Position/philosophy statement
I believe that every child deserves a champion who refuses to give up on them, and that our greatest responsibility as a community is to intervene with compassion before crisis becomes inevitable.
Current Occupation
Mental Health - Social Worker
Age (optional)
60
Campaign Phone
9102863894
My unique combination of experience positions me to see education from angles most candidates never consider. As a school social worker, I've worked directly with students and families navigating the most challenging circumstances—I understand what support systems work and what barriers prevent success. Through founding MALES of Distinction, I've built programs from the ground up that mentor young people and create pathways to achievement.
But what truly sets me apart is my previous work at the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections. Every day, I see the end result of educational failure—young adults who needed intervention years earlier but fell through the cracks.
A school board member's primary responsibilities are to set policy that ensures every student receives a quality education, adopt budgets that reflect our community's values and students' needs, hire and evaluate the superintendent, and serve as the bridge between our community and our schools. Board members must listen to families, teachers, and students while making decisions based on evidence and what's best for all children—not just some. We're accountable for academic outcomes, fiscal responsibility, and creating safe, supportive learning environments. Most critically, board members must have the courage to ask hard questions, challenge the status quo when students are falling through the cracks.
My County's School District critical needs are teacher recruitment and retention, mental health services, and maintaining school safety programs. I would prioritize those needs first we're losing quality educators to neighboring districts. We must advocate aggressively for state funding increases while maximizing local supplements to remain competitive. I would also expand mental health and wraparound services. Early intervention prevents costly crises later. I feel that we also need to maintain School Resource Officers. These relationships-based safety programs work. I'll advocate for continued county funding while seeking state support. And very important is family engagement infrastructure that serves working parents and diversity.
Advocate aggressively for competitive salaries and benefits that match or exceed neighboring districts. Teachers shouldn't have to choose between passion and paying bills. Eliminate unnecessary paperwork and meetings so teachers can focus on teaching, not compliance. Pair new teachers with experienced mentors for their first three years—reducing burnout and building community.
Recruit diverse educators: Actively partner with HBCUs and launch targeted campaigns to recruit African American men and women into teaching. Our students need educators who reflect their community and serve as role models. I'll work to create pathways, scholarships, and support systems specifically designed to bring more Black educators to Moore County.
Pre-K is one of the most cost-effective investments we can make in breaking cycles of poverty and academic struggle. Research consistently shows quality early childhood education narrows achievement gaps, improves social-emotional development, and sets the foundation for lifelong learning.
From my corrections work, I see adults who lacked early intervention. Pre-K isn't just about ABCs—it's about identifying developmental delays, building school readiness, and supporting working families.
Moore County must expand Pre-K access, particularly for at-risk and economically disadvantaged children. Prevention starts at age 4, not after problems emerge. Every dollar in Pre-K saves seven dollars in special education, retention, and juvenile justice
In my previous work at the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections, I see the end result of what happens when our education system fails to intervene early enough. I see young people who fell through the cracks who needed support, mentorship, and second chances but didn't receive them in time. I refuse to let another generation of Moore County children end up where I work when we have the power to intervene and redirect them toward success. This isn't theoretical for me. As a school social worker and through my work founding MALES of Distinction, I've witnessed both the problem and the solution. I know what it takes to break the school-to-prison pipeline, and I'm running for the Board of Education to ensure we invest in prevention, not just respond to crisis. The young men and women I encounter in corrections didn't start out as statistics. They were kindergarteners with dreams, middle schoolers who struggled silently.
Position/philosophy statement
The purpose of local school governance is to provide a framework of policies and procedures to ensure each school is equipped to fulfill its primary purpose: to prepare each student well.
Current Occupation
Retired educator: Teacher, Principal, and University Professor
Campaign Phone
9103158983
I have a five-decade history in public education, beginning as an English teacher, moving into the principal's office, and retiring as a college professor preparing future principals. I understand public education from many perspectives: school, district, region, and state. Serving on the State Board of Education gives me a "front row" seat to see education laws and policies in action, from the General Assembly in Raleigh to school buildings across the state. Among the other candidates, I am the only one whose credentials and career experience align with the legislated duties of a local board of education. My beliefs are conservative-rooted, which is the best way to prepare our students for uncertain times.
As detailed in General Statutes 115C-47, the duties of a school board are extensive and consequential. In large measure, a board must align policies with the State Board of Education's policies; however, some leeway in implementation is permitted. In accordance with this statute, a board's broad duty is to ensure that every child receives a sound basic education and to make decisions with the end in mind. The specifics include, but are not limited to, overseeing local, state, and federal budgets; implementing state-adopted academic standards; regulating athletics; and enforcing state and federal laws, including programs for Exceptional Children and Title I. Knowing the meaning of "free and appropriate education" is paramount.
The lack of clarity around long-range planning seems to be an issue; however, this shortcoming is common across the state. The problem could be rooted in differences of opinion about the purpose of education and how schooling in Moore County should look in 20 years. In general, the current board appears to differ on several fronts, which can stifle all scales of planning. It is unclear how the school board plans to address the shortage of school resource officers. Unfortunately, this issue has drawn the attention of the county commissioners, prompting a discussion of funding. Lastly, a few schools cannot overcome the ranking of "low-performing." I applaud the superintendent for addressing the issue with a detailed action plan.
First, I would evaluate current practices to assess the effectiveness of the strategies. Second, I would collect data on why teachers leave the district. In some cases, retention is inevitable when resignation is due to factors beyond the employee's control.
If the district has not implemented a Beginning Teachers Support Program. I would establish a program to prevent early-career resignations. Principals must be alert to signs of stress, isolation, and frequent illness. These signs should prompt the need for stress-management and wellness programs, as well as opportunities for teachers to network and socialize. Whatever it takes to build support systems is one solution to the teacher retention problem.
This state is a forerunner in the pre-school and kindergarten movement, and includes four models: 1) NC Pre-K, 2) Private Pre-K, 3, 3) Head Start, and 4) Montessori Programs. In Moore County, Vass-Lakeview is the site of one model, while a private program is housed at the O'Neal School. The local programs, however, are underfunded and face shortages of qualified teachers. Consequently, program directors must staff classrooms with substitute teachers. Oddly, however, research shows no correlation between pre-school and kindergarten achievement. Researchers point to the family as having the greatest influence on school success. Unless adequate resources are available, pre-K in Moore County is little more than a babysitting service.
Serving on a local board of education is a formidable undertaking and may be the most misunderstood public office. Because teaching looks easy from the outside, the public seems to think a school board member's work is a "cake walk."
I usually grimace when I hear people say, "Boards of education need to have business people elected." Yes, public education has a major business component, but the business is not profit-centered; the rules are different. From a strategic planning perspective, a business background is useful, as is experience in other applications. Ideally, the school board should reflect the district's community, but above all, the board must understand and practice respect for the collaborative decision-making process and its duty to taxpayers and, above all, to students. As I stated in a previous question, I have the background, knowledge, and desire to serve Moore County's 17,000 students fully and competently
Position/philosophy statement
Our Schools should be focused on students, teachers and families - not politics.
Current Occupation
VA Claims Agent
Age (optional)
51
Because I’ve led. I’ve served. And I know how to manage people and budgets.
As a U.S. Marine veteran, I learned discipline, accountability, and mission-first leadership. In my professional career, I’ve managed operations, overseen budgets, worked in county government, and fought for veterans as a VA-accredited claims agent.
I understand how public systems work — and where waste, bureaucracy, and lack of oversight can hurt the people we’re supposed to serve.
I’m not a career politician. I’m a father, grandfather, Marine, and community volunteer who believes schools should focus on:
✔ Academic excellence
✔ Supporting teachers
✔ Protecting students
✔ Responsible spending
✔ Transparency and accountability
✔ Set policy
✔ Oversee the budget
✔ Hire & hold the superintendent accountable
✔ Ensure transparency
✔ Focus on student achievement
✔ Protect safe learning environments
The board doesn’t run daily operations — it provides leadership, oversight, and direction.
Serve students.
Support teachers.
Respect parents.
Protect taxpayer dollars.
1️⃣ Academic proficiency — Reading and math must come first. Graduation is important, but mastery matters more.
2️⃣ Support teachers — Competitive pay where possible, less bureaucracy, more classroom autonomy.
3️⃣ Safe schools — Strong discipline, proper SRO coverage, clear standards.
4️⃣ Fiscal responsibility — Put dollars closest to students and classrooms, not administrative bloat.
Every budget decision should answer one question:
Does this improve student outcomes?
If not, it’s not a priority.
✔ Competitive local supplements
✔ Cut red tape and unnecessary mandates
✔ Support strong classroom discipline
✔ Give teachers a real voice in decisions
✔ Create safe, stable schools
Teachers stay where they feel respected, supported, and empowered to teach.
Early childhood education matters. Students who start behind often stay behind — especially in reading.
A strong Pre-K program can:
✔ Build early literacy and math foundations
✔ Improve kindergarten readiness
✔ Identify learning needs early
✔ Support working families
That said, programs must be academically focused, accountable, and financially responsible. We should prioritize evidence-based early literacy, ensure measurable outcomes, and make sure funding is used efficiently.
If Pre-K helps close achievement gaps and strengthens long-term student success, it’s an investment worth doing right.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Position/philosophy statement
Math Teacher
Current Occupation
Teacher
Age (optional)
66
I have been a math teacher and a coach at the high school level for the past 44 years. During this time, I also served as an assistant basketball coach at the collegiate level. I taught at a variety of public schools from inner-city to small-rural to large-suburban schools. Early in my career, I taught at a parochial school and, now after retiring from public education, I am teaching at a “classical” Christian school. One of my accomplishments was organizing a plan for a “D-grade school” in Indiana where that school became an “A-grade school” and rated as one of the best schools in our area.
First, I will follow school board policy and procedures. Second, I believe it is important to be fiscally responsible with the taxpayers money. Third, I intend to be open and clearly communicate school board policies to our local communities and parents.
The building of new schools and the renovation of existing schools is a top priority in our school system since we have overcrowding in two of our high schools and possibly a middle school in the future. Currently over half of our schools do not have an armed security Officer at each school and that needs to be changed. Safety of our children should be a top priority of our school corporation. We have started a new innovative school which combines academics and certification in the trades.
One of the things that has to be addressed in our community is affordable housing so that teachers do not have to drive 30 or more minutes to get to work.
The importance of addressing literacy at an early age is essential to a child’s success later on in school.
Candidate has not yet responded.
