From staff report
Idel Free News asked candidates in the March 5 primary election for the Idel Statesville School Board of Education to answer several questions regarding issues facing the district and their qualifications.
Statesville resident Kevin Angell is one of two candidates running in the Republican primary for the District 2 seat on the I-SS Board of Directors. Here's her answer:
IFN: Please rate the efforts of the I-SS School Board over the past 12 months. What is worthy of praise for the board? In what areas can it be approved?
Angel: Over the past 12 months, the I-SS School Board has demonstrated an admirable dedication to our community as individuals with strong convictions. Having people with principled beliefs in leadership positions is essential, and boards embody this trait. In particular, the Board's work in passing policies to ensure local compliance with the Parent Bill of Rights has been recognized as an important accomplishment in protecting the rights and interests of parents within the district.
Additionally, the Board has shown remarkable resilience and effectiveness amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic. Compared to other districts of similar size, Idle Statesville Schools experienced less learning loss, a testament to the board's proactive measures and commitment to student success.
Strengthening collaboration and aligning our collective goals within the Board is a critical initiative, and I recognize the importance of fostering harmony among colleagues. If elected, I will strive to be a peacemaker, prioritizing understanding and cooperation to reach agreements and move our district forward. Building bridges and fostering mutual respect among board members is central to my approach, ensuring we work together toward a common goal of improving our schools and communities.
IFN: What is your assessment of Idle Statesville Schools? In what areas has the district excelled in recent years? In what areas should the board/administration devote more resources to bring about improvements? Is it? Explain your answer.
Angel: As we evaluate Idle Statesville Schools in recent years, it is clear that our district has established itself as a pioneer in educational excellence. Data on per-pupil spending highlights the impressive return on investment that Idel County families receive in educational outcomes. Despite spending less than other districts of our size, our district consistently ranks high in outcomes. This demonstrates our prudent financial management and unwavering commitment to making the most of our resources for the benefit of our students. Our school system boasts a myriad of innovative programs, including CCTL, CATS, Early College, International Baccalaureate, and Dual Immersion, giving parents a wide variety of choices and options to customize their child's education. . These programs not only enrich the educational experience, but also allow parents to actively participate in shaping their child's learning process.
Qualified teachers are the cornerstone of a supportive learning environment, so prioritizing their recruitment and retention is essential. Addressing the factors that prevent teachers from entering and remaining in the classroom is paramount to ensuring the continued success of schools. By fostering a collaborative environment and offering competitive incentives, we can attract and retain the best educators who foster the academic growth and development of our students.
Additionally, school boards should work closely with local governments to address misconceptions about funding disparities. Our schools have some of the lowest spending per pupil, but this is not due to a lack of local commitment, but rather as a result of inadequate national funding. It is imperative that we redirect our efforts toward advocating for reasonable funding at the state level. Working with state officials and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction to advocate for modifications to the tiered funding system is essential to ensuring schools receive the resources they need to thrive. By advocating for fair and reasonable funding, we create an environment for student success and foster a brighter future for our communities.
IFN: How are the schools in your district doing? If elected, how would you spend your time and energy helping students in these schools reach their potential?
Angel: The performance of individual schools within the district varies, highlighting the need for individualized support to ensure that all students achieve excellence. If given responsibility as a member of the School Board, I will be committed to prioritizing efforts that foster an environment conducive to student success. One important aspect of this approach is increasing community participation, particularly through engagement with faith-based organizations. These organizations play an important role in the community and serve as valuable partners in support of schools and students.
Additionally, I recognize the importance of investing in early intervention and addressing disparities in educational access. I am committed to expanding preschool programs in District 2 to close the gap for students entering school while experiencing poverty and special needs. These investments will significantly reduce costs over time. Providing early education opportunities can help build a strong foundation for academic success and reduce the impact of socio-economic factors on student achievement.
Additionally, fostering strong partnerships with parents is essential to fostering student success. As such, I plan to schedule regular communications with parent-teacher organizations (PTOs) to encourage parent involvement and collaboration. By working closely with parents, we can create a network of support for students' academic and social growth.
Finally, it is essential to demonstrate tangible support for educators. As a board member, I will make it a priority to be present on a regular basis to express teacher appreciation, evaluate performance, and address teacher retention concerns. By actively engaging with educators, you can foster a positive, supportive environment that attracts and retains talented teachers, ultimately benefiting the entire school community.
IFN: Current I-SS board members are accused of violating the NC Open Meetings Act by meeting via text message. Do you promise voters that you will only conduct your business in public unless the board resolves to meet in private for limited purposes authorized by law? Is this a problem?
Angel: As a school board candidate, I am committed to transparency and accountability in all aspects of governance. I strongly believe that public business should be conducted in public, in compliance with laws governing open meetings. I am committed to conducting discussions and decisions only in accordance with the NC Open Meetings Law. It is essential that the public has confidence in the integrity of our processes, and concerns about compliance with open meetings laws should be taken seriously.
IFN: Why are you the front-runner in the March 5 primary?
Angel: Having many adverse childhood experiences and growing up in poverty deeply shaped my conservative values. I am a strong believer in the power of self-determination and believe that access to quality education is fundamental to empowering individuals to take control of their lives. Resource management is not just a matter of economic prudence, but a moral obligation for me. During her 15-year tenure as a nonprofit leader, I have consistently supported conservative financial practices, emphasizing cost containment, transparent budget management, and stakeholder input.
We align with our community values and are committed to representing these principles as members of our Board of Directors. It is imperative that our public school system recognizes the inherent worth of all children and recognizes that they deserve respect and consideration during their formative years.
Throughout my career, my passion for making a positive impact has been unwavering. From my early days as Minister of Youth to my current role as Executive Director of the Idel County Children's Home, I have demonstrated innovative leadership and an unwavering dedication to improving the lives of children. I'm here.
My professional accomplishments support my ability to drive meaningful change and innovation in the field of child welfare and family services. Spearheading the creation and expansion of programs aimed at supporting youth and families has been a hallmark of my career.
In addition to my professional endeavors, my active participation in various community organizations and initiatives reflects my commitment to supporting students and their families. Contributing to the community has always been a top priority for me, whether through volunteer work or active involvement in my local church.
As a candidate for the Board of Education, I bring a wealth of experience, a proven track record of success, and a true passion for serving others. I am dedicated to advocating for students' rights, supporting educators, and ensuring every child in our district has access to a quality education. With your support, I am confident that I will be able to contribute positively to the future of the community and its educational activities.
