Position/philosophy statement
My name is Josie Barnhart and I am a current member of the New Hanover County Board of Education running for reelection. I remain committed to ensuring all students receive a quality education no matter where they are zoned. Parents should be partner
Current Occupation
Board of Education Member
Campaign Phone
910-408-2618
My continued commitment to students and staff is why I am running for the Board of Education. I have a background in education and a desire for continued collaboration that will support changes that directly benefit student outcomes. I have served on the Board of Education since 2022. I have chaired the Legislative committee since serving. I was also selected by the North Carolina School Board’s Association to serve on the legislative agenda committee that works to create a state wide legislative agenda. As an elected official it is imperative we collaborate with all entities in the decision making processes for educational change.
This is a team position. No decision can be made in a silo. I spend time in our schools meeting with teachers, admin, and other staff asking for feedback and applying feedback to my decision making. One of the biggest things I will continue to advocate for is a legislative agenda. I have been given the opportunity to lead the legislative committee since inception, creating a legislative agenda has helped New Hanover County lead the way and has successfully brought back millions of increased funding for the district, including SparkNC Lab, funding for advanced teacher roles, expansion of CLDA program for all 7th graders, and various remediation supports. A continued commitment to collaboration is why I want to remain on the board.
Update infrastructure. As a district it has become evident that many of our schools need substantial upgrades to their facilities for both structural and safety concerns. Voters will be asked to support a $320-million school bond this year, the plan is to address much needed safety structural infrastructure. As a board member I will continue to educate the community on what this bond will do for all students.
Salary is set by the state. Currently, working with our commissioners, New Hanover County is in the top 5 paid counties in the state. I brought forth a letter to our board, and was adopted and sent to the General assembly that would increase base salary to $50,000 and advocated for a 5% increase in all school personnel. The current legislative agenda for the county specifically addresses the concern for the lack of pay increase from year 15 to 25. While compensation matters, the daily support our employees feel is just as critical to overall district morale. Continuing to advocate for changes while maintaining a positive supportive culture will help keep quality staff in our district.
Pre-Kindergarten programs play an important role in preparing children for success when they enter kindergarten, especially in reading readiness, basic math skills, and classroom structure. When done right, Pre-K helps level the playing field by ensuring students start school with the foundational skills they need to succeed. As a school board member, I believe any Pre-K program must be academically focused and accountable to clear outcomes.
Declining enrollment is a major issue for the district. Parents continue to do what is best for their child. As a public school leader I will strive to make public schools the best option for all students. That means continuing to ensure multiple pathways for educational success. Focusing on educational opportunities will set New Hanover County Schools apart. Innovation drives enrollment in public schools.
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Position/philosophy statement
Board of Education
Current Occupation
Teacher
Campaign Phone
3366134369
I am well qualified to serve on the Board of Education because my academic preparation and professional experience are deeply rooted in public education. I hold three degrees in education, including a Ph.D. in Educational Studies, which provides a strong foundation in teaching and learning, educational policy, research, and school improvement.
In addition, I bring over 15 years of experience in public schools, giving me firsthand understanding of classroom instruction, teacher support, student needs, and district-level challenges. This combination of academic training and practical, on-the-ground experience allows me to make informed, data-driven decisions while staying focused on students, educators, and the success of our schools.
My responsibilities will include increasing trust and transparency by being visible, accessible, and communicative. This includes regularly visiting schools to see teaching and learning firsthand, listen to staff, and better understand the daily realities facing students and educators. I will also provide intentional opportunities to meet with parents and community members, such as attending school events, hosting listening sessions, and being responsive to questions and concerns. The responsibility of keeping a pulse on our schools, students, and communities is paramount to serving on the Board of Education.
Teacher salaries are a critical need for supporting our students and schools. I will advocate for salary increases being a strong advocate for competitive, sustainable compensation at both the state and local levels. Because teacher pay is largely determined by state funding formulas, I will work with fellow board members to clearly demonstrate NHC Schools’ needs and advocate for changes that better support teachers and staff.
At the local level, I will support responsible budgeting that prioritizes educators, seek opportunities to supplement state funding, and promote strategies that help attract and retain high-quality teachers.
This response relates directly to my previous answer regarding teacher salaries.
Pre-Kindergarten programs are very important in our district. Students need the opportunity to attend school as a four year old to ensure they are entering kindergarten ready for success!
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