Inside Furman is published monthly during the school year by the Furman University Department of Marketing and Public Relations. For story ideas, e-mail John Roberts, editor.
On the campaign trail
Reece seeking third term on Greenville County School Board
After being elected to her second term on the Greenville County School Board four years ago, Tommie Reece burned her campaign signs.
Few school board members serve more than two terms. And Reece, Furman's program director for lifelong learning, figured that after eight years she'd be ready to step down and take on a new challenge.
Since 2000, though, several unexpected events have changed her mind. Reece, a native of Travelers Rest, was twice elected to chair the 12-member board, with the last vote being unanimous. In May, the board hired Phinnize Fisher as district superintendent to replace Bill Harner. Extensive school renovations and expansions are also under way in Reece's District 17, which covers northern Greenville County.
At the urging of supporters this summer, she decided to once again toss her hat into the ring. Now Reece, who avoids the limelight and views campaigning as a necessary evil, is busy posting shiny new campaign signs.
“I think this is a real important time for the schools,” says Reece. “Moving forward, we will need some stability and leadership.”
Before Reece was elected, many observers felt those were two qualities the board lacked. As the government liaison for Paris Elementary School in 1995, Reece began regularly attending school board meetings. At the time, infighting and turf battles had fractured the board.
“I really didn't think they were paying attention to what was needed in the schools,” says Reece. In 1996, she and four other newcomers were elected to the board.
While the challenges have been many, the board has forged ahead in recent years, launching an extensive building program while coping with budget shortages, hiring two superintendents and adopting a strategic plan for the district.
After serving as the board's secretary and vice chair, Reece was elected chair in late 2002. She immediately won people over with her fairness, willingness to listen and ability to bring opposing sides together.
“I try to take a neutral stance and work behind the scenes to bring people together,” says Reece, who started working at Furman in 2001. “As the chair, you have to be smooth and fair and listen to everyone.”
And you must have a thick skin.
“Of course, you're never going to please everyone,” she says.
Reece spends roughly 12 to 15 hours a week during the school year conducting school board business. Combined with her part-time Furman job, she has time for very little else.
But that's OK, she says. “I would love to spend more time gardening and reading for pleasure. But my time is limited. It's worth it, though. My garden can be prettier later.”
A graduate of Wade Hampton High School, Reece grew up with a sense of civic duty. Her parents were active in church and community life. Her father was a member of the Jaycees, and both parents assumed leadership roles in PTA and church activities.
Reece attended Presbyterian College, where she was the first woman to run for student body president. After graduating, she worked for 22 years at Greenville Technical College. In 1990, before scaling back her hours to raise her son Brad (a Furman sophomore), Reece served as the college's director of admissions and enrollment.
If re-elected November 2, Reece will be one of two Furman employees serving on the school board. Keith Ray, the university's associate chaplain, is unopposed in his bid to fill the District 27 seat held by Marilyn Hendrix, who has decided not to seek re-election.
Reece, who is facing two opponents, admits to being a bit envious of Ray, a newcomer to the board.
“Oh, he's just got it too easy,” she says with a laugh.