Know Your Ballot: Rock Hill School Board Candidates in the 2026 General Election
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Local elections have a direct impact on the communities we call home, and it is the civic responsibility of the community to ensure that the individuals elected to office have the heart of the community in mind.
On Nov. 3, Rock Hill voters will have the opportunity to help shape the future of Rock Hill schools by electing members of the Rock Hill School Board. With decisions surrounding students, educators, school facilities, budgets, policies and the overall direction of the district, understanding who is on the ballot is an important part of being an informed and engaged member of the community.
B.E.L.L. of Rock Hill is sharing the following candidate information as a civic engagement resource. The organization is nonpartisan and does not endorse, oppose or support candidates or political parties. Our goal is simply to encourage members of our community to participate in the democratic process, learn about the candidates and issues, and make informed decisions for themselves and their families.
The candidate information below was compiled from reporting by the Rock Hill Herald. Readers are encouraged to review additional information about each candidate, consult their sample ballot and research candidates independently before voting.
At Large Seat
Matt Hiers
Matt Hiers is running for the Rock Hill School Board as a parent, community advocate and self described accessible and reasonable voice for children's education.
According to information provided by Hiers and reported by the Rock Hill Herald, his priorities include student safety, opportunities for growth and learning, student preparation for the workforce and stronger communication between the school district and the community.
Hiers points to experience with leadership, policy and budgeting as qualifications for the position. He serves on the South Carolina High School League's Executive Committee and has experience working with policies related to students and athletics. He also works as a facilities manager at Williams & Fudge, where he says his experience caring for an aging building could be valuable as the district considers maintenance needs for aging schools.
The Rock Hill Herald reported that Hiers describes his approach to public service as being focused on bringing people together and serving the Rock Hill community.
Seberina Barber Myles
Seberina Barber Myles brings more than three decades of experience in education to her campaign for the Rock Hill School Board.
Myles has worked as a teacher, counselor, administrator and principal. She also has personal experience with Rock Hill schools as the parent of two Rock Hill School District graduates.
According to information provided by Myles and reported by the Rock Hill Herald, she believes every student should be prepared for college or a career after graduation. She has also spent more than 40 years volunteering with nonprofit and community organizations in Rock Hill.
Myles says she wants to bring her professional experience and commitment to students to the school board and be present for students, teachers, custodians, bus drivers, administrators, district staff and the broader community.
Seat Two
Zach Oxendine
Zach Oxendine is a Rock Hill native, veteran and technology professional running for Seat Two on the Rock Hill School Board.
Oxendine graduated from Rock Hill High School before joining the Air Force, where he worked in cybersecurity. He now works in artificial intelligence at Microsoft.
According to the Rock Hill Herald, Oxendine has also worked in education through STEM camps that expanded nationally and gave him the opportunity to speak at the White House.
Oxendine has spoken about the importance of making sure students feel seen and supported. His personal connection to accessibility is informed by his family background and fluency in American Sign Language. He says his experience in technology, education and service has shaped his desire to bring innovative thinking to Rock Hill schools.
Lamont Ratchford
Lamont Ratchford is a Rock Hill High School graduate and veteran running for Seat Two. Ratchford works for a composite aerospace company and travels extensively in his professional role. His military career ended following a parachute accident that required 15 surgeries.
According to the Rock Hill Herald, that experience strengthened Ratchford's appreciation for the role education can play in creating new opportunities. He has pointed to the education he received through the Rock Hill school system as something he relied on throughout his life.
Ratchford says he wants to bring that perspective and his professional experience to the school board.
Holly Shook
Holly Shook is a Northwestern High School graduate with a culinary certification from the Applied Technology Center. She has 17 years of experience as a parent, volunteer and coach and has served on area boards and hiring commissions.
According to the Rock Hill Herald, Shook's priorities for the school board include accessibility, accountability, consistency and collaboration.
Her background as a parent, volunteer and coach has given her experience with Rock Hill schools and the broader community.
Seat Four
Tyler Williams
Tyler Williams is a Northwestern High School graduate and former high school math teacher who taught in Charleston and Beaufort counties.
Williams and his family have moved back to Rock Hill, and his son is preparing to enter school in the district. The Rock Hill Herald reported that Williams sees his experience as a parent facing the same questions and decisions as other families as an important perspective to bring to the board.
With the district facing declining enrollment, Williams has expressed optimism about the future of local schools and the opportunity to build stronger community connections.
Jason Wilson
The source material available to B.E.L.L. does not include additional biographical information or a candidate statement for Wilson.
B.E.L.L. encourages voters to research all candidates on their ballot and consult additional nonpartisan and candidate provided resources before making their decision.
Sally Young
Sally Young is a parent of two Rock Hill School District graduates and another student currently attending high school. She has been involved with local schools for 15 years.
According to the Rock Hill Herald, Young's focus includes empowering teachers and supporting educators who are trained and prepared to help students but may increasingly face requirements that make their work more difficult.
Young has said she wants to advocate for teachers and recognize the challenges educators face in today's school environment.
Why Local Civic Engagement Matters
Civic engagement does not begin and end with presidential or national elections. Some of the decisions that affect our families most directly happen close to home.
School board members help make decisions that can influence students, educators, school facilities, district policies and the use of public funds. Whether you have children in Rock Hill schools, work in education, own a business, are a longtime resident or simply care about the future of our community, local government has a place in your everyday life.
Being civically engaged can mean many things. It can mean voting, attending a school board meeting, learning about candidates, asking questions, talking with your neighbors, volunteering in your community or simply taking the time to understand the decisions being made around you.
You do not have to agree with everyone in your community to participate in civic life. In fact, informed participation works best when people take the time to listen, learn and engage with one another.
Before You Vote
The 2026 general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 3. South Carolina's State Election Commission recommends that voters make sure their registration information is current before heading to the polls.
Check your voter registration
South Carolina voters can check their registration status, update their information, view their sample ballot and find their polling place through MySCVotes.
This is especially important if you have recently moved or changed your name. Your ballot is connected to your registration information and address.
Review your sample ballot
Not every voter will have the same ballot. Your ballot depends on where you live and the districts associated with your address. The South Carolina Election Commission recommends reviewing your sample ballot before Election Day so you know which candidates and offices will appear on your ballot.
Consider early voting
South Carolina's early voting period for the 2026 general election runs from Oct. 19 through Oct. 31. Early voting centers are open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with locations available throughout York County.
Know what to bring
South Carolina voters are asked to present photo identification when voting in person. Acceptable forms include a South Carolina driver's license or DMV ID, South Carolina voter registration card with photo, U.S. military ID, U.S. passport and other approved forms of identification.
Election Day
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters can use MySCVotes to confirm their polling place before heading to the polls.
Candidate Information Source
Candidate information included in this article was compiled from reporting by the Rock Hill Herald. Readers can review the Herald's original reporting for additional candidate information and context.
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