Ballou kicks off run for Rock Hill School Board seat

[media-credit name=”Facebook” align=”alignright” width=”163″][/media-credit]A new challenger is throwing his name in the ring vying to assume the Rock Hill School Board seat soon to be vacant from the retirement of Board Chairman Bob Norwood.

Dan Ballou, who in a release late Monday was described as a business owner and parent with two daughters in Rock Hill Schools, hopes said he hopes to fill Norwood’s seat.

“As the father of two daughters who attend Rock Hill public schools, I know we need to focus on improving academic performance and ensuring every child in the district receives the best education possible. As a business owner, I am acutely aware that high-quality public schools are the best economic engine our community can have.”

Ballou joins fellow Rock Hill businessman Wayne Wingate who announced in early August he was seeking to assume the at large seat.

Ballou’s statement says, “with teachers bearing more and more responsibilities with fewer and fewer resources, I share the frustration many families feel about spending by the district that sometimes seem disconnected from improving academic results,” Ballou said. “If I am elected, financial responsibility, better transparency and continued focus on academic performance won’t be hollow campaign promises. They will be the standards for our school district and you will know a parent’s voice is being heard on your school board.”

Ballou and his wife, Joanne, raise two daughters who attend Rock Hill schools, and he has practiced law in Rock Hill since 1993. Ballou has also co-chaired bond campaigns for school construction and Pennies for Progress, was president of the Charter School Board and SIC of the Children’s School at Sylvia Circle, and is treasurer of Sullivan Middle School Athletic Booster Club. He has served on the board of many community organizations, including Keystone, the United Way and Pilgrim’s Inn.