As part of our continuing effort to bring local news that’s impactful to our readers, we’ve proactively reached out to the candidates running for Clover School Board of Trustees.
We will not manipulate their answers in any way, we’ll simply provide to you, our readers. This will allow you to make an informed choice.
This week, we’ll introduce Matt Burris
I was raised in Clover, graduated from Clover High School in 2004 and the University of South Carolina in 2008. My wife, Cameron Westmoreland Burris, is also a Clover native and graduate, and we’re raising our son, Cooper, in the same community that raised us. For the past four years, I’ve served as an At-Large member of the Clover School District Board of Trustees.
Outside of the School Board, I’m a past president and current member of the Lake Wylie Rotary Club and currently serve on the Upper Palmetto YMCA Board as CVO-Elect.
I originally ran because Clover was entering a period of extraordinary growth and difficult decisions. Four years later, having done the job, I understand that responsibility in a way I simply couldn’t before taking office.
This term has included some of the biggest changes in CSD history. We transitioned from one high school to two and opened three new schools. Along the way came attendance lines, school identities, rising construction costs, staffing, budgets and countless decisions required to bring those schools online.
That work has involved much more than attending a monthly meeting. It has meant work sessions, policy discussions, construction reviews, budget decisions, school visits, community events, conversations with employees and parents, and many hours that never make it onto Facebook. I’m proud of the role I’ve played while recognizing that no trustee accomplishes anything alone.
One priority I brought into office was revisiting Clover’s school impact fees so new residential growth contributes more toward the facilities that growth requires. It became a long process involving our Board and administration, County Council, elected officials and the public. I spent significant time communicating with local leaders, speaking publicly at County Council and advocating for the district’s position. County Council ultimately doubled the single-family impact fee from $4,000 to $8,000.
Professionally, I’m a commercial risk advisor who works directly with York County business owners every day. My career centers on identifying risk, understanding financial consequences and helping organizations protect their people, property and future. That experience has been valuable when considering cybersecurity, facility safety, insurance, capital planning and responsible use of taxpayer dollars.
For the past four years, I’ve also served as one of the Board’s legislative liaisons, maintaining direct communication with local legislators and elected officials about issues affecting CSD, our employees and taxpayers.
Education has always been part of both my family’s and my wife’s family’s story. My mother retired from Clover schools, and several members of our families have spent their careers serving students in this community. Today, I experience our schools as both a parent and trustee.
I believe teachers need a meaningful voice in decisions they’re asked to implement. I proposed greater Board participation in our Teacher Forum so trustees could hear directly from educators, and I want that dialogue to continue. I believe just as strongly that parents have a fundamental role in their children’s education. Transparency matters, and parents and educators should work together to provide the highest-quality education possible for our kids.
Looking ahead, two of the Board’s most important responsibilities will be selecting Clover’s next superintendent and developing our next strategic plan. The superintendent reports directly to the Board and oversees the district’s day-to-day operations, making that selection one of the most consequential decisions a school board makes.
As part of that strategic plan, I’ve pushed for a comprehensive look at instructional technology, particularly with our youngest students. Technology is essential, but it should be used intentionally. We also need thoughtful policies around artificial intelligence and a clear understanding of what helps students learn, what can be simplified and where traditional methods still matter.
I also want us to explore introducing world-language instruction earlier, including at the elementary level, to better prepare students for an increasingly connected world.
Preparing students for life after graduation also means expanding the opportunities available to them. CSD currently offers 22 Career and Technical Education pathways and reports more than 2,300 industry credentials. CCI and career readiness should continue to grow, while we also protect strong opportunities in academics, the arts and athletics. Success after high school doesn’t look the same for every child, and our schools should help students discover where their talents can take them.
My priorities for another term are straightforward: protect educational excellence, manage continued growth responsibly, listen to and support our employees, maintain our facilities, expand opportunities for students, preserve transparency for parents and remain disciplined with taxpayer dollars.
Four years ago, I asked this community to trust me with this responsibility. Today, I have four years of service and decisions people can examine for themselves. I’m proud of what Clover has accomplished, aware of the challenges ahead, and committed to continuing the work.
Matt Burris
Clover School District Board of Trustees — At-Large
Facebook.com/BurrisForCSD
Instagram.com/BurrisForCSD
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
