"I have known Kelly for quite a number of years. During that time, she has shown to be an outstanding teacher, leader, mentor, comrade, confidant and FRIEND to her very students, the general student body and even the extended family of the students/faculty/community."
Jeannette Keith Dorman Pompi & Jefferson Keith Dorman
(Dutch Fork High School, Class of 2008)
Lexington/Richland School District Five
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"...From the minute I met you and saw the way you interacted with your students, I could tell that you truly have a passion for improving education in South Carolina and the future of our students....There is no better person for the position of State Superintendent of Education...."
Lisa Dale
Social Services
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"“South Carolina is now in a rare position where I believe true change can come to our educational System. A new Superintendent of Education will be elected to guide our state to a bright future. As a member of the State Board of Education, I have a unique perspective as to who can and will fit this job: Kelly Payne.”
Al Simpson
State Board of Education
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"…Your belief in our children, a vision that is plain...indicates to me that you have what it takes to be an effective leader. It doesn't matter that we belong to opposite political parties, Leaders that take action and can create results for both the short-term and long term are essential...."
Jackie Brown
Lexington/Richland School District Five
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"Her enthusiasm for teaching and learning is evident, her grace earns her respect and her knowledge is immense. Please join me in endorsing Kelly Payne for Superintendent of Education. "
Kimberly Anderson
Lexington/Richland School District Five
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"Ms. Kelly Payne is an excellent candidate for Superintendent of Education. She has shown great dedication and leadership skills that have had a profound impact on my daughter Rachel and the Interact club."
Tina Brown
Lexington/Richland School District Five
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"We believe she truly understands the needs of our students, and has her priorities straight. Kelly Payne isn’t out for political gain. Whether you are a Democrat or Republican, please know that Kelly Payne will work hard for ALL students in South Carolina."
Rick and Jennifer VanMeter
Irmo, South Carolina
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"Her Alive at 25 driving safety education for students has garnered national attention and has really made a difference in keeping students safe."
Brian Bennett
State Law Enforcement Officer
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"“Kelly is a teacher and has spent her career in the most critical area of education- the classroom. This not only makes her a meaningful individual to the hundreds of students whom she has helped prepare for the future, but it also makes her uniquely qualified to be our next Superintendent of Education.”
Kenny Bingham
SC House Majority Leader
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"Kelly will do more than apply education theory in this leadership role; she’ll extend her own proven teaching techniques and ideas to classrooms throughout the state. Her no-nonsense plans for strengthening South Carolina’s public education system are impressive."
James E. Livingston
Major General, US Marine Corps, Retired
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""I want to express to you how much of an honor it was for me to be able to speak to the class. I also, want to commend the students for many questions about the military and the questions on and about politics. ...I can not wait for you to become the next Superintendent of Education. Your ideas will move us ahead of the educational curve." "
Grady Harmon
School Board, Lexington 1
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"I can't say enough good things about Kelly. She took my daughter under her wing in 9th grade. My daughter graduated this year, and the impact Kelly had on her has been amazing."
Kathy Engelkens
Lexington/Richland School District Five Parent
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"I don't often get behind political candidates but Kelly is one I am going to support - she has classroom experience and the trust and admiration of so many young people and their parents. She will address real issues that will bring real solutions for our public schools."
Gale Rigby Kennedy
Columbia, South Carolina
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"She goes beyond the standard curriculum to broaden her students' educational journeys with each thought provoking lesson presented on current events, and from each guest speaker that addresses her classes."
Dr. David and Terri Koon
Dutch Fork High School Parents
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"During our work on “Alive at 25,” I saw Kelly’s excellent people skills and consensus building abilities. I also became aware of her passion about re-establishing a back-to-basics class room focus that we seem to have lost. I think that Kelly Payne will make an excellent State Superintendent of Education!"
Jimmy Metts
Lexington County Sheriff
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"She encourages her students to be involved in community service, and my daughter became active in the Interact club at Dutch Fork High because of Ms. Payne."
Debra and Alan Ray
Lexington/Richland School District Five
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"She has worked with my oldest son in the Rotary Club. She inspired him to want to be an active part of his community and not only being an active part but to aspire to leadership roles and I thank her for that."
Dr.Sean and Mrs. Jillian Fuller
School District 5 Parents
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