James Dasher is running for re-election to his District 4 seat on the Effingham County Board of Education. 

 

Dasher, who has served two terms, initially said he did not plan to run.

 

“I had always planned to serve two terms while my daughters were in school and then step aside to allow other parents the opportunity to participate at this level,” he said.

 

Dasher said many people came to him after he announced his intention not to seek re-election and asked him to run again.

 

“I decided to see if any other parents with school age children would qualify and after no other parents expressed an interest I have decided to run for a third term,” he said.

 

Dasher will face retired educator Mose Mock in the Nov. 2 general election. Mock qualified for the position June 28.

 

“I have a great passion and commitment for our school system,” Dasher said, “and if the residents in my district would allow me another four-year term, I will continue to serve all of our children and employees with the same commitment that I have for the past seven and a half years.”

 

Dasher also served as PTA president for four years and said he was proud of the accomplishments of the school board in the last seven and half years. He pointed to the leadership of Charlie Heidt, who served for 34 years on the school board, and of former superintendent Michael Moore. 

 

“With the continuing leadership of Mr. Randy Shearouse and our current school board, it is vital that we keep the momentum positive and progressive,” Dasher said. “The Effingham County School System is a model school system that many across our state are envious of, and I’m proud to be a part of it and so should you.”

 

Among the school system’s accomplishments in the last seven and a half years, Dasher noted, were the start of the ninth grade academies at both high schools, an increase of the graduation rate from 67 percent to 82 percent, establishment of flexible spending accounts for system employees and an increase of $1,000 in supplements for every teacher. Scores in the CRCT and the Georgia High School Graduation Test also outpace the state average in almost every area, Dasher said.

 

“We have accomplished lots of great things for our schools, students, employees and community,” he said.

 

Fellow board member Eddie Tomberlin is seeking re-election to his District 1 seat. He will be challenged by Nina Dasher.

 

State Court Judge Ronnie Thompson is running unopposed for re-election.

 

Those seats, non-partisan in nature, will be contested on the Nov. 2 ballot.