Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/405847
8 OCT 29 - NOV 4, 2014 ELECTION GUIDE 2014 ELECTION 2014: BOARD OF EDUCATION Donna Blackmon Vann I was born and raised in Fayetteville and have been happily married for 25 years to Mike Vann. Our two children, Jordan and Greyson, are both products of the Cumberland County School System. Jordan attends Methodist University and Greyson is in his first year at East Carolina University. I have spent my entire professional career in the Cumberland County School System. I am presently in my 15th year as principal at Glendale Acres Elemen- tary School, and my 32nd year in education. Throughout my career I have been a teacher, assistant principal and principal, all in Cumberland County. I have experienced the education in Cumberland County as a student, parent, teacher and adminis- trator, as well as, an owner of a tutoring business. I made the decision to run for a seat on the Cumberland County Board of Education because, as a native of Fayetteville and a graduate of Fayetteville City/Cumberland County Schools, I am passionate about serving this community as a productive and use- ful member of the Board of Education. As an experienced educa- tor, I can bring a true educational perspective to the Cumberland County Board of Education. I am also confident that I can provide effective representation of the whole school community, to include students, parents, educators and businesses. As a member of the board, I will not lose my perspective as an educator and my charge of making decisions based on what is best for our students. My top three priorities will be: • To always put children first • To promote a culture of excellence for all schools • To ensure the effective and efficient use of school system resources There is much disquiet and concern about educational matters in North Carolina Public Schools. I believe the number one issue facing the Cumberland County School System is the effect of reductions to education spending in North Carolina over the last few years. I believe this is the biggest challenge because it creates a snowball effect, impact- ing every aspect of education. These funding cuts have led to fewer teacher assistants in the classrooms, larger class sizes and less per pupil expenditures, among other things. This translates into low morale and greater stress among teachers, who are responsible for providing quality instruction. There- fore, this one challenge creates many other issues and in the long run, will have a negative impact on the education and future of our children. Because of my experiences as a student, parent, teacher and administrator in the Cumberland County School System, as well as, a small business owner in the community, I have the knowl- edge and familiarity of all facets of the educational community to represent and meet the needs of every stake holder. My ex- perience and expertise in the field of education will serve me well as a member of the Cumberland County School Board. Greg West Greg is a lifelong resident of Cumberland County, graduating from Cumberland County Schools and earning a bachelor's from N.C. State School of Design and a master's in busi- ness administration from Campbell University. A licensed realtor and general contractor, he is self-employed as the owner of Westan Homes. He and Kristie have three children. First elected to an at-large seat in 2002, West has served all the citizens and students of Cumberland County faithfully for 12 years. He ran partly because no one on the board in 2002 had children in our schools. Still today, he is the only board member whose children cur- rently attend our schools. A current parent's perspective is a must as decisions are made today that will affect our youth for the rest of their lives. Re-elected in 2006 and 2010, he has been an integral part of elevating Cumberland County Schools to one of the premier school systems in the state and nation. His many civic accomplishments can be viewed on his election website, www.votegreg- west.com. West typifies this community. He is both a proud product and a vested stakeholder in our public schools. He believes that education is the key to every child's future and that every child deserves an equal opportunity to reach their God-given potential. A quality, progressive and innovative school system is our community's greatest asset as we work to become a significant driver in the state and national economy. A few recent accomplishments under West's leadership include: • Recognition as a Broad Prize finalist as one of America's Most Improved School Districts! • 89 percent of our schools attained or exceeded predicted growth in the most recent school year. • Our entire school system received accreditation from AdvancEd He has been a vocal advocate for increasing teacher pay and will continue to fight for what's right for public education. Thank you for your prayers and vote! Carmela McKeller I have a love, and passion for learning. I was a preschooler when my mother moved us to Brooklyn, N.Y., from Fayetteville. I was educated in the New York City Public School System and public university system. I attended Brooklyn Technical High School, which remains one of the top high schools in the country. I know the potential for greatness in our school system. There comes a point where we have to as- sess where we are as a school system and ask ourselves hard questions like "Is this our best effort?" "Are we making the best use of our resources?" and "Do we believe in the potential of our students?" I am an analyst by nature, by training, skills and by experience. My career as a business systems consultant required me to look at systems in all forms and identify improvements and solutions. In my professional capacity, a project with global scope might have an analysis phase of 6-8 weeks. My "analysis phase" with the Cumberland County School system has lasted 6-8 years. I have taken every opportunity of engagement afforded a parent, including PTA committees and president, classroom volunteer, mentor, school improvement team, principal interview team, parent support group and parent school board liaison. I didn't know where the work would lead, but I'm clear that the work has provided me with tools to be effective on the board. There are two other factors that have been key to my understanding of what we need and want for our students. The first is our teachers. I've observed them, listened to them and I respect their voices. We have to be better at integrating the voices of our teachers into improving our system. The other factor would be my "co-workers in education" the "at home moms" whom I have volunteered with through the years who realized despite our hard work and talent that our voices were not valued. I value the voice of our teachers, our parents and our students. I value the re- source that is our community. I value the potential of our children. We need lead- ership that knows how to use every resource on our team to make our system better. I believe in the potential! Cast your Board of Education votes for me!