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 Lancaster County School Board.
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 Kristen Setzer
Meet Kristen Setzer: Lancaster County School Board District One Candidate
Continuing Academic Excellence Through Financial Stewardship, Accountability and Responsible Growth
LANCASTER COUNTY, S.C. — For Kristen Setzer, Lancaster County schools are part of her past, her family’s present and the community’s future.
A candidate for Lancaster County School Board, District One, Setzer brings experience as a local graduate, parent, public servant and business professional.
Setzer attended Erwin Elementary and Barr Street Middle School before graduating from Lancaster High School. Today, she and her husband are raising two children attending Indian Land Middle School and Indian Land Intermediate School.
“Lancaster County schools helped prepare me for my future. As a parent, I now see firsthand how decisions affect students, families and the opportunities ahead,” Setzer said.
Setzer serves on Van Wyck Town Council, where she participates in comprehensive municipal budget reviews and evaluates spending priorities. She also brings more than 20 years of telecommunications experience in leadership, operations, financial analysis and process improvement. She holds degrees in accounting and management and a master’s degree in operations management.
Her priorities include responsible financial stewardship, sustainable growth planning, continued academic excellence and supporting educators and students.
“We should maintain high expectations for academic achievement, recognize where students are succeeding and address learning gaps with opportunities and support that help every student continue progressing,” Setzer said.
She emphasizes listening to teachers, staff and administrators to understand classroom challenges, identify opportunities for improvement and consider how decisions affect daily school operations.
Setzer also advocates careful oversight of public funds and planning for the staffing, transportation, maintenance and long-term operating costs associated with growth.
“Taxpayer dollars deserve careful oversight. We must understand where funds are going, why they are needed and how they support students, the district and our community,” she said.
Recognizing that resources are limited and priorities compete, Setzer believes responsible governance requires preparation, judgment and a willingness to make difficult decisions.
“Not every need can be addressed at once. If elected, my responsibility would be to listen, understand the facts, establish priorities and make decisions with accountability,” Setzer said.
Setzer believes strong public schools benefit the entire community, including residents without school-age children. Today’s students are tomorrow’s workforce, business owners and community leaders, making their education an investment in Lancaster County’s long-term future.
Her guiding principles are Plan Ahead. Measure What Matters. Govern Responsibly.
“Above all, students must remain the mission,” Setzer said.
Sign up for our Sunday Spectator. Delivered to your inbox every Sunday, with all the news from the week.
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.
