A week before the June 14 primary, one Lexington-based candidate for state superintendent of education notched a big endorsement.

Kathy Maness (R)  — who currently serves on Lexington Town Council and as president of the Palmetto State Teachers Association — was joined at events across the state June 6 and 7 by Molly Spearman (R), where the outgoing state superintendent endorsed Maness as her successor.

“Kathy Maness is the only candidate that is fully prepared to take on the unprecedented challenges facing our state’s education system — combating the crippling teacher shortage crisis, supporting students who have fallen behind in the wake of the pandemic, continuing to make student safety a top priority, and restoring parental trust and transparency in classroom instruction,” Spearman is quoted in a press release from Maness’ campaign. “Kathy understands these issues and has a comprehensive plan to address them on day one in office.”

“Not only does Kathy meet the minimum qualifications mandated by state law, but far exceeds them with the necessary experience with our public schools, a comprehensive understanding of the complex issues surrounding education, and a established working relationships with parents, teachers, legislators, and other education stakeholders vital to improving and reforming education in South Carolina,” the outgoing superintendent is further quoted.

Maness is one of eight Republicans on the primary ballot vying for the post, including one other Lexington resident, Kizzi Gibson, as well as Travis Bedson, Bryan Chapman, Cindy Coats, Sheri Few, Lynda Leventis-Wells and Ellen Weaver.

On the fundraising front, Maness sits in third among Republicans heading into the primary, having raised $115,638 to Weaver’s $327,028 and Bedson’s $282,310, according to the last round of campaign disclosure reports to the state.