Several local elected officials in Union County — including some school board members — will be challenged in the 2010 General Election in November.

The deadline to file for Union City Council and Union County Schools Board of Trustees was noon Monday. Eight people have filed for five school board seats, while five people have filed for three city council seats.

Union County Schools Board of Trustees is sure to have at least one new face — representing District 9 — since incumbent John Rampey has announced he will be stepping down. Rampey — who has served on the school board for 16 years — originally filed for re-election but later withdrew. He stated he wanted to dedicate more time to his family because of family medical concerns.

The two candidates for the District 9 seat are Union natives Jane Wilkes and Calandra Barrett.

Wilkes — a mother of three with two grandchildren — retired from the school system at the end of the last school year. She worked for years as a math teacher at Union High School and later as District Math Specialist. Wilkes stated her first-hand knowledge of the school district has made her aware of the needs and concerns at schools.

“I have worked with teachers and principals at every school in Union County,” Wilkes said.

She also stated the school system needs to be more community-friendly.

“I would like to see more involvement with the community and more partnerships with the community and with parents.” Wilkes said.

Wilkes holds a bachelor’s degree from Winthrop University and a Master’s of Education with concentration in math from Converse College. She also has 30 hours above a master’s degree and is certified by the National Board of Teaching Standards. Wilkes currently works as a math instructor at Winthrop University.

Barrett — a single mother of two — has recently moved back to Union after spending time living in Maryland. She stated she did not decide to run for school board for any reason other than the desire to see Union County Schools excel.

“The quality of students and educators is still here,” Barrett said. “There is no reason Union can’t have some of the highest test scores in the state.”

Barrett attended Francis Marion University but left during her junior year to join the US Army. After serving for over two years, she received her bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Barrett also has a Bachelor of Theology from Richmond, Va., Seminary. She served as Director of Marketing for M.A. Associates LLC in Maryland and currently works part-time for Union County.

Barrett also said she believes this race is a win-win situation for School District 9.

“The district can’t lose this time,” she said. “I remember Mrs. Wilkes from when my sister played in the band under her husband — UCHS Band Director Buddy Wilkes. I believe she would also do a great job. The district will be in good shape no matter how the cookie crumbles.”

In School District 4, incumbent Donna Sanders has filed for re-election. Sanders will face two challengers — Robert Hill and Buck Peay. All three candidates are from Jonesville.

Hill stated he decided to enter the school board race out of concern for Union County students’ low test scores, particularly among African-American males. Hill is a member of Men of Action and hopes some of the same philosophies can be implemented in the schools.

“I just want to make sure all students get equal opportunities for education,” Hill said. “It’s not necessarily the teachers in the classroom; there are issues outside the classroom.”

Peay — who served on the Union County School Board from 1986–2006 — stated many citizens had approached him about filing for the District 4 seat. He stated his concern lies with budget issues.

“I don’t think the cuts were in the right spots,” Peay said. “They should have started with administration instead of classroom teachers.”

Kim Bailey of District 3, Jane Hammett of District 5 and Dr. Wanda All of District 8 have all filed for re-election and will be unopposed.