guidance and sponsorship in school activities is a must.
Lynne will be attending the Gaston Crime Watch meeting on Thursday, February 20. Her Facebook page is “Vote Lynne Fallaw”. If you would like to contact her directly, her email is LBFallaw@gmail.com. Her cell number is 803-422-6358 (which answers “Back to Basics Driving School”).
*Since this is a special election on March 3, 2020 to fill the term left by newly elected Swansea Councilwoman Doris Simmons, the voting locations have changed from the schools to either Gaston Town Hall or Monroe Pinkney Gym.
