Desareta Jones is one of three newcomers who have already filed as a candidate for the Fort Mill School Board. Her motto is “The Right Choice for the Fort Mill Community.”
Jones calls herself a wife, a mother, a business owner, and a fierce advocate for children. She said she wants to prioritize the needs and interests of students and help cultivate a culture of support and success within the community.
“I will work to cultivate relationships of trust and transparency,” she said in a biography sent to the Fort Mill Sun. “Additionally, I am committed to staying well-informed about educational concerns that are important to my community and advocating with courage and consistency while working collaboratively with current board members. It is my earnest desire to present resolutions to any outstanding issues and unheard concerns within our school system.”
Jones, a native of Gaston County, N.C., lived in Charlotte for over a decade before moving to Fort Mill. She is married to husband Vincent and has children, Jevon and Landen, and “our mischievous fur baby ‘Max,'” she said.
“Weary of the hustle and bustle that accompanies living in a large metropolitan city, we began our search for a small community with a desirable school system where we could get to know our neighbors,” she said.
Jones is a graduate of Winston-Salem State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Early in her nursing career, she practiced in the areas of Geriatric Care, Medical Intensive Care, Oncology, and Hospice Care. Twelve years ago, she established a provider agency to meet the needs of underserved children and adolescents.
Under her leadership, the agency acquired international accreditation. In this professional role, she said she served as an advocate for children and families in various capacities.
“Furthermore, I bring years of experience from serving in positions with the community and educational collaborations,” she said. “My experience as a successful business owner and policy writer adequately qualifies me for the board member’s responsibilities tied to governance, policies, and budgeting.”
Jones said she is excited about the prospect of being elected to the Fort Mill School Board. “I have long held to the philosophy that no one of us is as awesome as all of us,” she said.
Hazel Frick and Dr. Nichelle Newton have also filed to run for three available seats on the school board. Trustees Kristy Spears and Dr. Scott Frattaroli have also filed for re-election. Trustee Tom Audette is stepping down as he runs for York County Council.
Filing continues through noon on Aug. 17, and the nonpartisan race goes to voters on Nov. 3.