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CABARRUS COUNTY SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

The Cabarrus County Board of Education is the local governing body of the County Public School System. Its members are elected at large in partisan races and serve staggered 4-year terms.The 7-member school board has 5 primary responsibilities: 1. Employ the superintendent 2. Establish policy 3. Determine annual operating and capital budgets 4. Approve student assignment boundaries 5. Oversee the management of the school district’s major systems, including budget and finance, curriculum and instruction, personnel and auxiliary services

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    Deborah Allen
    (REP)

  • Candidate picture

    William L. Barbee
    (REP)

  • Candidate picture

    Bubba Hartsell
    (REP)

  • Candidate picture

    Robert Kirk
    (REP)

  • Candidate picture

    Amanda Wortman
    (REP)

Biographical Information

What experience and skills make you the best candidate for this office? (Max. 750 characters)

What are the most important responsibilities of a school board member? (Max. 750 characters)

What are the critical needs for your school district and how would you prioritize those needs within available state and local funding? (Max. 750 characters)

What changes would you make in your district to recruit and retain qualified teachers? (Max. 750 characters)

What is your position on the importance of a Pre-Kindergarten program in your district? (Max. 750 characters)

Additional Comments (Max. 1000 characters)

Position/philosophy statement Respectful Schools. Rigorous Learning.
Campaign Mailing Address PO BOX 5686
CONCORD, NC 28027
Current Occupation Substitute Teacher
Age (optional) 64
Campaign Phone 704-652-8462
Campaign Website http://ElectDeborahAllen.com
I have taught in public education for over 30 years, earned a Masters Degree, certificates in School Supervision and School District Administrator, I have served as a new teacher mentor, written School handbooks and acted as a chief building representative. I have vast leadership experience to draw upon. I have learned to listen to others before responding. I understand that it is healthy to disagree. I try to practice what I teach. It is important to remain calm and wait my turn to speak. Conflict is natural and patience is necessary.
School Board Members are the liaison between the community and the school district. They must be knowledgeable about the many functions of school operations while listening to parents, administrators, teachers and students, and business leaders. The ability to make decisions that are in the best interests of students while working within this framework is essential to an effective Board. Being aware of policy, budget constraints, and needs while being able to make decisions that can improve the district is vital.
The exponential growth of Cabarrus County School District without a budget or infrastructure to support this growth is critical. We must prioritize needs over wants at this time. Without an available budget, we cannot continue spending taxpayer money that is simply unavailable.
I would maximize use of administrators and support personnel to set an atmosphere where instruction is prioritized and discipline is consistently enforced. In this way, teachers can teach and students have less distractions in the classroom. Valuing education means truly supporting teachers and students that encourages rigorous learning.
It is important, however, I would discuss this issue when NC sets forth a budget that can afford it without increasing the tax base to pay for it. Childcare is an issue because of the lack of affordability to families.
Public education means providing a sound education for all children. This means we are stakeholders in delivering education through hiring and retaining quality staff who value student learning for all. We must set policy that is consistent so we set forth students of excellence who become productive citizens. Character matters.
Position/philosophy statement My wife and I and our children attended Cabarrus COunty Schools. Presently we have four grandchildren in the public school system. I have a degree in Business Administration. I also have a Project Management and Construction Management certificati
Campaign Mailing Address 3467 US HWY 601 BOX 114
CONCORD, NC 28025
Current Occupation Real Estate
Campaign Phone 980-236-9285
Campaign Email electbillbarbee@gmail.com
My background in busiiness and professional experience with a Fortune 100 company have prepared me well to serve as a school board member. I bring a strong understanding of budgeting, strategic planning, and accountability- skills that are essential when overseeing public funds, and making long term decisions for a for a large organiztion like a school district. Working in a corporate environment taught me how to analyze data, manage complex projects, collaborate with diverse teams, and make decisions that balance performance, efficiency, and people
Parents shouldn’t be spectators in public education. At both the school and district level, families bring real-world insight about what’s working, what isn’t, and how policies affect students day to day. The focus should be on creating a culture where parents feel informed, respected, and genuinely heard. When families trust the system, students benefit—and that’s the outcome everyone wants
Streamline administrative tasks, reducing redundant reporting, and giving teachers protected planning and collaboration time during the workday. The impact would be • Stronger classroom instruction • Improved teacher retention, • More consistent support for students, Better use of taxpayer dollars, with resources going directly into classrooms.
To recruit and retain qualified teachers, I would focus on making our district a place where educators feel supported, respected, and able to grow. This includes competitive pay and benefits, but also strong mentorship for new teachers, meaningful professional development, and reduced non-instructional burdens so teachers can focus on teaching. I would support clear pathways for career advancement, teacher input in decision-making, and consistent, fair discipline policies that protect classroom learning. Retention improves when teachers feel valued, heard, and supported by leadership and the community.
Pre-Kindergarten programs are a critical investment in student success and long-term district outcomes. High-quality Pre-K helps children develop early literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills, reducing achievement gaps before they widen. It also supports working families and strengthens kindergarten readiness, allowing teachers to build on a stronger foundation. I support expanding access to effective, evidence-based Pre-K programs, especially for at-risk students, while ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with K-12 standards so early gains translate into lasting academic success.
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Position/philosophy statement Cabarrus County Schools Board of Education - Education fosters flourishing for all
Campaign Mailing Address 1193 MANOR OAK PL NW
CONCORD, NC 28027
Current Occupation Retired Educator
Campaign Phone 9803545540
Years of leadership under my belt: retired US Navy officer, international export business General Manager, 16-year educator with Cabarrus County Schools, Executive Director of the West Cabarrus YMCA, and Dream On 3 Director of Growth and Expansion which called for leading Advisory Boards in GA, CO, NC, VA, DC, TX. The greatest experience was serving as Chief of Staff for CCS, enabling me to be present for all the Board of Education’s closed and open sessions spanning many years.
Ensure compliance with education laws for the state of North Carolina; provide for safe and effective schools in our district; listen to the community, teachers, staff, businesses that we serve to provide the leadership necessary to achieve our mission: educate our students
1. Managing Growth & Capacity o Address overcrowded schools already at or exceeding design capacity o Plan and build new schools (next elementary school scheduled for Fall 2028) o Consider enrollment caps

2. Deferred Maintenance Crisis o Address $250 million in deferred maintenance across district facilities o Shift from costly corrective maintenance to preventive maintenance

3. Teacher & Staff Retention o Improve compensation and appreciation for educators o Ensure all employees feel seen, known, and valued

4. Governance & Accountability o Maintain strong relationships with County Commissioners and Local Government Commission o Ensure transparent accountability from schools to Board to community
Examine what policies are in effect that burden the teachers, adding to their curricular day. E.g., student's ability to retest if they achieve a score less than 80% Undertake a zero-base budget review to see if excesses exist Work with the County Commissioners to reinstate teacher benefits that have been eroding over the past decade
Pre-K programs are proven to place children at a huge advantage in starting kindergarten and beyond. Skills such as socialization, classroom processes and procedures, behaviors conducive to supporting classroom learning, phonemic awareness, fine and gross other skills - to name a few. Extremely important!
The educational arena is a complex one requiring a strong grasp of what is happening across the many facets of a school system. Listening, listening, and listening need to be the drumbeat of any school board member so that effective, collaborative, and constructive leadership can take our schools from good to great!
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