Grayson Gets Two Prominent Endorsements

Joy Grayson, who is hoping to replace departing Tommie Reece in the District 17 seat on the Greenville County School Board, received two endorsements Wednesday. 

Grayson was endorsed by former speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives, David Wilkins and former governor Richard Riley. Riley also served as the U.S. Secretary of Education. 

“We need school board members who can tackle the two difficult issues people care about most - their children and their money," Wilkins said. "Joy is well-qualified for this position. I support her focus on putting children first, enhancing quality education in Greenville through bipartisan support, and being a trusted steward of taxpayer dollars. It is an honor to support Joy and her efforts to serve Greenville by bringing her unique qualifications to the board."

Wilkins currently chairs the board of trustees at Clemson University, also served as the United States Ambassador to Canada under President George W. Bush from 2005, to 2009. Riley, is a professor of education at the University of South Carolina and also a professor of government, politics and public leadership at the Richard W. Riley Institute at Furman University.

“I am happy to endorse Joy because I am certain she will make an excellent school board member," Riley said. "I agree with her focus on early childhood education and quality educational opportunity for all children. The connection to economic development is so clear.”

Grayson said the support of Wilkins, a Republican, and Riley, a Democrat, demonstrated the bipartisan support for her platform. 

"This bipartisan show of support for public education in Greenville has heartened our efforts to advance educational opportunities for all children,” Grayson said.

The current holder of the of the District 17 seat is Tommie Reece, who is pursuing the South Carolina Senate seat currently held by Mike Fair.