ABOUT ME

My name is Hiram E.M. Davis, and I am proud to announce my candidacy for the Colleton County School Board, District 2. I am running for this office because I believe our schools deserve leadership that listens, serves, and remains focused on what matters most: our students, our educators, our families, and the future of Colleton County.

Serving on the School Board requires more than attending meetings and casting votes. It requires an open mind, integrity, professionalism, accountability, sound judgment, and a genuine willingness to hear the voices of the people. It requires leaders who understand that public service is about putting the needs of the district above personalities, politics, and personal agendas.

I am ready to bring that kind of leadership to the Colleton County School Board.

ROOTED IN COLLETON COUNTY

Born to Hiram E. Davis and the late Miriam Ackerman Davis, I am a native son of Colleton County. I spent most of my life here before relocating to the metro Atlanta area in 2015 to further my education and professional experiences. In 2021, I returned home with greater knowledge, experience, and an even stronger desire to serve the community that helped shape me.

I am a proud 2009 graduate of Colleton County High School. During my time at CCHS, I was actively involved in the Choral Department, helped establish the school & first Gospel Choir, and organized the first annual Black History Program, creating opportunities for students to celebrate culture, history, music, and achievement. Those experiences helped shape my belief that schools should do more than prepare students to graduate. Schools should help students discover their talents, develop confidence, find their purpose, and prepare for life beyond the classroom.

EDUCATION MATTERS

As an educator, I understand our schools from inside the classroom. I know the dedication required of teachers and staff every day, and I understand the challenges students face academically, socially, and personally. I am currently the Choral Director at Allendale-Fairfax High School and the District Fine Arts Coordinator for Allendale County Schools, working directly with students, educators, administrators, families, and community partners. My experience has reinforced my belief that strong schools require strong leadership, supported educators, engaged families, adequate resources, high expectations, and a School Board committed to effective governance.

My professional background also includes more than a decade of experience in law enforcement and public service and over twenty years in the funeral service industry, which strengthened my understanding of leadership, accountability, public safety, communication, and community relations. These experiences have taught me that leadership is not about having a title. Leadership is about service.

COMMUNITY MATTERS

My commitment to Colleton County extends beyond education. Throughout the years, I have served and worked with civic, educational, faith-based, professional, and community organizations dedicated to improving the lives of others. I believe one of the greatest opportunities before our school district is rebuilding and strengthening the relationship between our schools and our community. Parents deserve to be heard. Educators and staff deserve to be respected and supported. Students deserve opportunities to succeed. Community members deserve transparency. And taxpayers deserve confidence that decisions are being made responsibly and in the best interests of the district. School Board members should be accessible and visible, not only during election season, but throughout their entire term of service.

MY PRIORITIES

When elected to the Colleton County School Board, my priorities will center on student achievement and opportunity; supporting educators, improving employee morale, and retaining quality staff; restoring professionalism, ethics, accountability, and transparency to Board governance; strengthening community engagement and accessibility; promoting responsible stewardship of district resources; and ensuring our schools provide safe, supportive, and effective learning environments. I also believe strongly in respecting the proper roles of district leadership. The School Board governs, establishes policy, provides oversight, sets expectations, and holds the superintendent accountable. The superintendent and administration manage the daily operations of the district. Board members must understand that distinction and work together professionally to move the district forward.