Diversity Hiring Topic During May School Board Meeting

At the School District of Oconee County (SDOC) Board of Trustees’ May meeting, Elise Grant Kelley, a teacher at Seneca Middle School, raised concerns about the district’s lack of faculty diversity. This discussion highlighted the importance of prioritizing hiring based on merit and qualifications. Kelley, who has extensive experience and qualifications, emphasized that while hiring should focus on the most qualified candidates to ensure excellence in education, diversity is important. District statistics reveal a demographic mismatch: 22.8 percent of students are minorities, but only 4.9 percent of certified employees are. Trustee Sandra Sloan, who campaigned on a diversity hiring platform, stressed its importance at the meeting.