Greenville County School Board Elections 2026

Amanda Brett:  I’m a lifelong believer in community and service and have a servant’s heart. I believe when you have an opportunity to make a positive difference, you have a responsibility to serve. My first term on the Greenville County School Board has been an incredible learning experience. Over the past four years, I’ve gained a much deeper understanding of our school system, board policies and procedures, and the responsibilities of a trustee. I’ve also learned how to work collaboratively with fellow board members, even when we don’t always agree, to find common ground and move things forward. As a mom of two sons who graduated from Greenville High School, I’ve experienced our schools both as a parent and trustee. I want to be a voice for parents, especially those who feel unheard. I’m running for a second term because I’m ready to use what I’ve learned to serve even more effectively.

Stephanie Meek: We can make a difference in the community we live in. I also believe it is our duty to do so, whenever we are able. We should be represented by people who are part of our communities and make an effort to be present and involved. I believe the rights and voices of all constituents should be valued and heard. I also believe elected officials should honor the oaths they swear and respect their positions with the heart of a servant. Their job is to represent everyone in their communities. I do not feel District 26 currently has leadership on the Board that is doing these things. I can’t, in good conscience, sit back and watch when I know I have the experience and expertise to understand the complexities of running such a large school district, as well as the background in education, particularly in the schools of District 26. 

Amanda Brett: One of the most important qualities I bring to the board is availability. Over the past four years, I’ve answered hundreds of emails and calls from parents, students, and constituents throughout Greenville County. I’ve helped people navigate concerns by finding answers, connecting them with the right department, or simply listening. My first term has also given me valuable experience. I’ve developed a deeper understanding of our school system, board policies, and procedures. I’ve learned that effective governance requires listening, collaboration, patience, and respectful disagreement while working toward common goals. I’m also a behind-the-scenes person who doesn’t need recognition to know I’ve made a difference. I enjoy helping people and solving problems, and I take follow-through seriously. I may not always have the answer someone wants, but I will listen, work to find the right answer, and remain committed to serving Greenville County’s students, families, teachers, and taxpayers.

Stephanie Meek: I am a product of District 26 schools, a proud graduate of Carolina High. I have tried to use my talents for the greater good of our community since I was 14 years old, volunteering in churches and community organizations ever since. I came back to our community and asked which schools have the greatest challenges and said “put me there.” I taught at Hollis and Monaview Elementaries, as well as serving as a District Administrator for 14 years, where I developed and managed programs that directly improved District 26 schools. I have remained in our community and my children now attend District 26 schools as well.

I know my decisions will come from a place of experience, transparency, while remaining present and actively involved within our communities.

Amanda Brett: I believe school board members must focus on student success, teacher support, fiscal responsibility, and parental rights. We must continue investing in our teachers. Competitive pay, meaningful raises, strong benefits, and the resources necessary to succeed are essential to recruiting and retaining excellent educators. Supporting teachers directly strengthens classrooms and benefits students. We must also be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. Every expenditure should be evaluated, with priority given to instruction, student needs, and the classroom. We should eliminate waste, improve efficiency, and always ask whether spending represents the best use of public funds. Parents must also remain genuine partners in education. They deserve transparency, timely communication, access to information, and a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their children. Their concerns should be heard and addressed respectfully. Finally, we should emphasize foundational academics, special education support, career preparation, and responsible technology use ensuring every student graduates prepared for a success.

Stephanie Meek: Many of our families and employees are struggling in our current economy and that will continue to impact our schools, particularly in District 26 schools. The District needs to find ways to help support these needs. The public education system is the backbone of any community and the number one predictor of the economic success and growth of that area. While much of Greenville has seen tremendous growth and expansion, many areas of District 26 are still struggling. Protecting our public education system and fighting for the west and southern ends of the county, which encompass District 26, is not only what is best for our children, it is the only way we will ensure economic growth and stability for all of Greenville County.

Amanda Brett: Greenville County Schools is doing many things exceptionally well. We have strong academic programs, dedicated teachers and staff, and a school system that continues to attract families and businesses to our community. I’m particularly proud of the work we have done to prioritize school safety and continue looking for ways to make our schools safer for students and staff. At the same time, we should never be satisfied with where we are. One area that deserves our continued attention is special education. We have made progress, but we must continue studying our processes, listening to parents and teachers, and making thoughtful changes to ensure students receive the support they need and families feel confident in the system. As a trustee, I believe our job is to celebrate what is working, be honest about what needs improvement, and continually look for ways to make Greenville County Schools stronger for every student.

Stephanie Meek: I believe the District has done an incredible job increasing our high school graduation rates and providing many opportunities for certificates and college credits. As an example, Carolina High has seen tremendous growth in their test scores and graduation rates by allowing students time to finish assignments or get extra help during the school day. Administrators and teachers are monitoring student progress carefully and making sure any student who is struggling is given help, immediately. I am incredibly proud as a lifelong Trojan, and parent of two current students.

We can add to these supports by making sure every graduate has a path to success in place. We need to continue to add internship and real world experiences, so that every student has these opportunities.

Amanda Brett: We need to strengthen how the school board approves the budget. Rather than approving or rejecting the budget as one large package, trustees should have the ability to review and approve major costs by line item. This would give the board greater oversight of how taxpayer dollars are spent and allow us to ask important questions about individual expenditures. It would also give trustees a better opportunity to prioritize funding for our classrooms, teachers, and students while identifying areas where spending can be reduced or eliminated. I believe we can continue investing in our teachers and students while also being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. Greater line-item accountability would help ensure every dollar in the budget is spent thoughtfully and that the board has meaningful oversight of the financial decisions we are being asked to approve. Ultimately, taxpayers deserve transparency, accountability, and confidence that their money is being used wisely.

Stephanie Meek: Employee salaries make up the vast majority of the District’s budget and employees deserve to make a living and competitive wage. The dedication of school staff is what allows Greenville County Schools to continue to make tremendous strides in the education our students receive. We need to make sure we continue to provide competitive salaries to recruit and retain the absolute best for our schools. At the same time, tax payers work hard for the funds that make up the District’s budget. So it is of the utmost importance that we are frugally being a steward of those dollars. It will be important to do a line by line analysis of the budget and make sure the money is being spent in the areas that will most positively impact our students, families and employees and accurately reflect the values of our communities, and the challenging economic times many are facing.

Amanda Brett: School safety has been a consistent priority during my time on the Board. We have invested in school safety technology, security measures, and additional student-support personnel, including mental health counselors and behavior specialists. We have also continued strengthening resources that help schools identify concerns and respond appropriately. I believe every child should be able to learn in a school that is safe, secure and focused on learning, and I will continue supporting practical investments that protect our students and staff.

Stephanie Meek: Every child and employee deserves to walk into their school building and feel safe and welcomed. This also includes the emotional safety of everyone. Parents and students continue to share with me that bullying is a major issue in the classrooms. Social media drama outside of the school can also follow students into the classroom. Anti-bullying programs and serious conversations need to happen at early ages in our schools to help build communities of respect and safety. We also need parents and students to be brave in coming forward when they are experiencing bullying and safety concerns online. We need to make sure administrators and parents are taking these issues seriously when it does happen. We must make sure that when bullying or situations escalate to a point a student feels unsafe or is unable to concentrate at school, there needs to be interventions in place to help.

Amanda Brett: The most important experience I would bring is four years of service as a trustee. During that time, I have gained a deeper understanding of how the board and school system operate, including policy, procedures, budgeting, and governance. I have learned how to work with fellow board members, move ideas forward, and make thoughtful decisions on behalf of students, families, teachers, and taxpayers.My experience has reinforced that effective governance requires collaboration, patience, preparation, and respectful disagreement. I am comfortable working behind the scenes and do not need recognition to stay committed to the work. I am seeking another term because I have more to contribute and can use my experience to serve Greenville County even more effectively.

Stephanie Meek: I would like to leave the voters of District 26 with this last thought. There is an important choice to make at the polls and who we have as elected officials matters. I grew up believing in good people, from both sides of the aisle, who viewed the commitment of an elected official as one of service to their community. Regardless of differences of opinions, at the end of the day, everyone walked away and knew they all cared about the community they lived in and wanted to make it a better place for everyone in it.

I am the only candidate with the educational experience and proven success with the schools in District 26. I am also from the community and remain committed to our community. I would be honored to earn your vote and work with you all to make our schools the best in Greenville.