This is the second in a two-part candidate questions and answers series from all 16 candidates running for the Cleveland County Board of Education.
In the March 5 primary, registered Republican voters will choose five of the 13 Republican candidates who will face three Democrats in the November general election.
Greg Taylor, Rodney Fitch, Joel Shores, Robert Queen and Ron Humphries currently serve as directors.
Greg Taylor, David Fisher and Chad Simpson did not respond. starCandidate Questions.
The answers from the five candidates are as follows.
Coleman Hunt (D)
Q: What do you think are the top three challenges currently facing Cleveland County Schools?
When it comes to public education, schools across the country are facing challenges. Cleveland County schools are no exception. They face the challenge of getting quality teachers into their classrooms. Teacher shortages are impacting the quality of education that schools can provide to their students. Another challenge Cleveland County Schools faces each year is meeting funding needs. We also face the challenge of preparing students for a rapidly changing world. Public schools are our future, and Cleveland County Schools must develop a plan to recruit and retain the best teachers to educate our students.
Q: What do you think are Cleveland County Schools' top three recent accomplishments?
Cleveland County schools are responding positively post-pandemic, with a focus on restoring literacy and learning. Cleveland County Schools has provided opportunities for CTE, ARTS, and CCP students. One of the biggest accomplishments is the completion of two auditoriums that will allow Barnes and Crest to expand its offerings to art students.
Q: How do you plan to promote teamwork if elected to the board?
Teamwork means planning together as a group of individuals. If elected to the Cleveland County Board of Education, I will be a team member who brings new ideas and listens to the ideas of others. As a former coach, I know the importance of listening to others, discussing and developing strategies for success. I will listen and provide input when decisions are made that affect Cleveland County Schools stakeholders.
My priorities are to expand educational opportunities for our students and make decisions that help improve academic achievement for all students. We help ensure Cleveland County Schools execute on plans to recruit and retain talented, diverse staff to educate our students.
Rodney Fitch (R)
Q: What do you think are the top three challenges currently facing Cleveland County Schools?
recruiting and retaining high-quality teachers and administrators; Addressing staffing challenges is and will continue to be a key challenge for Cleveland County Schools and other school districts in North Carolina.
Serving the needs of students and families within the student service area. Access to counselors, counseling services, and mental health is important and a growing concern.
Provide excellent customer service to our community and stay current on all student safety needs and practices.
Q: What do you think are Cleveland County Schools' top three recent accomplishments?
Implementation of the district's internship program, which provides students with high school work experience.
Completion of the auditorium and Barnes and Crest High School.
Our partnership with Cleveland Community Colleges provides students with the opportunity to graduate high school with an associate's degree, industry certification, or transferable college credits. His $5 million element in economic development.
Q: How do you plan to promote teamwork if elected to the board?
Stay true to the board's mission and vision and don't get sidetracked by outside distractions.
Q: What are your two biggest personal priorities and how do you plan to achieve them if elected?
- Please continue to work with local law enforcement and leverage community resources to make our schools as safe as possible.
- Continue to prepare students for success in post-secondary careers by partnering with business, industry and community colleges and expanding our internship programs.
Kenneth Redford (R)
Q: What do you think are the top three challenges currently facing Cleveland County Schools?
- Develop committees that can work together for the betterment of children.
- Discipline at school.
- Bullying and excluding inappropriate books from school libraries. These two tied for third place.
Q: What do you think are Cleveland County Schools' top three recent accomplishments?
I have not attended a board meeting in the past four years. When the current Board of Directors was elected, I felt they would fulfill their responsibilities. He only achieved two items for the board.
a. The continued success of the Early Childhood University Program.
b. College Technical Education (CTE).
Q: How do you plan to promote teamwork if elected to the board?
I have served on other committees in the past. I currently serve on the board of directors for Cleveland Community College and serve on the boards of various local veterans service organizations and the district organization of veterans resources for various local businesses and businesses. I have taken many courses on developing teamwork and have taught these courses to others. I feel that my professional and community background makes me well qualified to serve as a team member on the Board of Education.
Q: What are your two biggest personal priorities and how do you plan to achieve them if elected?
a. Ensures that the Superintendent implements policies and procedures approved by the Board. This is done through instruction and evaluation of superintendents.
b. Builds trust in the school board's community by having an open door policy for parents, students, teachers, staff, and administrators. We are always available to discuss any situation that may arise, whether in person, by phone, email, or text message.
Rod Powell (Democrat)
question: What do you think are the top three challenges currently facing Cleveland County Schools?
- All current members clearly lack classroom or teaching experience. I question their ability to lead the school through the difficult times ahead. I have nearly 30 years of experience working in classrooms with students of all abilities and have expertise in integrating technology into the classroom. My 30 years of introducing technology into the classroom can make a difference in moving CCS forward.
- There is a clear lack of diversity on current boards. Can everyone in the Cleveland County community, including our Black, Latino, and women neighbors, be confident that the needs and concerns of our students will be met?As a white man, I recognize this underrepresentation. We work tirelessly to bring all members of our community to the table.
- Currently, there is a general lack of public trust in boards of education. Infighting and personal conflicts are noticed by everyone in the community and greatly reduce trust and confidence in the board. I am a seasoned teacher who has taught in public schools in rural Lincoln County and urban Mooresville. I have no personal animosity or axis to rambling about. My only concern is working with school board members who only care about what is best for our students and staff.
Q: What do you think are Cleveland County Schools' top three recent accomplishments?
- Cleveland County Schools has a successful partnership with Cleveland Community College for college-bound students. My girlfriend's 30 years of diverse educational experience and insight allows her to reach people who want to pursue a career in industry or the general workforce without going to college.
- In upper Cleveland County, we're encouraged that Barnes High School finally received funding to build a new auditorium. We should all be concerned about new developments in the county, especially the proposed development of the old Blanton Farm. 1,600 new homes are planned and schools will see an explosion in student numbers. My experience with Mooresville Public Schools includes this same type of growth and meeting its challenges. His 20 years of my leadership at the rapidly expanding Mooresville school will be a valuable asset as we plan for CCS's future growth.
Q: How do you plan to promote teamwork if elected to the board?
I will work closely with newly elected school board members from both parties to leverage our experience to improve the education of Cleveland County students. We must focus on cooperative decision-making between both parties and encourage a positive atmosphere free of petty arguments and bickering. Boards must listen to diverse perspectives and focus on open and clear communication. Board members must remember that they have a shared responsibility to students, staff, and members of the Cleveland County community. Her 30 years of experience working with public school administrators, students, and staff have taught her these simple and valuable lessons: “Together we win students”
Q: What are your two biggest personal priorities and how do you plan to achieve them if elected?
- We need to ensure that our students have the critical thinking skills necessary to parse the digital firehose of misinformation that bombards us every day. I will work tirelessly to provide critical thinking tools that will benefit their educational experience, future career and work experience.
- I will work to prioritize improved education investments in schools in upper Cleveland County, particularly in Cassar, Lawndale, Polkville, and Fallston.
- You can be confident that our county will not stand still in today's world. Cleveland County is a vibrant, energetic, and diverse place to raise a family. And it is closely tied to our modern world. All students in the Cleveland County School System deserve an education that prepares them for this rapidly changing world in which we now live.
Tracy Ross (Democrat)
Q: What do you think are the top three challenges currently facing Cleveland County Schools?
The top three challenges currently facing Cleveland County Schools are:
1) Learning crisis
2) Bullying
3) Parent involvement
Q: What do you think are Cleveland County Schools' top three recent accomplishments?
1) “Excellent Teacher Award” held at Legrand Center to recognize outstanding teachers
2) According to the data, 81% of CCS schools achieved an academic grade of A, B, or C for the 2022/2023 academic year. Test scores are important because they show that children are growing.
3) 2023 Foundation Awards and Achievements
Q: How do you plan to promote teamwork if elected to the board?
1) Building relationships of trust
2) Providing two-way communication and delegation
3) Collaborate with teammates
4) Set team goals and define their roles and responsibilities
5) Evaluate each teammate's contribution to the group.
6) Ask teammates for feedback
Q: What are your two biggest personal priorities and how do you plan to achieve them if elected?
My biggest personal priorities are bullying and the learning crisis. There are several things we can all do to prevent bullying.
1) Make each child feel chosen
2) Shine a light on each student and make them feel special.
3) Ask your teacher to set aside time in class for all students to talk and participate with each other.
4) Also, if your child is being bullied, contact the teacher, school counselor, principal, superintendent, state Department of Education, and parents. Once this is done, we will schedule a meeting with the child, parent, and staff to discuss the issue and offer a solution.
I work with teachers to establish a learning environment and help them resolve learning crises such as:
1) Demand more compassion and empathy from teachers
2) Teach active listening
3) Build strong relationships with students and parents, helping students build confidence and trust and take steps towards further learning as they explore new techniques.
4) Focus on teacher qualifications
