Simple Civics: Greenville County

Six Greenville County School Board seats are up this November, and with no primary and no runoff, the most votes wins. Catherine Schumacher and Derek Lewis map out which areas are voting, why these nonpartisan races matter to everyone, and where to find unedited candidate interviews, questionnaires, and forums before you head to the polls.

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Dolly Parton's treasured legacy lives on in Greenville County. In this tribute episode, we explore how her Imagination Library has mailed 95,000 free books to local children, share how any family with a child under five can enroll for free, and celebrate that the program will continue for generations.

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How does a fast-growing county protect its farms, parks, and historic places before they disappear? Carlton Owen of the Greenville County Historic and Natural Resources Trust explains how $7 million in local tax dollars leveraged $43 million in protected land, and how landowners and residents can get involved.

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Vincent Sheheen spent twenty years in the statehouse before coming home to be mayor of Camden. He joins Katy Smith to talk about the growth worries that unite South Carolinians across party lines, how a small city can welcome newcomers without sprawling, and why Camden is worth your next weekend.

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Greenville County has no shortage of services for parents. What it lacks is the connective tissue that helps families actually reach them. Derek Lewis talks with Dr. Tim Green of Openfields and Catherine Schumacher of Public Education Partners about the Parenting Landscape Assessment, why availability is not the same as access, and the "No Wrong Doors" initiative now taking shape.

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Vincent Sheheen, Mayor of Camden and former state Senator, House member, and gubernatorial candidate on why South Carolina elects a coroner, why the state owns nearly every road, and why counties had no council until the 1970s.

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Urban forester Mindy Mohrman joins Kelly Byers to walk through Greenville's Urban Forest Comprehensive Plan: what it covers, what the canopy data and tree inventory show, and why a healthy urban forest depends on private landowners as much as the city. Residents can weigh in at a virtual meeting on August 19th or through a short survey open until August 21st, both at greenvilletreeplan.com.

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The first day of kindergarten and the last first day of senior year are both bigger deals for parents than anyone admits. Two Greenville school counselors share what actually helps, from picture books and goodbye handshakes to handing your senior the car keys on their own college deadlines.

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Simpsonville is one of the Upstate's fastest-growing cities - and its 125th anniversary is a reminder of the importance of celebrating and preserving the past while looking to what's next. Hear from Simpsonville's city administrator, Tee Coker, on downtown's $23M makeover, who pays for it, and what's at stake.

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Why do companies choose Greenville County? Site selection expert Susan Donkers reveals the hidden science behind corporate location decisions - and how everyday citizens help win (or lose) the deals that shape our community.

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Fluor Field is more than a ballpark. Greenville Drive president Jeff Brown shares how a family-owned mini Fenway sparked $300M in economic impact and transformed Greenville's West End through public-private partnership.

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Simple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.

South Carolina's 50 state parks largely pay their own way. Gwen Davenport of SC State Parks on the model, the $99 passport, beating the crowds, and the CCC legacy.

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How does an ambulance know where you'll need it before you call? Greenville County EMS leaders share how data, dispatch, and house calls save lives in SC.

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Simple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.

Discover how the Certified Tourism Ambassador program turns Greenville locals into hospitality experts. Learn to create unforgettable visitor experiences!

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Simple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.

How do everyday residents guide how our community grows and thrives? Joanna Reese shares her experience serving on a local board and how you can join a board or commission, too.

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Don't leave the election in overtime! Discover the Greenville County primary results, key voter turnout data, and essential rules for the June 23rd runoffs.

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Simple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.

It’s primary election day 2026! Voters have the responsibility of getting to the polls if they haven’t already, but there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes for election officials, candidates, and campaign volunteers. This episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look from pre-dawn to finalizing election results. On this episode we talk with John Michael Catalano, outreach and special projects coordinator with the South Carolina Elections Commission, and Derrick Lewis, who has concluded his second term as an elected member of the Greenville County School Board of Trustees. 

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The 2026 South Carolina primary is breaking early voting records. Get the latest on why your vote matters.

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Simple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.

Discover key takeaways on safety, tech, and literacy in our EdTalks Season 1 wrap-up, plus get a sneak peek at what's coming in Season 2!

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Meet the primary candidates for United States House of Representatives District 4 in the Republican primary on Tuesday, June 9: David Atchley, Robert E Lee, and William Timmons. Your vote is so important for the 2026 election! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors.

How the interviews worked:
All candidates received the same question at the time of their invitation to join us, and they were given 10 minutes for their interview. Candidates were allowed to bring along a companion, such as a campaign manager, family member, or friend, and to record our session themselves...

Meet the primary candidates for United States House of Representatives District 3 in the Democratic primary on Tuesday, June 9: Eunice Lehmacher and Dr. Ernest E Mackins. Your vote is so important for the 2026 election! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors.

How the interviews worked:
All candidates received the same question at the time of their invitation to join us, and they were given 10 minutes for their interview. Candidates were allowed to bring along a companion, such as a campaign manager, family member, or friend, and to record our session themselves. There...

Discover what it takes to thrive as a first-year teacher. Get practical classroom management tips, build strong student relationships, and master structure.

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Simple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.

Meet the primary candidates for South Carolina House of Representatives District 25 in the Democratic primary on Tuesday, June 9: Wendell K Jones and Derrick Quarles. Your vote is so important for the 2026 election! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors.

How the interviews worked:
All candidates received the same question at the time of their invitation to join us, and they were given 10 minutes for their interview. Candidates were allowed to bring along a companion, such as a campaign manager, family member, or friend, and to record our session themselves. There were...

Meet the primary candidates for South Carolina House of Representatives District 24 in the Democratic primary on Tuesday, June 9: Caroline Avinger and Justin Sanders. Your vote is so important for the 2026 election! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors.

How the interviews worked:
All candidates received the same question at the time of their invitation to join us, and they were given 10 minutes for their interview. Candidates were allowed to bring along a companion, such as a campaign manager, family member, or friend, and to record our session themselves. There were no...

Want to know the secret to rising student success and teacher retention? Discover how instructional coaches and academic specialists empower educators.

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Meet the primary candidates for South Carolina House of Representatives District 22 in the Republican primary on Tuesday, June 9: Randolph Chuck Rhode Jr. and Paul Wickensimer. Your vote is so important for the 2026 election! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors.

How the interviews worked:
All candidates received the same question at the time of their invitation to join us, and they were given 10 minutes for their interview. Candidates were allowed to bring along a companion, such as a campaign manager, family member, or friend, and to record our session themselves. There...

Meet the primary candidates for South Carolina House of Representatives District 10 in the Republican primary on Tuesday, June 9: Steward Watson. Also running is Thomas Beach who did not respond to numerous invitations by email, phone, and text. Your vote is so important for the 2026 election! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors.

How the interviews worked:
All candidates received the same question at the time of their invitation to join us, and they were given 10 minutes for their interview. Candidates were allowed to bring along a companion, such as a campaign...

Discover how the 2026-27 Greenville County Schools budget funds higher teacher pay, mental health services, and special education without a tax increase.

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Simple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.

Meet the primary candidates for Greenville County Council Candidates District 28 in the Republican primary on Tuesday, June 9: Allen Kellett and Kyle Long. Your vote is so important for the 2026 election! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors.

How the interviews worked:
All candidates received the same question at the time of their invitation to join us, and they were given 10 minutes for their interview. Candidates were allowed to bring along a companion, such as a campaign manager, family member, or friend, and to record our session themselves. There were no edits...

Meet the primary candidates for Greenville County Council Candidates District 26 in the Republican primary on Tuesday, June 9: Rick Bradley and Daniel Rumfelt. Your vote is so important for the 2026 election! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors.

How the interviews worked:
All candidates received the same question at the time of their invitation to join us, and they were given 10 minutes for their interview. Candidates were allowed to bring along a companion, such as a campaign manager, family member, or friend, and to record our session themselves. There were no edits...

Unlock the power of South Carolina afterschool programs with the Riley Institute. Learn how evidence-based education policies drive lifelong student success.

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Meet the primary candidates for Greenville County Council Candidates District 23 in the Democratic primary on Tuesday, June 9: Angela Aiken, Alan Mitchell, and David C. Mitchell. Your vote is so important for the 2026 election! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors.

How the interviews worked:
All candidates received the same question at the time of their invitation to join us, and they were given 10 minutes for their interview. Candidates were allowed to bring along a companion, such as a campaign manager, family member, or friend, and to record our session themselves. There...

Discover how the Riley Institute at Furman University leverages evidence-based public education research to close opportunity gaps and empower educators.

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Simple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.

Meet the primary candidates for Greenville County Council Candidates District 17 in the Republican primary on Tuesday, June 9: Joe Dill, John Ehlers, Travis Forrester, and James Hoard. Your vote is so important for the 2026 election! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors.

How the interviews worked:

All candidates received the same question at the time of their invitation to join us, and they were given 10 minutes for their interview. Candidates were allowed to bring along a companion, such as a campaign manager, family member, or friend, and to record our session...

Why do Greenville County Schools need a large savings account? Learn how the GCS fund balance protects teachers, handles emergencies, and funds innovation.

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Simple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.

Curious what makes downtown so walkable? Learn how the Greenville Design Review Board shapes urban design and how you can help guide our city's future.

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Step inside the Future Teacher Academy as high school seniors share their front-row view of teaching. Discover how real classroom experience shapes educators.

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Learn how to support a local political campaign with expert Derek Lewis. Discover easy, actionable ways to help, from social media likes to donating or hosting a meet and greet.

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For the past decade, the GATE program has built a sustainable pipeline of Greenville County educators by supporting career changers on their path to the classroom. Learn the secret to high retention and building a local pipeline.

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The 2026 Greenville County elections show an historic surge in candidate competition. Discover why the June primaries and runoffs are crucial for your vote.

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Simple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.