Kelly Payne Is In!
When this week started, no Republicans were running for S.C. Superintendent of Education. Today, the GOP field has its second candidate in three days.
Dutch Fork (S.C.) High School teacher Kelly Payne announced her intention to enter the race on Thursday, which means she will be competing against Furman University political science professor Brent Nelsen – who two days ago abandoned his gubernatorial bid to run for Superintendent.
S.C. Rep. Ted Pitts – currently a candidate for Lt. Governor – is also reportedly looking at switching gears and entering the race.
Payne is an award-winning current issues teacher at one of the nation’s top public high schools and founder of the “It Kids,” a group of politically engaged students who have welcomed literally dozens of the state’s top elected officials to their class (dubbed the “Den of Payne”). She has also been the leader of “Alive @ 25,” an after-school program that teaches defensive driving techniques to teenagers.
Democratic incumbent Jim Rex hasn’t yet said whether or not he will seek a second term, but his lack of accomplishment and weak fund-raising totals suggest that the man once regarded as the Democrats’ top draw may not even run in 2010.
Anyway, here’s the statement Payne just sent to FITS:
First, I would like to thank the hundreds of South Carolinians who have written, called and emailed me in the last few days asking me to consider running for State Superintendent of Education. The level of encouragement, support and confidence shown by so many people has been truly remarkable – and inspiring. I am most gratified by the support I have received from the people who know me best – my family, friends, fellow educators and, above all, my current and former students.
After a great deal of thought and prayer, I have decided to run for State Superintendent – or more accurately to run on behalf of the children whose lives will be impacted by the crucial decisions this office is responsible for making and implementing.
One thing I would like to make clear from the beginning is that this will be a very different kind of campaign – one that is built around achieving specific academic goals that teachers and parents can reliably measure. I know what it takes to build successful classrooms and programs, and I believe that perspective is what our state needs right now.
Given the global competition and trying economic times we face, I believe that South Carolina should have one unified educational goal – improving the academic performance of every single one of our students. In keeping with that objective – every idea should remain on the table and no idea should be dismissed. The competitive challenge we face as a state is far too great to limit our potential universe of solutions. It is also far too important to let any special interest intrude upon the best interests of our children.
While my campaign will outline specific policy proposals tied to these ideas – I also want it to be an extension of my passion for education. For example, my plan is to staff several key positions on my campaign with former students. I also want my “inner circle” to be comprised of children and parents, not pollsters and political consultants.
I believe it is time for the people whose lives are impacted by these decisions to reclaim this debate, and to rally around a set of common sense solutions that put individual academic gains ahead of all other considerations.
Wow … pretty impressive for a s0-called “political novice.”
We’ll obviously have some detailed analysis on Payne’s decision coming soon … so stay tuned for that.
In the meantime, though, one thing is sure. She and Nelsen have two of the most highly-motivated “Internet armies” in S.C. politics, which means that new media could play a key role in this campaign.
Berry, berry inneresting …
Comments
By smart Kid Grant on July 30th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
Let’s get this party started! All the kings horses, and all the kings men could not put SC education back together again, so lets try a woman who knows the classroom better than any of our previous Superintendents, Lets do this for the future of SC!
By JGJ on July 30th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
She’s hot. Is she married?
By Barney Fife on July 30th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
she’s hot, but she’s toast. I hate it, but this is the big leagues, and she’s in the bush league.
Brent Nelson will be a good candidate. I don’t know him, but from what I have heard from him, he will be good.
By #1 It Kid on July 30th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Ms. Payne is in no way a “political novice.” will, i cant believe you would even put that term in the same sentence of a great candidate like Ms. Payne. shame on you…
Ms. Payne is by-far the best fit for the job of “education czarina” as i call it.
it baffles me if people cant see the clear connection of a job made for someone who knows students, their needs, and their environment. this screams high-school teacher. Ms. Payne has proven that she can stir up the SC politico pot FROM HER CLASSROOM.
how many teachers–that you know of–can get the governor in their class?
she knows the environment that kids learn best in.
she knows the needs of different kids.
so why wouldnt we vote for someone like Ms. Payne?
ANNDDDDD: you should join her facebook page as well. heres the link: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=111618243943
look people of SC, if you want a real superintendent of education for our below-acceptable system, vote Ms. Payne!
By Go Grassroots on July 30th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
Draft Kelly Payne for SC Superintendent of Education
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=111618243943
By Benji on July 30th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
JIm Rex will run all over this chick. She has no idea what she’s getting into. I can’t wait to see this.
By Tom Harris on July 30th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
Kelly brings experience, ideas and energy to this campaign. It’s a powerful combination in an incredibly important race — a lethal combination to those who underestimate the will of South Carolina parents.
By John Steinberger on July 30th, 2009 at 5:10 pm
I’ll take a classroom teacher over a PhD any day! Kelly Payne will take input from teachers, students and parents. We’re not getting that now. Our system is run by the failed bureaucrats who have kept us stuck at the bottom.
Education, like business, must be results-based. Our central offices must be drained of highly paid people who sit in cubicles and just get in the way. The whole focus should be on providing our classrooms with the resources needed for students to be successful!
By Go Grassroots on July 30th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Benji,
If Dr. Rex really cares about our State’s children, he wouldn’t run all over someone who has their heart in the right place.
By Lizzie :] on July 30th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
Yeah, she awesome. What else is there to say? :]
By Tim Porter on July 30th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
Experience working with students beats book smarts any day of the week. Kelly will make a great Secretary of Education. I’m am eager to get this campaign off the ground.
By Jim McCaulley on July 30th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
James McCaulley wrote
at 5:57pm
I just found out today that Kelly has announced her candidacy’s as Superintendent of Education. I have only known Kelly for short period of time. However, I do not believe I have ever seen a more qualified person run for any office. The traits and characteristics she displays are the highest I have observed in a very select group. Her enthusiasm,positive attitude,tenacity and energy is remarkable! She can pleasantly and efficiently handle an unbelievable amount of various tasks simultaneously.
I have a son and daughter-in-law who are both teachers. After 6 years I have become familiar with multiple issues that need addressing at the State level.
I don’t know of any one who has the proven track record as Kelly. She is a dynamic individual.
I would ask all my FB friends to cast and throw their support behind Kelly ! Please pass on to your fiends through FB or your Email list .http://www.fitnews.com/2009/07/30/kelly-payne-is-in/
Thanks Jim
By Adam Bonifas on July 30th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
I have no doubts that Ms. Payne will do great things for her community in Columbia as well as for all of us in South Carolina. She was one of my teachers at Dutch Fork High School and she really impacted me in the long run and I believe that she’ll do the same as Superintendent of education.
By Sweet(gr)ass on July 30th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
I agree, she’s hot
By Katherine Jenerette on July 30th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
This is more than good news – it is great news. As I said before:
“I have always supported the concept that the best initial step that could be taken to help public education in SC: Kick the multilayer bureaucracy out of the classrooms and ‘Put Teachers in Charge.’ With Ms. Payne as South Carolina’s next superintendent of education we could have a very, very good start at the best of both worlds.”
Now the Hardball world of South Carolina Politics will undoubtedly begin to ratchet up after Labor Day.
RULE Number 22: The only thing the ‘Carolina Boys Club’ hates worse than a woman who doesn’t ask for their permission to run is a woman who can beat them and has more ‘expletive deleted’ than they do.
The Boys Club knows that all Kelly has to do is by-pass them and get her issues, bio, and vision directly to the primary voters and she has a real shot at beating any hand-picked slate they come up with, so they will either join her or try to freeze her out – or to hurt her.
I once heard that our system of individual self-government would probably work just as well – or badly – if you flipped open a telephone book and picked names at random to be our citizen legislators each session. From what I’ve seen from Federal to State to Local government, that’s probably not a bad premise.
The Boys Club knows that Kelly Payne is not random nor is she to be taken lightly.
Watch this race. South Carolina politics is changing and pray hard – perhaps South Carolina education will finally have the chance to change too.
Run Kelly! Run!
that’s all for now – Katherine
By Eric on July 30th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
“I also want my “inner circle” to be comprised of children and parents, not pollsters and political consultants.”
Sic, I guess you will have a hard time becoming part of her circle. :D
By newzjunkie on July 30th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
@Go Grassroots: Politics -nice? Don’t step FOOT in the kitchen if she isn’t willing to get burn! Just because Rex is a man and Kelly’s a woman – she needs to get her “lipstick” wearing self ready for a fight. I hope you gets the support of Nikki, Nate and Mark – the Trinity! It’s right up the dems ally!
By BIN News Editorial Staff on July 30th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
Repeat after our Funding Editor:
“Palin-Payne. Paylin-Payne. Paylin-Pain.”
Pain, pain and more pain.
Republicrats never seem to learn. We don’t need more pain.
We need responsible candidates. You know. With experience.
Howie’s voucher clowns must be getting desperate.
By Howza on July 31st, 2009 at 12:38 am
She’s hot, but she won’t get 35% of the primary vote. Fundraising… Network… etc. She’s just being misled by some selfish politicos. Poor girl, stick to teaching and impact the lives of children. Don’t listen to these people who are setting you up for an embarrassing failure.
By cfd007 on July 31st, 2009 at 1:15 pm
I’ll vote for a teacher over a PhD and over a career politician!
By Snead on August 1st, 2009 at 9:38 pm
This is the same Kelly Payne who is a member of a “Palin/Rice 2012″ group on Facebook? Ha! Good luck, SC.
At what point will using her “It Kids” as campaign volunteers become a conflict of interest?
By Rebecca on August 2nd, 2009 at 1:30 pm
I am so excited that Ms. Payne is running for State Super.! Ms. Payne has everything needed to fulfill that job and more! She has our family’s vote!
By friend of a friend. on August 2nd, 2009 at 7:27 pm
You know, I’m kind of embarrassed to remark on some of these naïve comments, but I feel they must be addressed. As a HIGH SCHOOL student I am expected to write the way some of these adults do, but I will not conform. Without knowing a person, why discredit them? Lack of insecurity or extreme personal bias may play into effect but it should not in this case. In THIS election the outcome does not determine life or death. The main attributing factors do not concern war, the current economic situation, or scandals in government. In this race, the children of the state and their futures are at risk. And please tell me, who would know the best for the state children but someone who has some of their own? Or has met, taught and impacted hundreds of students? Kelly Payne is my choice. By knowing her personally, I can rest assured that she is the women for the job. Had I not known her it would not have been difficult to learn of her achievements. Fitsnews.com gives her a good name and accurate bio. True, she did introduce me to Fits, but; if you are unknown to this site then Google her. On the first page alone Payne’s community involved Facebook page looms among other sites offering names such as Nathan Ballentine and events such as radio talk shows with her students about political affairs. Now, Benji? Explain to me why a woman such as this would become involved in such a high position without prior knowledge of its full list of expectations? And Howza? Correct me if I am wrong, but I am unsure of why Payne would be embarrassed if she did not succeed. The only reason that she would consider taking this position is to ensure the highest of possibilities to the children of the state. She has connections already. She has a loving family. She has students and a faculty that are behind her all the way. If she were to walk away without a new job title she would only worry that her goals for the state would not be accomplished. Losing this position is not an embarrassing thing. It is only a loss of possible ideas from a fresh mind. However, there is not a doubt in my mind that she will make her thoughts heard regardless of what will happen. Kelly Payne is my choice for S.C. Superintendent of Education.
By Zach Pippin on August 3rd, 2009 at 2:43 am
Just read about Kelly today. Looking like a good candidate (double meaning? yes) Will pay attention to this race for sure.
By Jolie M on August 6th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
It seems to me that the people that are critical of Ms. Payne running must not be keeping up with the Political Aspects of our Educational Department and the needs of redefining the needs of our State. Motivation and her experience with interacting with parents, teachers, students seems to be that she is more than qualified for this position. If you think that these people will walk all over Ms. Payne you would be completely wrong as she not only will head up a great campaign she will stand by the values and needs of our state. She has my vote and will run a great campaign, she will serve the great State of South Carolina proud…
By Outsider on November 16th, 2009 at 5:26 pm
BIN? I have a question. Do you know the definition of experience. Well it means “the knowledge or practical wisdom gained from what one has observed, encountered, or undergone.” Kelly Payne HAS undergone multiple years with experience in education. She hasn’t just been sitting behind a desk doing studies on teaching, she has been DOING the teaching. She is highly fit to fill this position. If you can’t see that then maybe you should open up a dictionary once in a while!