Aiken Elects Liz Morris as New Board Member, Promises Focus on School Safety and Student Well-Being

Aiken Welcomes New Board Member: Liz Morris Wins District 6 Seat!

In a thrilling turn of events for the Aiken community, Liz Morris has emerged victorious in the special election held on November 12, grabbing a seat on the Aiken County Board of Education. The election was nothing short of a nail-biter, with Morris defeating her opponent, Jim Oremus, by a mere 96 votes!

Who is Liz Morris?

For those unfamiliar with Morris, she is not just a name on the ballot but a dedicated student services manager at the Career Readiness Center of the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. With deep roots in the community as a resident since 1990, she is passionate about improving the educational landscape for students in Aiken County.

The Election Buzz

On election day, there was a palpable excitement in the air, with 547 voters casting their ballots across 10 precincts—resulting in a turnout of only 4.45% of the eligible 12,289 voters. Nevertheless, the enthusiasm displayed by Morris’s supporters was infectious as they celebrated her win at the campaign headquarters in Aiken.

What’s Next for Morris?

As she steps into her new role, Morris expressed a clear vision for her tenure on the Board. In her victory speech, she laid out her key priorities, which include:

• School Safety
• Student Achievement
• Teacher Retention
• Mental Health Resources

Morris is particularly keen on working alongside district superintendent Dr. Corey Murphy and other board members to bolster the number of school resource officers in schools—a move aimed at ensuring safety for all students. “We’re not just talking about students who struggle; we need to elevate those who are excelling as well,” she stated emphatically.

Facing Challenges Head-On

One of the pressing issues that Morris hopes to tackle is the alarming rate of teacher turnover in the district. “It’s concerning that so many teachers leave after just five years. We need to retain great teachers because our students truly need them,” she explained.

Additionally, mental health resources for students are high on her agenda. “It’s a tough world for young people today, and they deserve access to quality mental health services,” she remarked, showing her commitment to the well-being of all students.

Oremus Concedes

Meanwhile, Oremus, who graciously conceded, took the time to visit multiple polling places, only to realize the tough battle ahead when he saw the early results from his least favorable precinct in Graniteville. Although he is stepping away from the race, he expressed gratitude for the support he received, especially from the Midlands Valley community.

“Running for the school board was about giving back to the Midland Valley area, and I’m proud of that,” he said, vowing to return to his supportive role for his wife, State Rep. Melissa Oremus.

A Bright Future Ahead

The District 6 seat that Morris will occupy represents several schools, including Byrd, Clearwater, Gloverville, and Midland Valley High. She is eager to collaborate with her fellow board members to ensure that every student’s needs are met, declaring, “I will advocate for every student. It’s all about putting students first!”

In Closing

With a fresh perspective and an unwavering commitment to the community, Liz Morris is ready to roll up her sleeves and get to work. Aiken County is buzzing with hope for a brighter educational future, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store!