2 compete for South Point seat
Five total seats on the school board are up for election. Each of the nonpartisan elected positions carries a four-year term. School board members are elected by a countywide vote, but must live in the district they represent.
The Gazette asked each candidate the same four questions.
Age: 46
Home:
Phone: 704-293-5799
Email: [email protected]
Age: 42
Home:
Phone: 704-825-3321
Email: [email protected]
How will you help the school board to improve its relationship with county commissioners?
HUGHES: From Day 1 I will strive to build respectful relationships with the county commissioners and have civil and friendly dialogue, understanding of course that there will be times when we will disagree on topics. We have to realize that it is OK to disagree, but we must treat one another with respect. We are all in this together and the goals and desire of having a model educational system should cross all those boundaries. School board and county commissioner relationships are very important to the operation of our schools, the appeal of our schools to those moving to the area and to the overall morale of teachers and staff.
DAVIS:
How do you think schools can be made safer, and what is your role as a school board member to accomplish this?
HUGHES: I think we must look at different strategies across all our schools as they all have unique settings which must be dealt with on a local level. Some general things we could look at are continuing and adding any group activities at schools which fosters open conversation and communication between students and teachers, I also think we should look at current procedures and/or policies related to the ability to get weapons on campus and in school buildings and see if there is anything we can do to further deter those in the first place. I see my role as a school board member to lead by example and meet with teachers to discuss the various needs and situations which may be occurring. We should also consider hosting speakers of nonprofits who specialize in security issues.
DAVIS: Every school in our system now has a school resource officer, which we, as a school board, helped to accomplish for the 2018-2019 school year. We must continue working to build, improve, and renovate school facilities with safety as a priority. As a school board member, I will continue advocating to county commissioners and legislators in the
How do you plan to help the school system to retain and attract teachers?
HUGHES: People want to work where they feel like they are appreciated and respected. Working within the funding we are provided and resources at our disposal, we can look at ways to improve and increase teacher morale and happiness with their position. There are lots of questions I think we should be asking ourselves and those employed in our school system to find out what the main items are that would improve the overall morale of teachers and if there are any ways we have not thought of to get access to some resources which would enhance the current working environment. I would like for us to find ways to be able to do more locally for our teachers.
DAVIS:
Voters approved
HUGHES:
DAVIS: Bond money spending should be prioritized based on greatest need, with a commitment to also spending in a way that benefits schools and students across
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