Letter: District 5 Candidate on Bid for School Board

Editor's note: The following has been submitted by Robert Gantt, a candidate for Lexington-Richland 5's school board. 

A 12-year veteran of the board, Robet Gantt says he is running again because he loves the district and has committed to his fellow citizens that he will continue to provide stable leadership in a time of tight budgets, and a multitude of state and national issues facing public education. He said he believes that experienced leadership is critical to ensure the district continues to meet the community’s high expectations for its public schools.

Gantt, who is currently serving his fourth term as chairman, cites a number of achievements during his tenure that demonstrates his successful leadership on the board. They include the overwhelming approval of a 2008 bond referendum which led to the completion of much-needed renovations of several elementary schools and renovations and additions currently underway at all three high schools. In addition, the successful bond referendum approved construction of Spring Hill High School (2013) and the Center for Advanced Technical Studies which opened this fall. 

In addition, the district continues to be considered one of the top school districts in the state with SAT scores exceeding both state and national averages; all schools being named Palmetto Gold or Silver Award winners; last year’s graduating classes earning a district record $117 million in scholarships; and schools, students and teachers being honored for exemplary achievement. The District received an “A” on the State’s new accountability system.

Gantt says that he is proud that during his leadership the district has weathered an economic downturn that resulted in cuts in education funding for all schools in the state. He said sound financial management by the board and the cooperation and support of the community allowed the district to continue its academic excellence and to hire Dr. Stephen Hefner as superintendent.  

Above all, Gantt believes children and the community deserve strong public schools. He believes that every student deserves the best opportunity to reach their full potential. He believes that District 5 must continue to strive to meet the ever changing needs of today’s students and create diverse curriculum and the proper environment to ensure their success no matter where their dreams and abilities take them. Gantt feels that District 5 is the leading public school system in the State and his desire is to strive to be on the cutting edge in public education.

Gantt has lived in the school district for 42 years and is retired from the State of South Carolina. He is a partner with Wythe Consulting LLC. He retired from the U. S. Army Reserves attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He has been married to his wife Laura for 43 years and has three daughters who graduated from Dutch Fork High School. He has one granddaughter who is in first grade at River Springs Elementary.  Gantt also serves on the board of directors for the South Carolina School Boards Association currently serving as treasurer. He has served in many school-level leadership positions over the past 30 years and has been the “Voice of the Silver Foxes” for many years.

Robert Gantt, Lexington-Richland 5 candidate for Richland County