News & Events
Leadership Class Members Rub Elbows With State's Top Educator
Participation in Leadership Laurens County has its advantages as members of Class 16 of the leadership training program found out Tuesday when they met with Dr. Jim Rex, state Superintendent of Education.
Dr. Rex, just nine months into his four year term, was elected in the closest statewide election in South Carolina history edging out his Republican challenger by just 451 votes out of the 1.1 million cast.
"This was a phenomenal opportunity," said Rob Clapper, president and CEO of the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce. "This is the first time in Leadership’s nearly thirty year history that class members have met with a state constitutional officer."
Rex encouraged the Leadership class members to have the courage to tackle the unpopular and the seemingly impossible in order to make an impact on their community. He noted his decision to seek public office for the first time at age 64, and as a Democrat in a heavily Republican state.
The Ohio native is deeply rooted in South Carolina, having served in leadership roles at Winthrop, Coastal Carolina and the University of South Carolina. During the town hall meeting, Dr. Rex addressed key issues facing education in the state including more school choices for parents sending their children to public schools.
Rex also fielded a number of questions during the forum including asking his view of reducing the number of school districts in South Carolina. The state currently has 85 school districts spread across forty-six counties.
Leadership Laurens County Class 16 began its nine-month program last month with a weekend team building retreat and will conclude next summer with a graduation ceremony. The class will study such topics as healthcare, education, public safety, social issues, state government and mass marketing during the program.
For more information on Leadership Laurens County, contact the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce at 864-833-2716.
