School board elections for Bamberg School Districts 1 and 2 are set to take place on April 14.

In Bamberg 1, incumbent Stacey Long is being challenged by political newcomer Robin Haynes for Seat 3 on the board.

Board Chairman Dr. Dale Padgett is running unopposed for Seat 4.

Incumbents Larry Bias (Seat 1) and Ann Causby (Seat 2) are facing opposition from Willette Williams and Paula Whetstone, respectively, in Bamberg 2.

Bamberg 1

* Stacey H. Long, Seat 3 incumbent

Long is seeking her second term on the Bamberg 1 board. She says the district has wonderful teachers that she will fight hard to keep in a time of economic uncertainty.

"We think we're going to be OK," Long said.

Long is also concerned about how budget cuts could affect the livelihoods of custodians, cafeteria workers and bus drivers.

She said the closing of Ehrhardt Elementary School last year was inevitable. Long said she approaches making those types of difficult decisions by gathering as much information as possible.

"Politics is a hard job," Long said.

Long, a self-described hometown girl, works as a medical assistant and is married to Larry. They have three children, with one attending Bamberg-Ehrhardt Middle School.

* Robin Haynes, Seat 3 challenger

Haynes moved to the Bamberg community four years ago from Philadelphia, where she was an active PTA member and volunteered for a literacy program.

"First and foremost, I'm not a politician. I have no desire to be," Haynes said.

She said she was encouraged to run by members of her church.

Haynes would like to see more parental involvement and improved reading and math scores.

She also wants to establish a mentoring program in Bamberg 1.

"Our students would really benefit from that," she said.

Haynes was married to the late Anthony Haynes and her son graduated from the district. She is a caterer and is an employee at a local E-Z shop owned by Brabham Oil Company.

* Dr. Dale Padgett, Seat 4 incumbent

Padgett is the Bamberg 1 board chairman and has been on the board since 1990. He has his own medical practice with offices in Orangeburg and Bamberg.

He says he takes a commonsense approach to solving problems.

Closing Ehrhardt Elementary School last year was necessary because the expense wasn't justified for such a small number of students, Padgett said.

"Nobody wanted to do it," Padgett said. "Fast forwarding, it was probably a great decision because we don't have the money for the next couple of years to run it."

Padgett said he is running for reelection because it isn't a good time to step away, considering the budget crisis.

A Bamberg native, Padgett is married to Linda and they have three children.

"I love Bamberg. I love the school district," Padgett said.

Bamberg 2

* Larry Bias, Seat 1 incumbent

Bias, a lifelong resident of Denmark who attended Denmark-Olar schools, was first elected to the school board in 2005, defeating Williams for the seat.

He did not return several calls seeking comment.

* Willette Williams, Seat 1 challenger

Williams, a former trustee, says she wants Bamberg 2 to take better advantage of federal grant opportunities. In addition, she thinks the district needs to do everything it can to retain qualified and dedicated teachers.

"To be perfectly honest, it's time for our district to move forward in every way," she said. "I want to bring harmony and credibility to our board of trustees."

Williams said it is vital to get the community more involved in supporting the schools, especially given the recent economic downturn.

She worked for 26 years in Bamberg 2 as a teacher. She now works in Orangeburg Consolidated School District 5 as the assistant coordinator of the New Vision Alternative School.

Williams is married to Archie, and they have two sons.

* Ann Causby, Seat 2 incumbent

Causby, a retired certified public accountant, was first elected to the school board during a special election in 2004.

She did not return several calls seeking comment.

* Paula M. Whetstone, Seat 2 challenger

Whetstone is trying to follow in her grandfather's footsteps by serving on the Bamberg 2 school board.

She previously worked in the district for six years.

"I know the children. I know their needs," she said.

Whetstone said she is tired of hearing negative things about Bamberg 2. She said the district needs to find solutions to its problems.

"I know I come with solutions," she said.

Whetstone said she wants to ensure all Bamberg 2 students receive the best education possible.

She currently works as a career counselor at the Bamberg Job Corps. She has a son who attends Denmark-Olar High. Whetstone is married to Lonnie.

T&D Staff Writer Lee Tant can be reached by e-mail at ltant@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-534-1060. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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