SCSBA names Teri Gilstrap a Champion for Public Education

COLUMBIA, SC  – The South Carolina School Boards Association (SCSBA) has honored Teri Gilstrap with its Champions for Public Education award. SCSBA Executive Director Paul Krohne presented the association’s award at the Anderson County School District 4 school board meeting on Monday night.

The Anderson District 4 board nominated Gilstrap for the award, which is presented to community residents, organizations or local businesses/industries whose support of and contributions to public education have significantly benefited the entire school district or public schools statewide.

Gilstrap is the Existing Industries Manager for the Anderson County Office of Economic Development and has been a key partner with local schools. She has set up tours of manufacturing facilities for educators, taken part in career awareness programs, and led professional development sessions for teachers. She is a tireless promoter of public education and has helped Anderson District 4 schools to forge valuable relationships with local business and industry.

According to the nominating statement, “(Gilstrap) is positive, supportive and encouraging, and she seeks ways to continually improve opportunities and understanding for students, teachers and staff.”


To receive the Champions for Public Education award, recipients must meet the following criteria:

• show leadership in support of ongoing or special programs authorized by the school board
• demonstrate, through actions, pride for the school district and effectively works for the betterment of the schools in the district as a whole or for public schools statewide
• understand public education’s importance to democratic society and actively inspires support for quality public schools within the community or state
• make a difference for the entire school district or schools statewide

“Teri Gilstrap is to be commended for her invaluable support, service and leadership to the students in Anderson District 4,” said Krohne. “She recognizes the crucial partnership between schools and her community and is truly a champion for public education.”

“Teri Gilstrap is an extraordinary employee,” said Anderson County Councilman Tom Allen. “She does her job well and makes a difference in our community. Her efforts to make the connection between our local industry and education have been a game changer in Anderson County. This award is well deserved and I am proud to say she is a district 4 resident.”