Incumbents Murray, Moore win re-election to Berkeley County School Board

The composition of the Berkeley County School Board will not change if Tuesday’s unofficial results hold.

In District 1, which includes the Hanahan and Goose Creek areas, Kent Murray defeated Hanahan City Councilman C. Kevin Cox. With absentee ballots still being counted, Murray, a former middle school teacher who now teaches education at The Citadel, won 57 percent to 42 percent.

“I promise to give all I can give for the next four years,” Murray said Tuesday night. “It’s not about me; it’s about our children.”

In District 7, which includes Cross, St. Stephen and the upper part of the county, longtime board member and teacher Wilhelmina Moore defeated former Santee Police Chief Marty Housand. Moore’s lead stood at 57 percent to 42 percent.

Those were the only contested races for the five board members up for re-election this year. Both incumbents supported the controversial Yes 4 Schools referendum, and both challengers opposed it.

Officials say the district is growing by about 900 students per year, and that 15 of the district’s 41 schools are out of capacity. The referendum would provide funding for three new elementary schools, a new middle school, a new high school and renovations at 29 other schools.

Incumbents Phillip Obie II (District 3) and Kathy Schwalbe (District 5) ran unopposed. In District 9, Donna Marino did not seek re-election, but her son, Scott Marino, ran unopposed. The nine-member board is nonpartisan.

Reach Brendan Kearney at 937-5906 and follow him on Twitter at @kearney_brendan.