Gene Vanderford
Non-Partisan | South Carolina
Candidate Profile
Conservative (Conditional)
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Gene Vanderford
Party
Non-Partisan
Election Year
2023
Election
Special SD 42 and Spartanburg One School District
Race
Spartanburg One School Dist. Board of Trustees
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Newberry College, Newberry SC, Bachelor of Arts (Education), 1972
WORK & MILITARY
Na
AFFILIATIONS
Palmetto State Teachers Association, Member, National Education Association
Member, Music Educators National Conference, Member
Baptist Mens Association, Member, South Carolina Republican Party
Registered Voter, North Spartanburg Baptist Association, Member, Music Director and Youth VBS Workshop Presenter
Outstanding Young Men of America, listed, South Carolina Music Educators Association
Member, South Carolina Band Directors Association, Member
North Carolina Music Educators Association, Member
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
None
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
None
Race
ENDORSEMENTS
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (1)
None as of today
OTHER INFORMATION
- Partisan Primary Election Voting History from Spartanburg County for Gene Vanderford during time of residence in district and/or at current address:
- 2022 Primary election: Republican
- 2020 Primary election: Republican
- Voted in eight Republican Primary elections 2002 - 2018
**Election Voting History is not considered during panel evaluations.**
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should be a resource for instruction or services in the school.
Strongly Disagree
* I believe in the sanctity of life. * I believe life begins at the moment of conception. * I believe the formation of a baby is a miracle of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. * I believe any person or organization support and/or contrbution to abortion goes against God's Will.
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Strongly Agree
I am a Christian. The heartbeat tells the truth. Life!!!
ECONOMY
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
I refer to the Preamble .
School districts should be able to use taxpayer money for lobbying the state legislature.
Agree
With approval by vote of the district taxpayers, District School Board of Trustees, the SC Department of Education, and SC Law;and, if it does not take away from any monies budgeted for instructional supplies and needs, safety issues and equipment required physical upkeep and safe daily operations of the school.
What is your position on government funding of public education from Pre-K through college?
The government should have a fair allocation of funds for funding Pre-k through High School (including summer school. College is a choice for which one should make the grades required for entrance, apply for many scholarships and grants, college Work-Studies Programs at the college accepted to attend, and Student College Loans (and repay the loan- I paid mine, and my wife and children paid their college loans back - makes for strong and contributing citizens learning responsibilities for self.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
At school, students should be able to speak freely and civilly about matters of conscience and faith, including Christianity.
Strongly Agree
All students should have opportunities to share their personal views in organized and controled environments such as school clubs. Complete freedom to voice personal views under the wrong circumstances could result in violence or death. The Board of Trustees must write very clear and reader-friendly policy for this matter. Safety first - always.
School districts should not discriminate against individuals, organizations or small businesses because of their belief that marriage is only a union of one man and one woman.
Strongly Agree
The school district should follow state law at all times, and treat all students equally and within the law. A privately owned business should be allowed to determine their policy - unless the govt. Is funding to any degree, their program.
EDUCATION
What is the function of the local school board?
I believe the main function of the school board is to, voluntarily, serve as a trustee over all funds of thecschool and, be the ultimate source of accountability and distribution of funds, deposits, savings, and the annual approved budget. In addition, the board is responsible for creating and maintaing a District Policy Manuel covering all operations of the school districtveducational and extracurricular programs and functions. In addition, the school board must be a fair and ballanced body dedicated to maintaining the very best educational program possible. Finally, the school board should remember each member has been elected by the people. Each member should maintain an open line of communication with the people. The strongest benchmarks and objectives are accomplished when healthy TEAMWORK is a constant.
Who should have the authority to set curriculum and determine resources used in those curricula?
The school board should have the final vote of approval, sending pat(s) back to the worktable for modifications. The worktable should consist of District Level Directors of Instruction at all three levels of indtruction, local school building Department Chairs, Technology Specialists, Media Center Specialists, Parent-Teacher Representatives, and building level administrators. Their end products should be presented to the District Superintendent for comments, questions and directives for changes. Then the district level Directors of Elementary, Middle, and Secondary Curriculum and Programs should present the recommendations to the Superintendent and the school board for thecfirst reading.
When should parents be restricted from speaking in school board meetings?
If their concern is related to an employee it should be allowed only in closed session. If an approved speaker does not live in thecdistrict they should not be permitted to speak under any circumstances. If the are approved to speak and they donnot follow the written police forvpublic speaking, then they should be removed. A parent should not be permitted to speak in a public meeting if they have not followed policy procedures for being approved to speak. Following Board Policy and procedures across the board iscessential for order, safety, and progress.con
Please list in order the following priorities in relation to the role of a K-12 public school (omitting any that do not apply): Mathematics, Information Technology, Science, Political Activism, Personal Finances, Gender Identity, Physical Fitness, American History, Critical Race Theory, Language Arts, Art & Music, Vocational Learning, Sexuality, Foreign Language, Social Emotional Learning
Mathmatics Language Arts American History Science Physical Education Personal Finances Foreign Language Art and Music Information Technology Vocational Learning
Which more closely matches your view of America's founding principles? A) Liberty and equality. B) Slavery and racism.
A) Liberty and equality (at some point in the curriculum choice (B) would be integrated in compliance with the approved South Carolina Curriculum).
What does "equity in education" mean to you?
Every child, regardless of race, socioeconomic level, physical abilities, mental abilities or homecsituations should be allowed EQUAL opportunities for a complete education by the school district. Each school campus should receive EQUAL funding, and bussing must be made to accommodate any children without a family vehicle to transport them to school.
Written parental consent (opt-in) must be obtained before students are taught courses such as Comprehensive Sex Ed (CSE) or Social Emotional Learning (SEL).
Strongly Agree
As long as the school board has approved the course and the course curriculum.
The loss of local control in education is too high a price to pay in exchange for federal dollars.
Strongly Agree
I cannot make a blanket decision without knowing the circumstances. If the district objects to a sprcific federal matter they should follow proper channels in voicing theircconcerns. Federal monies are needed, but, in some cases I believe integrity and grit has it's place for a school district andvitsccitizens o heed the call and bridge the gap ensuring a complete yet modified in the absence of federal funds. It would not be easy - but, depending of the federal level's requirements , just migh
Parents are the ultimate authority in their child’s education and should be able to freely pursue whatever educational options they deem best for their child.
Agree
I agree that parents have that every right, but the public school program is governed by laws, and a school board having been granted that responsibility by the courts and laws. I am of the belief in many circumstances the parent would becresponnsible foe conside private school, church school, or home school - still havinf to meet fertain reuirements. Parents are not in control of decision-making in public schools. If they were it could be a recipe for failure of the completecsysrem.
School boards are accountable to parents and taxpayers.
Strongly Agree
The school board is responsible for policy allowing for parents to become approved volunteers, serve on appropriate committees, participate in organized booster clubs for various school clubs and/or extra-curricular activities. The bosrd must be transparenr and have organized written and technology meas of a consistent communication process (both to and from the parents). Order must be kept, and it is to be understood the board policy is the number one guide for all decisions made.
Do you believe students should have access to materials that graphically depict and describe sexual acts?
No
Offer it at the SC Public Library and have the parent to check out the books - making the parent totally accountable and responsible.
All print and digital material available or presented to students should be easily accessible for public review.
Strongly Agree
TEAMWORK Nothing to be ashamed of - transparency is the answer. The only answer. P
Do you believe print and digital material available or presented to students should be easily accessible for public review, including those without children enrolled in school.
Yes
VALUES
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a Christian. I believe the Bible is the incarnate is the Word of God. I strive to follow it, but I fail often. God called me to 36 years of service in the area of students.
I support allowing public high school students to participate in athletic competition based on the gender with which they identify instead of biological sex.
Strongly Disagree
Males and females are biologically different. The genitalia and outward appearance is the tip of the iceburg when transitioning. One can paint an old house, but in the end you still have an old house. Basically, in most cases, the competition will not be a competition at all. It is not rocket science. We have Special Olympics, so why could it not be a goal to develop a Trans Olympics - maybe joining an entirecregion of the SCHSL to compete against other regions with transcathletes?
No school official should be involved in the sexual transitioning of a student, including the use of alternative names and pronouns.
Strongly Agree
The appropriately trained and education system employ should be made available with administrators should the parent request a conference.. The parent is the parent. Let us, as parents, norcever give up that right and privilege.
No healthcare diagnosis or treatment, whether mental, reproductive, or otherwise, should be given to a child without first receiving written consent from the parent.
Strongly Agree
Professional and Common sense - to me.
Who is responsible for teaching sexual education to children, and what is the appropriate age when it should be taught?
The parent is ultimately responsible. Maybe it is timecto takexsex education out of the public school before a student gets hurt the schools are faced with an onslaught of law suits. There are no "winners" in this difference of opinions.
If you support the teaching of Sex Ed, please answer the following question: Sexual education should include these topics (list all that apply and add your own, if needed) -- Physical and emotional health outcomes; contraceptive methods; consent; abstinence; sexual orientation and gender identity; human anatomy/the reproductive system; abortion methods and side effects; stages of pregnancy and fetal development; sex acts and pleasures of sex
PHYSICAL and EMOTIONAL OUTCOMES CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS CONSENT ABSTINENCE HUMAN ANATOMY /THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM STAGE OF FETAL DEVELOPMENT STAGESOF PREGNANCY SOCIAL/SEXUAL TRANSMISSION Of STS's
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality that is necessary for our system of limited government.
Strongly Agree
Our government is in a hot mess at the present. I do not believe they are trustworthy of making common sense (as our country is accustomed.
I support allowing public middle and high school students to participate in athletic competition based on the gender with which they identify instead of biological sex.
Strongly Disagree
It will never work. Never. Look at the biological differences in make-up. Two entirely different beings/creations.
Biological males should be allowed in female locker rooms and bathrooms.
Strongly Disagree
It is proven that rapes have already happened where this practice is allowed. One rapecis too many. Majority of studentscare in objection to implementing this policy. Students have a vouce. Listen to it.
No school official should be involved in the social or medical transitioning of a student, including the use of alternative names and pronouns.
Strongly Agree
Contact the parent immediately, or you could end up in court with a lawsuit.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
Too many dead people are voting. A proven fact resulting from research. Documented. I ask, shouldn't one single vote from each single living voter be possiblecto acheive? Looks as if the answer is no. We need an equal justice system.
ABOUT YOU
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized in either civil or criminal court for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
No.
A candidate's personal moral values are relevant when considering a candidacy for elective office.
Agree
Lead by example. The issues facing public school policies and population are very sensative. We are dealing with childrem! We need leaders solidly anchored in high moral values.
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?
Conservative
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
The media is so grossly biased and differ presenting actual events. Overpowering citizens. Confusing citizens.Two differing sides in respect as to whic stories they will share, and how they will help their cause of making their candidate appear more perfect than their opponents. watch both liberal and conservative news.They each represent different worlds. They plot. They play the blame game. Turn on the tv and radio. The proof is in the pudding!
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
I am honest. I love children. I am a 36 year veteran teacher. I think before I speak. My students love me, and appreciatem (so thet tell me via texts from thousands of miles away), they appreciate the many life lessons I incorporate into my daily teaching. I have served in sypervisory positions in the school system, managed large budgets, served as Chairman of the Faculty. I have been elected zteacher of the year at 3 out of 5 school campuses over the years. I have served of Strategic Planning Commitees. I have written complete curriculums. I have served of facilities committees for building projects in several school districts. I have written thecannual School Improvement Plan forcseveral schools, onlybto have my plan pulled by the state department of education to be used as a model for the entire state. My performing groups of students have performed at bothe the sC and thecNC State School Board Conventions. My bands have prrformed concerts in Washington DC, canada, London and Paris. The apoeared in the Mardi Gras Parade in New Orleans, the Blue Bonnet Bowl in Houston,Texas, and served NASCAR at the Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, Virginia. Mybstudents were members of All-State Bands in three states with 4 studensxsttaing 1st Chair Honors. TEAMWORK was the answer to 36 years of astounding success. Hard work, Dedication, Perseverance, Sacrifice, and Commitment was the recipe forcsuccess. It is the samecfor an entire school and community. ONLY BELEVE.
I voted in these primaries and general elections:
2014 Republican Primary 2014 General Election 2016 Republican Primary 2016 General Election 2018 Republican Primary 2018 General Election 2020 Republican Primary 2020 General Election 2022 Republican Primary 2022 General Election
I used to believe elections were honest. Evidence that they are not honest is blatently ignored. Our studenys are watching these unlawful games. Who is ultimately responsible? I know. Do you? But, by all means, vote!
2ND AMENDMENT
Teachers who are licensed to carry should be allowed to carry guns at school.
Disagree
This is a tough question. If they tote a weapon they should be required to pass a trst developed by individual officers of the law in every sspect of the responsibility of carrying in a school building.
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
Under what circumstances (if any) should schools be allowed to require vaccinations?
None. Not enough research. Check out Dr. Fuuchi!
I support mask mandates.
Strongly Disagree
They have been ineffrctive in blocking the covid molecules.
All official open meetings should be live streamed, recorded, and have transcripts available online for public access.
Strongly Agree
All votes should be roll call votes and recorded in meeting minutes.
Strongly Agree
Transparency!!!!
