The McDuffie County Board of Education will have four seats on the school board open for election on Tuesday, Nov. 7. McDuffie Elections Superintendent Phyllis Wheeler said Super District 1, Single District 3, Single District 4, and Single District 7 will be on the ballot.
Ms. Wheeler said voters at the Queen of Angels Catholic Church poll will have two positions on their ballots, because both Single District 3 and Super District 1 are included in their region.
Currently, Georgia Hobbs is representing District 1, Louise Burgess represents District 3, and Mike Love represents District 7. Their terms will expire at the end of the year, according to Ms. Wheeler. Ms. Hobbs and Mr. Love both said they plan to run as incumbents. Ms. Burgess' limit has expired.
Mr. Love said he thinks McDuffie is the only county that has a time limit on terms. He said the limit is eight years.
"It's a good thing, I think," Mr. Love said. "I have enjoyed my four years. The first two or three years of being on the board, you learn, and then it's time to run again. I feel good about what I've done. I plan to qualify and will appreciate any support."
Mr. Love may face some competition in November. Thomson Bi-Lo Manager Rick McCorkle - who lives in District 7 - said he was considering running for the school board.
"I've been thinking long and hard about it," Mr. McCorkle said. "It's something I've been wanting to do.  I've got a heart for these kids." 
Being Vice Chairman of the Board has been "a great experience" for Ms. Hobbs, who is also a retired educator with 32 years of service.
"I've enjoyed trying to continue to improve education for the boys and girls of McDuffie County," she said. "I'm specifically interested in increasing our graduation rate."
District 4 was represented by Nether Ivery, who resigned the end of May when it was discovered he did not reside in the district.
Superintendent Mark Petersen said the school board will declare the position vacant at the monthly meeting in July and it will be filled by the election.
Qualifying for candidates is June 26-30. To qualify, candidates must be at least 25 years of age and must reside in the district they are representing. A $40 qualifying fee is due at the time of application.
Interested candidates may apply between 9 a.m. Monday, June 26 and noon Friday, June 30, at the Board of Elections office in the courthouse, 337 Main Street, Thomson.
