Weldon City Schools Board of Education

Q: What is your motivation for running for this seat?

A: I am running for the Weldon City Board of Education because Weldon is my home. I was born and raised here. I am a product of the Weldon City Schools system. My parents and my children were educated by the Weldon City School system. We have always been here. The students and people in general that make up this community are very dear to my heart. Their well-being and best interests have always been very important to me.

Q: What does the school board for Weldon City Schools need to do differently to keep students engaged all the way through graduation?

A: The board must realize all students are not interested in pre liberal arts studies. These things may not intrigue them. Some students, however, show more interest in vocational skills and trades. Because these interests are not forced upon them, they may show a greater willingness to succeed in these fields.

Q: If elected, what are your top three priorities and why?

A: Student success: To ensure all students in the Weldon City School district receive equal and adequate educational opportunities. The same opportunities that are afforded students in the best school districts in this state and across the nation.

Parent accountability: Parents must be held accountable in all aspects of their child’s educational journey, from head start through high school. The village begins in the home and extends throughout the remaining community (i.e. church, school, etc.)

Discipline: Respectful, well-behaved children cause the school environment to be more conducive to learning thus causing the teacher to be more effective in the educational process. Disciplinary distractions negate far too much of our quality- learning time.

Q: Why do you think Weldon City Schools has ranked so low in the state in standardized testing? How does that change?

A: Standardized tests are too frequently changed. Teachers spend precious hours instructing our students to conform to certain methods of testing only to have these stripped away and new methods implemented the following year. When students begin to excel, the bar suddenly changes. Standardized test methods/practices are not consistent.

Q: Why should the public vote for you?

A: The public should vote for me because “ I am them.” I am a product of the system. The system has had a positive influence on both my life and the lives of my family. Because I am a product of my environment, nothing would please me more than to assist in having that same positive influence on the lives of the youth in our community, thus helping them achieve their fullest potential.