Seven out of the nine candidates for the Lexington One Board of Trustees participated in a forum on Monday, Oct. 21, discussing issues such as safety, the budget and more.

McKenzie Flashnick, Kathy Henson (incumbent), Dana Homesley, Nicholas Pizzuti, Mariel Taylor, David Terry and Shelton Yonce attended the event, which was hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Columbia area, the Lexington County Chronicle and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center.

The forum allowed the candidates to share their values and respond to important questions regarding the election.

In the first round of questions, candidates were asked why they are running for election. Candidates expressed a desire to be the voice for underrepresented groups, students, teachers and taxpayers.

In the second round, candidates tackled the topic of budget priorities. Henson said that nearly 90% of the budget goes to salaries and benefits, emphasizing that ensuring employees are well-compensated should be the top priority. Henson further argued that the second priority should be providing equal access to high-quality education for students across the district. Both Homesley and Taylor suggested that having an outside auditor could assist the school board in identifying where funds are most needed. Terry, Yonce and Pizzuti emphasized that safety, equality and mental health are priorities. Flashnick highlighted that preparing students for life after graduation is also essential.

In the third round, candidates addressed strategies for retaining and recruiting teachers. Candidates agreed that providing support and competitive salaries should be priorities. Pizzuti emphasized that listening to teachers will help find what the resources they need are. Yonce and Taylor both mentioned the importance of teachers having uninterrupted planning periods and limiting the amount of outside work required from them to retain veteran teachers.

In the fourth round, the discussion of restricting topics arose. Candidates agreed that students should be taught the truth in an unbiased manner. Taylor stated that teaching students the difference between misinformation and disinformation is imperative. Henson, a current board member, emphasized that the school board must comply with state standards.

In the fifth round, safety was the focal point. Each candidate expressed the importance of having school resource officers on campuses and upgrading security cameras to detect potential harm. Homesley added that there should be a resource for students to report safety concerns. Taylor discussed the importance of students understanding there are rules, expectations and consequences in place.

In the final round, candidates were asked about the role of charter and magnet schools. Some candidates stated that charter and magnet schools provide alternative educational environments. They noted that Lexington One has no affiliation with any charter schools in the district and therefore, no role in their operations.

Early voting is underway, and Election Day is on Nov. 5.