Education and Experience
A native of Columbia, SC, James graduated from Brookland-Cayce High School. He attended the University of South Carolina as a Byrnes Scholar where he received his undergraduate degree in sports medicine. Later, he continued on to earn a Master’s in Education focused on special education. During his graduate studies, he also worked full-time helping those with special needs.

Upon earning his teaching credentials, one of James’ first assignments was to create the district’s first sports medicine curriculum and to teach the first ever sports medicine courses. During his term as an educator, he also had the opportunity to teach personal health and wellness, algebra and social studies. Additionally, he served as the school’s head athletic trainer and initiated a program to recruit and train student athletic trainers.

Currently, James works in the information technology field where he is tasked with staying on top of current technology trends to increase employee productivity and decrease the cost of doing business.

Summary:

• Master of Arts in Teaching
• Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine
• Certified Ethical Hacker
• Top 20 Under 40

Family and History
James has been married to his wife, Donna, for nine years. Together, they are the proud parents of their daughter Taylor who attends  Forest Lake Elementary School.

This extraordinary family has deep roots in South Carolina’s public education system. James’ wife Donna worked within the Richland Two district for 10 years as a teacher, administrator and magnet lead teacher. She now works for the South Carolina Department of Education. James’ mother, Carol Matthews, is a retired elementary school teacher and a former employee of the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind. James’ aunt, Dr. Sandra Manning, has served for many years as a school psychologist in the Richland Two district and is also as a former Board of Trustees member for Richland School District One.

James is utilizing the experiences gained during his teaching career, advice from family members and his vested interest as a parent to promote continued achievement within Richland School District Two.

Carolina Basset Hound Rescue
In addition to his family and public education within the Midlands of South Carolina, James is passionate about basset hounds. Over the past few years, James and his family have been a part of the Carolina Basset Hound Rescue Association, where they give orphaned basset hounds a caring home until a permanent and loving family is able to adopt them. Additionally, the Manning family has their own basset hound, Jill.