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.
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30 OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 1, 2016 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM Board of Education District 5 Susan B. Williams Board of Education District 6 Joseph Charles Gilreath Jr. UCW: What qualifies you to serve on the Cumberland County Board of Education? Everyone should vote for me because I am not a career politician, and I'm not going to pretend to be. With me, what you see is what you get. I believe that the teachers of Cumberland County Schools are doing a great job. My main focus is on improv- ing school leadership. When it comes down to it, teachers can only do what they're directed to do, or what they're allowed to do. It's who is controlling that direction or allowance that we need to focus on most. I believe accountability in education starts at the top, and it is those at the top that I believe are in the greatest need of increased accountability. I am here to help make that change. In your opinion what are the top issues facing our schools? And what are your ideas for solving/dealing with them? Accountability: We should never put our fate or our futures in the hands of the un- accountable. Everyone involved in our children's education should be accountable, even the Board itself. If I am not able to deliver on my promises to improve education, I, myself, will step down immediately instead of merely pretending to exhibit strong leadership within our school system. Transparency: Every decision made affecting education should be supported by a transparent process that can be seen and understood by all. I propose that we initiate a clear employer policy that requires all decision makers within school leadership to demonstrate with a clear and transparent process that all major actions taken within the school system have been conducted 100% in compliance with all applicable laws, procedures, and existing standards, and be required to take the appropriate corrective steps in any action that has been conducted even so much as 1% out of compliance. Safety: Everyone involved within the school system deserves to function in a safe and orderly environment. This includes all students, parents, and school employ- ees within the school system. In addition to current safety procedures, I propose that we initiate a new policy that not only protects individuals against retaliation from reporting potential safety risks, violations, harassment, and/or bullying but also requires every report of such incidents to be addressed and resolved in a timely and sensible manner. Patricia Burns Grifin Margaret Peggy Hall UCW: What qualifies you to serve on the Cumberland County Board of Education? Lifelong resident and educator of Cumberland County. • Business teacher-5 years • Guidance Counselor-5 years • Assistant Principal-4 years • Vocational Director for Cumberland County Schools-16 years • N.C. Long Leaf Pine Award recipient • N.C. State University Supervisor in the Initial Licensure Program UCW: In your opinion what are the top issues facing our schools? And what are your ideas for solving/dealing with them? My top three priorities are as follows: School Safety: We must check to see that school policies and procedures are in place to protect students and keep them safe when they are in our care. Adequate Funding: We must press elected officials for increased funding for aging buildings and facilities, for increased teacher salaries to attract the best teachers for our county, and for funding technology to prepare student appropriately for their future. Preparation Of Students For Their Role As They Exit The School System: We must develop plans that will assist our students to be productive and responsible citizens. This means going to college, technical school, joining the military or getting other specialized training that will lead to a job or career. Out students need to choose wisely to select the training pathway that leads to an appropriate outcome for them and one where there is a need. I am proud of the Cumberland County School System. We have many dedicated teachers, principals, staff members and central office person- nel that have built on the rich heritage of our past to make our School System what it is today. As your School Board member, we can make it even better for future generations. Sheryl Jenkins Lewis Carmela Ramon McKeller UCW: What qualifies you to serve on the Cumberland County Board of Education? The most important qualification I possess is having a child in the Cumberland County School System. My heart, my focus and my actions will always be "about our kids". Additionally, my background includes that of Entrepreneur, Business Systems Consultant, Quality Management, Project Manage- ment and Business Analyst. I'm strong in Policy and have used that strength to be an advocate for students, teachers and parents. This experience will provide our community with a skill set on the Board of Education that is different than any existing, or proposed member, of the Board. UCW; In your opinion what are the top issues facing our schools? And what are your ideas for solving/dealing with them? A critical issue is low student performance and the factors that contribute to that performance. We address this by focusing on those contributing factors: learning environment for the student; work environment for the teacher; accountability in leadership and parents as partners. What "we" did 10/20 years ago has value but we need new ideas, and a new strat- egy, to provide our children with the education they deserve. I am totally commit- ted to making that happen for our children. Raymond Nance Miller Rafael Orlando Molina UCW: What qualifies you to serve on the Cumberland County Board of Education? Born February 15, 1969 in San Juan Puerto Rico. I joined the Army in 1989 and for over 20 years I served my country with honor and pride in both the enlisted ranks as well as a commissioned officer. Through hard work, selfless service and dedica- tion I obtained my commission as a logistics officer until my retirement in 2012. The greatest lessons in my life I learned in the military. I have five combat tours; two in Iraq and three in Afghanistan, recipient of two Bronze Star Medals. I have been to Africa, Europe, Asia and South America, I've seen what great looks like and I've also experienced chaos and the not so good side of life. I am a certified instruc- tor and have been part of school construction projects in war-torn countries where success is the only answer. I wish nothing but the best for all of our children and want to work with you to help improve the schools in District 6. Since finishing my military career in 2012, I have been the owner/operator of Mo- lina Contracting Solutions, we provide general contracting services and business solutions. I believe strong values and leadership are important to develop our children and help them achieve their full potential to become productive citizens of society. Family: Our family is made up of my wife Sheila with our three sons; Orlando 16, Christopher 13, and Lucas 6. Our children attend schools in Cumberland County; Stoney Point Elementary, John Griffin Middle and Jack Britt High. This is the first time I run for public office. However, being a Veteran taught me the importance of selfless service and duty to our Nation. I belong to the following organizations: Masonic Lodge, Shriners, DAV, VFW, WWP-Alumni. Public contact information: Ralph Molina Committee 6807 Uppigham Rd Fayetteville NC 28306 Mobile: 910.494.4329 Email: ralphmolinacommittee@gmail.com Facebook Ralph Molina for Board of Education Twitter @RalphMolinaBoE16 UCW: In your opinion what are the top issues facing our schools? And what are your ideas for solving/dealing with them?I have lived in this community for over a decade. My youngest child was born in this town and I would love to see him grow in a safe, equal and productive community and I wish the same for all children. I volunteer for the Stoney Point Soccer League, I coach the 6U (six years & under) and the 14U teams. What is my idea to help improve the schools of Cumberland County? My team and I talked to the stakeholders in District 6; teachers, students, parents, and administrators to develop a solid plan with positive vision and conservative values. My Five Points: Safety - I am committed to provide every child a safe learning envi- ronment and deliver a positive learning experience. Objectives: Bully Free Schools,