EASLEY, SC (Sept. 29) As part of an ongoing series of policy talks throughout the Third Congressional District, candidate Jane Dyer spoke on the issue of public education Tuesday outside of Easley High School, her alma mater.
Dyer took the opportunity to praise public school district in the Third Congressional District for what she calls “success stories and innovations.” These included magnet schools in science and technology, mentoring programs for teenage girls, and alternative education settings for at-risk students.
With her high school calculus teacher Pat Chang at her side, Dyer talked about what public education has meant to her life – and what she hopes it will mean to voters this November.
“Public school is one of the cornerstones of our nation,” she said, adding: “Because of public education, I have had great opportunities in my life.”
Dyer majored in engineering at Clemson University. She was also a member of the Air Force ROTC program, becoming Clemson’s first female Air Force pilot.
She is now a pilot with FedEx.
Chang described Dyer as a hard-working and responsible student. “You know she’s going to do what she says she’ll do,” Chang remarked.
Dyer pointed out differences between her views on education and those of her opponent, Jeff Duncan (R-Laurens). Duncan was a co-sponsor in the South
Carolina General Assembly of a bill to push private school choice. The proposal, which did not pass, would have given public money to families who already have their children in public school.
Duncan has also accepted money from groups and individuals associated with Howard Rich, a New York libertarian who has funded pro-voucher candidates in
South Carolina.
Dyer said she supports families’ right to choose private school – but she believes public money should stay in public schools.
Teachers and other public education backers “should watch very closely and make sure they know where candidates stand on the idea of taking money out
of the public system and giving it to private schools,” she said.