Karen Krupp started off volunteering in local schools when her children started attending, and for the past six years has worked as a substitute teacher. For her, running for school board is the next step in the process.

She is part of a three-way race for vice chair in the May 24 primary. If no candidate receives 50 percent plus one vote, the top two finishers advance to a runoff election July 26.

“I started off as a volunteer and got more involved as our kids got older,” Krupp said. “I resigned from substitute teaching, however, when I qualified to run because I felt like there was too much of a gray area there.”

Krupp said part of the reason she and her husband moved to Richmond Hill was because of the schools.

“Bryan County schools are amazing,” she said. “There are a lot of people who work in Chatham County but live here because of the schools and good schools help keep our property values up.”

On the campaign trail, Krupp said she has made an effort to reach out to the north end of the county to learn what education concerns exist there, too.

“People in North Bryan have some different issues, and the vice chair has to be a voice for them, too,” she said.

Two issues Krupp said she’s heard most about from parents across the district is the rate of growth and busing.

“We’ve been here nine years and the growth seems like it’s been a constant the whole time,” she said. “Along with that comes issues with transportation.”

Bryan County Schools has been searching for additional bus drivers this year and offers a $100 bonus each month to all drivers with perfect attendance.

“With the two new elementary schools that opened there was some changes in start times, but I’ve heard some kids are sitting four to a seat because there aren’t enough buses. We have to keep up with this growth.”

Part of that growth includes the future of Richmond Hill High School.

“People keep asking if we need one high school or two,” she said. “It’s a valid question but it will come down to what we can afford.”