Issues Forum 12/3/2019

The Issues Forum exists to provide a place where Columbia Chamber Partners can gather to discuss and address local, regional and federal issues facing the business community. Meetings are currently being held on the first Tuesday of each month at 8:00 AM at Richland County Library, 1431 Assembly St. Columbia, SC 29201. Meetings are free and open to all who wish to attend.

Richland One School Board Candidates

Ashlye Wilkerson
“It’s a truth I lived as a student at H. B. Rhame Elementary School, St. Andrews Middle School, and Columbia High School, a truth instilled in me by dedicated teachers and administrators who believed the same. After earning my BS from Winthrop University and MAT from Hampton University, I returned to the district as a kindergarten and first-grade teacher at Hyatt Park Elementary School. Then, in 2010, I left the classroom determined to improve the educational experience for all students, a mission I’ve pursued relentlessly as a professor of education, university trustee, tutor, educational consultant, children’s author, community leader, and small business owner.”

Jonathan Milling
"a product of the public schools and he puts students, teachers, parents and residents of Richland School District One first, as well as a practicing lawyer here in Columbia.”

Johnny Ray 
“former teacher, veteran, district volunteer and a pastor at Second Nazareth Baptist Church in Columbia.” 

Michelle Drayton
“a licensed professional counselor”

Lady June Cole 
“A lifelong educator with degrees from Harvard and Boston College, Lady June Cole started out with a somewhat lofty goal: to become “one of the best educators ever.” After more than 20 years as a teacher and reading specialist, she became involved with curriculum and professional development. Today she’s a leader in higher education, where she seeks to “cultivate transformative habits of mind in our students and champion the cause of knowledge as power.”