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COLUMBIA (AP) -- A South Carolina State University dean is launching his campaign for state schools superintendent.

Democrat Tom Thompson of Columbia is set to officially announce his candidacy on Tuesday across from the Department of Juvenile Justice. He said he wants to emphasize the importance a quality education plays in reducing crime.

The 60-year-old grew up in Chicago and started his career as an inner-city high school math teacher. He came to South Carolina in 1982 from Wisconsin to be the first black principal of Winnsboro High School in Fairfield County. He also worked as a training coordinator at the state Education Department, and a professor and department chairman at the University of South Carolina.

He faces Greenville attorney Frank Holleman in the June primary.

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