JC Neel, a dedicated community leader and successful small business owner, has officially announced his candidacy for the 2024 election for the Anderson District 1 School Board, Area 3. A proud lifelong resident of the district, Neel is committed to serving as the voice for parents, students, and educators, ensuring accountability, fiscal responsibility, and school security remain top priorities.
“I’ve spent my life in this district and seen firsthand the challenges and opportunities it presents,” said Neel. “My goal is to ensure that every parent, student, and teacher feels heard and represented and that our district continues to flourish both academically and financially.”
Neel, 45, graduated from Palmetto High School in 1997. He earned a scholarship to play football for Wofford College, where he majored in Business Economics and Government, receiving his BA in 2002. After a stint playing arena football with the Carolina Rhinos, he pursued his Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree from Sherman College in 2006, establishing a successful chiropractic practice in 2007. Neel has been an active member of the Belton Lions Club for over 15 years and is one of the founding members of the Belton Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to the advancement of the city.
“I’ve always believed in giving back to the community that shaped me,” Neel explained. “That’s why my family and I chose to raise our children here. It’s where my roots are, and I want to contribute to ensuring its future success.”
Neel and his wife, Courtney, are raising their two children, Cal and Preslee, who attend Powdersville Elementary and Middle School, in the district he hopes to serve.
Neel’s campaign is focused on four key areas:
“We need a school board that listens to the community and is transparent in its actions,” said Neel. “I want to ensure that every decision reflects the interests of our families, and no one feels left out of the conversation.”
Neel is committed to reviewing the budget line by line to distinguish between district “needs” and “wants.” “Our residents have made tough financial decisions, and the district should do the same,” he added. “We must fund our needs while being fiscally responsible with our wants.”
As other districts offer more competitive salaries, Neel believes retaining great teachers must be a priority. “We cannot afford to lose our best educators to higher-paying districts. We need to make our district the best place for teachers to work and thrive,” Neel emphasized.
Neel is a strong advocate for ensuring every school has a dedicated resource officer. “No school should ever have to share a resource officer. It’s a matter of safety and peace of mind for our students and staff.”
As Anderson District 1 continues to grow, Neel sees opportunities to better allocate resources to improve classroom environments. “Growth is challenging, but we can ease the strain by ensuring teachers have input on how to utilize school spaces efficiently and by placing personnel where they’re needed most.”
He also believes in balancing academic rigor for all students. “We must challenge those who excel while ensuring no student falls behind. Our district’s success hinges on nurturing every student’s potential,” Neel said.
Neel said his experience as a small business owner and active community member, along with his deep ties to the district, make him a strong candidate for the Anderson District 1 School Board.
“I’ve run a successful business for over 17 years, and I understand the importance of balancing budgets and making tough decisions,” said Neel. “As a parent, I hear directly from my children and their friends about their school experiences. I know what works and where improvements are needed.”
Neel’s vision is to create a district where every child receives a high-quality education and feels secure. “I want to be part of the solution—ensuring our district remains one of the best in the state, not just for my children, but for every child in the community,” he concluded.
For more information about JC Neel’s campaign or to get involved, visit https://www.facebook.com/JohnNeelDistrict1/
