Lexington-Richland School District 5 has a new board member after a June resignation.

Tifani Moore won the Oct. 12 special election with 56% of the vote, beating two other candidates, Haley Griggs and Jeff Herring.

“My goal is to bring transparency and sensible decision making to the school board with a keen focus on supporting all of our students in District Five and the outstanding professional educators and staff in Lex-Rich Five,” Moore posted on Facebook after the win.

The election was triggered by Ed White’s resignation from the board that governs the school district straddling Lexington and Richland counties on June 14. He represented Richland County in District 5, which meant only Richland County residents could vote in this special election. But Moore’s election is still impactful to Lexington residents of District 5, as she will vote on issues that affect the entire district.

Moore is a parent and member of the PTO and the School Improvement Council and was on the World History Textbook Adoption Committee. Going into the election Moore said she was concerned about keeping students safe by wearing masks.

“If we’re 5% or under percent positive then a mask mandate wouldn’t be required, then I think we need to do what we can by enforcing them to allow our kids a safe opportunity to stay in school with their friends and teachers,” she said.

Moore also said she thinks equity and transparency are the most pressing issues.

“Fair or unjust, we all live in a society where perception is defined as reality, and it is difficult to regain trust once people feel misled,” she said.

Moore joins a board that instituted some big changes in the past year.

Employees received a $1,000 appreciation bonus, and the board approved a COVID-19 leave policy. In April, the board voted for substitute teachers to receive higher pay and a $100 back-toschool supply allowance.

In August, the board voted against a mask mandate.

The district reduced property taxes while increasing annual maintenance by 50% and rebuilt a 1965 portion of Irmo High school. Akill Ross, the interim superintendent, and the board are working closely to develop plans for additional maintenance in needed areas, and the board has begun discussing selling unused properties the district currently owns.