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

The Catawba County Board of Education consists of seven members elected at-large in partisan races and serve staggered 4-year terms held in even-numbered years.The Board is the local governing body of the Catawba County Public School System. The 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 servicesThe Board is responsible for establishing policies under which the district operates while acting within the framework of state and federal laws and while meeting the unique needs and concerns of the communities they serve. As civic leaders, our board members face complex and demanding challenges and contribute hundreds of hours each year leading Catawba County Schools to Engage, Inspire, and Empower.

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    William R. Barnabas
    (REP)

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    Tom Dees
    (REP)

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    Matthew Fox
    (REP)

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    Robert Lopez
    (REP)

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    Tim Settlemyre
    (REP)

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    Don Sigmon
    (REP)

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    Michelle Teague
    (REP)

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    Greg Whitener
    (REP)

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    Jack R. Young
    (REP)

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    Jill L. Young
    (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)

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Position/philosophy statement NC
Campaign Mailing Address 2831 SPENCER RD NE
CONOVER, NC 28613
Current Occupation Data Analyst
Age (optional) 53
Campaign Phone 7042495592
Campaign Email settlemyrets@gmail.com
Campaign Facebook URL http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584496719420
I have three children and all of them have attended Catawba County Schools, and one of them are still in Catawba County Schools (CCS). I have been on the Catawba County Board of Education for three years and this will be my second year as the Chairman. I feel during my time on the BOE I have helped bring stability to the BOE and as a Board we have moved in the right direction with growing our student enrollment.
Being a good listener to students, staff and community. Being able to work with other community leaders on the behalf of the school system that one is representing. Putting the needs of the school system before ones other interest. Understanding how to write policy and how to make the policy fit within Federal, State and Local Laws and the policy cannot contradict any of your other policies.
CCS is growing very fast and our High Schools are older buildings. We have completed a population study with a outside contractor. We made a decision to move 6th grade to our middle schools to relieve overcrowding pressure at CCS elementary schools. We have applied for state grants, but the majority of the funding will need to come from the county level.
CCS has been working hard to recruit and retain qualified teachers. CCS has what I feel is the best in the state of NC Beginning Teacher Mentorship program.
Very important especially in the post covid world of education. Getting the children into a classroom and getting them socialized before entering kindergarten is crucial. I have heard stories of children first grade and up not being potty trained.
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Position/philosophy statement Catawba County School Board/ Christian/Common Sense /Conservative
Campaign Mailing Address 5798 SULPHUR SPRINGS RD
HICKORY, NC 28601
Current Occupation Self employed (Rental property)
Age (optional) 66
Campaign Phone 828-612-5449
Campaign Email alliedgreg@yahoo.com
Campaign Facebook URL http://www.facebook.com/gregwhitener4schoolboard/
I'm a lifelong resident of Catawba County. I have worked in roles ranging from purchasing agent to operations manager and more. Service to this community has shaped my life, I coached youth baseball for 15 years, served as president of the SS Optimist Club, spent four years as a youth leader at SSELCA, and have served on the SS Fire Dept. Board for the past 10 years- currently Chairman, lead Christ Church Back-to-School Bash, distributing over 8,000 backpacks in the last 5 years, and completing an unexpired term on CCS board. I believe that college is a great choice for some, but not for all. I am committed to expanding the CTE program. I am a common sense independent thinker who will be a voice for those who feel unheard!

The most important is providing the safest, well kept atmosphere for the education of the students under our jurisdiction. We must keep a great relationship with the superintendent, their administration along with the teachers and the entire staff to ensure that the above is fulfilled. We must keep looking for better ways to raise the graduation rate and provide avenues for students to be successful upon graduation through mentoring programs and CTE programs.
Moving the 6th grade students into their prospective middle schools to join the 7th and 8th graders. Along with that buildings must be updated and upgraded with building of wings at all current middle schools. Hiring of CTE instructors in additional fields is a must.
Working with the board and superintendents office to be creative to see if there could be an incentive based program as business models flourish under.
I am not an advocate of womb to tomb government control. Kindergarten is soon enough for public education.
I am not a politician. I am stepping into this venue because I have always held the mantra that if I think I can make a difference and don’t step forward, I have failed to do God’s calling. I am a common-sense independent thinker who will listens, learns and seeks cost-effective solutions. I humbly ask for your vote so that I can continue serving EVERYONE in our community- including those who feel unheard.
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