Why are you seeking this office?
I have served on the Chatham County BOE since 2008. Before I retired, I served my entire career with Chatham County Schools as a first grade teacher, coach, assistant principal, and principal. I have worked in schools across the county from Bonlee to Siler City to Pittsboro. I am also a graduate of Northwood High School. Knowing the history of CCS, where it has been, helps in understanding what direction the school system needs to go. Having lived in various parts of the county gives me a deeper understanding of its people and their diverse perspectives.
What is your understanding of the responsibilities of a Chatham County school board member, and why do you believe you’re qualified to fill that role?
The prime responsibility of a school board member is to develop and establish policy for the school system. The board also has the responsibility to hire a superintendent that is innovative, caring, understanding and can lead over 9,000 children through ever changing educational experiences to prepare them to work in the global economy.
As a current member of the CCS BOE for 16 years, I want to continue our accomplishments in academics, personnel, and community relationships. I am committed to CCS. I have been consistent with CCS. I have forty plus years of experience with CCS. And, I am reliable and dependable for CCS.
What are the most significant challenges facing the board of education in the coming year, and how you’d plan to address them?
There are several pressing issues that face the CCS BOE. First, to continue to attract and retain the best quality of teachers and employees. With overwhelming support from the BOC, the BOE continues to provide a very competitive local pay supplement to all employees. Having great schools to work in is also a key component in retaining our teachers and staff. Second, the exponential growth that is embarking on the county will have the BOE continue to build new schools to meet the demand. Third, teacher pay (which is the responsibility of the State Legislature) must increase dramatically. North Carolina is ranked 38th in the nation in teacher pay and our students deserve better respect from our elected officials in Raleigh.
Give us two goals that are specific, measurable and attainable you would have if elected:
• 1: Retain 90% or more of our full-time permanent workforce annually.
Successfully retaining the best teachers in Chatham is successful due to positive work environments in all our schools. If you like working where you are, you stay. In our region of 16 school systems, Chatham County Schools consistently ranks in the top five lowest teacher attrition rates annually. Low attrition means greater retention of excellent teachers working with our students each day. According to the 2022-23 NC Department of Public Instruction State of Teaching Profession Report, we were in the top five for our entire region for lowest rate of teacher vacancies at 4.9% while the state average was 6.4%.
• 2: Continue to increase the local supplement annually to remain in the top 5 for our region and the top 10 for the state in terms of average teacher supplement.
Another important factor in retaining teachers is directly affected by the local pay supplement. Based on information that is published on the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction website, Chatham is 7th in the state for teacher supplements with an average teacher supplement of $6,493. A big thank you goes out to our Chatham County Board of Commissioners in providing the funds necessary to keep us at the top of the supplement pay scale not only in our region, but in the State.
Look ahead four years from now…what would you like to see the Chatham County Board of Education to have accomplished in that time?
Attracting certified and competent teachers is the backbone of a successful school system. Successfully retaining the best teachers in Chatham is successful due to positive work environments in all our schools. If you like working where you are, you stay. In our region of 16 school systems, Chatham County Schools ranks in the top five lowest teacher attrition rates annually. Our average teacher supplement is $6,481. A big thank you goes out to our Chatham County Board of Commissioners in providing the funds necessary to keep us at the top of the supplement pay scale not only in our region, but in the State.
Chatham County Schools have created a vibrant learning environment throughout the county and needs to continue its academic success.
The following link "State of Our Schools" reviews the accomplishments of Chatham County Schools:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Yp_EugS6xro2ZIX77oGuhzGULOJkxtg0/view
The following link will summarize the academic accomplishments of CCS:
https://www.google.com/url?q=https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lIX6gG3-bROSPg-vhBIH9zO5BvMG3sgv/view?usp%3Ddrive_web&source=gmail-imap&ust=1715692356000000&usg=AOvVaw3SR0tRA9eiDBrmsBkL8VFl
QUESTION: How have your past experiences make you qualified to serve on the Board of Education for Chatham County Schools?
I have served on the Chatham County BOE since 2008. During my tenure I have served on the Chatham Education Foundation Board. I have also served on various state level committees with the North Carolina School Board Association. Before I retired, I served my entire career with Chatham County Schools as a first grade teacher, coach, assistant principal, and principal. I have worked in schools across the county from Bonlee to Siler City to Pittsboro. I am also a graduate of Northwood High School. Knowing the history of CCS, where it has been, helps in understanding what direction the school system needs to go. Having lived in various parts of the county gives me a deeper understanding of its people and their diverse perspectives.
My experience as an educator and board member helps tremendously in understanding the political aspects, the business side of running a school system, and the human side of dealing with personnel issues. Being a board member also takes a lot of "give and take" and being a true team player. First and foremost, understanding that every decision, no matter how big or small, has to be made in the best interest of the children, ONE CHATHAM!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
ONE CHATHAM STRATEGIC PLAN
Our Vision: Preparing ALL students for bright and prosperous futures.
Our Mission: Inspiring learning and empowering ALL learners to be productive citizens.
Our Core Beliefs:
● Inclusive, respectful, safe and nurturing school environments are essential for ALL students and staff.
● ALL students can achieve given the appropriate access to resources and opportunities.
● Education is a shared responsibility among educators, parents, students and the community.
● Our community depends on a strong public education system led by innovative and caring professionals who are
supported by stakeholders who are invested in a sound, vibrant and inclusive public school system.
● Rigorous, innovative and culturally respectful teaching and learning empowers schools and ALL students.
CHATHAM COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTS
*Free Meals for All: Every student will receive free breakfast and lunch throughout the 2024-2025
school year – no cost, no barriers.
*$2,000 Teacher Pay Boost: A $2,000 increase to teacher supplements starts this school year, directly
supporting our educators.
*$500 Raise for Non-Certified Staff: Non-certified staff receive a $500 supplement boost,
recognizing their critical contributions.
*Revamped Pay Scale: A completely redesigned pay scale for non-certified staff launches this year,
ensuring fair and competitive wages.
*Yondr Pouches for Better Learning: Five schools will pilot Yondr pouches to manage student
technology and increase focus on learning.
* CHOOSE Chatham Housing Initiative: Major strides in partnerships and funding to provide
affordable employee housing – supporting those who support our students.
ACADEMIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS
* The Class of 2024 earned an astounding $36 million in scholarships.
*AVID seniors alone secured a remarkable $19 million in scholarships.
*84% of our schools achieved a School Performance Grade (SPG) of C or higher, surpassing the
67% statewide.
*92% of schools met or exceeded growth targets in grades 3-8 literacy, showing significant progress.
*Our 3rd-8th grade reading ranks an impressive 15th out of 115 districts, and English II ranks 13th in
the state.
*We are proudly ranked 27th statewide for overall proficiency across all subjects.
*High school performance is a standout, exceeding state averages in Math 1, English II, Biology,
ACT, WorkKeys, and graduation rates (both 4- and 5-year).
*Our district’s overall proficiency outperformed the state by nearly 5%.
*We’re ranked 3rd in the North Central Region for overall proficiency.
*Two schools shed their low-performing status, and two more improved their SPG by a full letter
grade.
*Nearly 90% of Early College graduates earned an Associate’s Degree, a phenomenal achievement.
*Our ACT scores are ranked 19th out of 115 districts in the state.
*Every middle and high school offers CTE (Career and Technical Education) programs, ensuring
students are career-ready.
*The Dual Language Program graduated 26 students, with 18 earning valuable university credits.
ADDITIONAL ACCOLADES
*90% of staff proudly report their school is an exceptional place to work, according to the Teacher
Working Conditions Survey.
*NCASA Scholastic Competition champions across multiple categories, showcasing student
excellence.
*Our Nationally recognized AVID program is in every middle and high school, achieving an
impressive 100% college acceptance rate for AVID students.
*100% of Early College students have been accepted into college, solidifying our commitment to
academic excellence.
*The Internationally acclaimed Dual-Language Program empowers students with bilingual
proficiency and global skills.
*Strong, thriving community partnerships continue to create invaluable opportunities for student
growth.
*The launch of ONE Academy offers cutting-edge, flexible learning options, transforming education.
*All CCS nurses are nationally certified, ensuring exceptional health support for our students.
*Named a NAMM Foundation Best Community for Music Education, one of only two districts in
the state to receive this prestigious recognition.
* Strings Program expanded to several elementary schools, enriching the arts education landscape.
*The Class of 2024 earned a staggering $36 million in scholarships, a testament to academic success.
*Students earned state and national honors in arts, athletics, and academics, proving their diverse
talents.
*Our Internationally recognized Finance Department continues to set the standard for fiscal
responsibility and excellence.
*Successfully hosted the first-ever State of Our Schools event, engaging the community and
celebrating district achievements.
*Forged groundbreaking business partnerships with Wolfspeed and Toyota, opening doors for future
student opportunities.
*Achieved 14 Blue Ribbon Awards in Public Relations, solidifying our reputation for excellence in
communication and event management.
*Implemented major technology upgrades, enhancing security, network infrastructure, and
cybersecurity collaboration.
*The Transportation Program saw dramatic improvements in efficiency, reduced complaints, and a
shift toward alternative fuels.
*Vape detectors installed in high schools to enhance student safety and promote healthier
environments.
* Rolled out Daybreak Health and Support Teams, delivering comprehensive health services for our
students, addressing their physical and mental well-being.
