Aiken Welcomes Liz Morris as Newest Board Member of Education

Aiken Residents Welcome New Board Member

Aiken, SC – Liz Morris has officially secured a seat on the Aiken County Board of Education after triumphing in a special election held on November 12. Morris, who served as the student services manager at the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice, edged out Jim Oremus with a narrow victory of just 96 votes.

Election Results

In a race that attracted just 547 voters, which represents a voter turnout of 4.45% from an eligible pool of 12,289, Morris will be stepping into the District 6 position. This seat became available following the resignation of Dwight Smith last August. Morris’s election event was marked by enthusiasm and pride from her supporters who gathered to celebrate her victory.

Morris’s Priorities

Upon winning, Morris shared her immediate goals as a new board member. They include school safety, enhancing student achievement, and retaining talented teachers. She also highlighted the importance of providing students with adequate access to mental health resources.

“My focus will be on all students. I want to explore how we can uplift those who are excelling too, pushing them to their next level of achievement,” said Morris in a post-election interview. Understanding the critical needs of students today, she plans to collaborate closely with district superintendent Dr. Corey Murphy and other board members to increase the number of school resource officers present in schools.

Addressing Teacher Retention

Morris noted the concerning trend of teachers leaving the profession within the first five years. “We need to figure out how to retain great teachers, because our students need them,” she stated passionately. She believes that investing in quality mental health services is equally critical, emphasizing the high levels of stress young people face today.

Campaign Backstory

The election saw Oremus actively participating in the community, visiting various polling locations to gather results. Reflecting on his loss, he expressed respect and congratulations towards Morris, emphasizing that he will dedicate himself to supporting his wife, a state representative, instead of pursuing future political campaigns.

“I felt running for school board was a meaningful commitment to the Midland Valley area, and I truly appreciate the support I received from the community,” said Oremus after the results were announced.

Community Engagement and Future Goals

The new Board Member’s campaign was led by Christopher Emanuel, who credited the victory to a coalition of diverse individuals uniting for a common goal. Emanuel remarked, “It was truly a team effort.” Morris echoed this sentiment, stating her eagerness to build relationships with fellow board members to advocate effectively for the district’s needs. “I will advocate for every student. It’s all about putting students first,” she declared.

Representing District 6

The District 6 seat, which Morris will occupy, covers a variety of schools, including Byrd Elementary, Clearwater Elementary, and several others. This district is representative of many communities within Aiken County, and her role will be essential in shaping the educational landscape moving forward.

As Liz Morris embarks on this new chapter, her commitment to putting students’ needs at the forefront of her initiatives underscores an optimistic outlook for Aiken County Public Schools. The community will be watching closely to see how she delivers on her promises and establishes her presence on the board.