As the November 8, 2022 midterm election gets closer, it becomes crucial that this year's group of student voters know what they want to vote for and whom. This upcoming election includes the Watauga Board of Education. Many students may not know too much about the candidates for the board. We asked each candidate, “What topics or information would you like Watauga High School students to know regarding your interests as a candidate for the Board of Education?"
Below are their answers along with a headshot of the candidates. There was a 300 word limit and we did not edit their answers once received.
Marshall Ashcraft:
“Your first question of a candidate might well be ‘why are you running?’ I’m running because I believe nothing is more important to our future than a strong system of public education and because I want to help strengthen the excellent public schools we now enjoy in Watauga County.
Our schools are the envy of most NC school systems. They excel in state test results, in the use of instructional technology, in the excellence of our arts and athletic programs, and in the variety and quality of career and technical training opportunities we offer. This excellence is built on a foundation of exceptional personnel supported by strong partnerships with parents, businesses, local educational and nonprofit organizations, the faith community, and Watauga County government. The best way to further strengthen our schools is to respect and support the outstanding personnel who make them work and to nurture the partnerships that support their efforts.
I have been part of the Watauga County Schools as a parent (our daughter completed her K-12 education here), as an employee from 2003-2016, and as a member of the School Board for the last two years. Since well before I joined it, the School Board has had a tradition of providing student centered, responsible, nonpartisan leadership of our schools, and of performing its work in a civil and respectful manner. These qualities have never been more important than they are now, and I am committed to sustaining them as a board member.
If reelected, I will continue to work hard to address the challenges we face, to be a strong advocate for our schools, and to listen carefully to the input we receive from school personnel, parents, students, and other stakeholders and partners in our schools.”
Gary Childers:
“I’m running for re-election to the Board of Education because I love this school system! Following my retirement, AS PRINCIPAL OF WATAUGA HIGH SCHOOL, in 2005 I resisted encouragements to run for the BOE until spring of 2017 at which time I was appointed to complete the term of a Board member who was unable to continue serving. Since then, I’ve become deeply engaged in the work of the Board and would like to continue.
My highest priority has always been doing what’s best for the young people of Watauga County. Close behind that has been employing, and supporting, the best teachers for our students. When someone becomes a principal one quickly learns that even though our mission is to provide the highest quality education for every child our highest priority must be to make the school safe for all students and staff. Students and teachers cannot do their best if they are in an environment in which they don’t feel safe. Therefore, my top priority will be to continue the work of making our schools safe places to learn and teach.
Closely behind this is my desire to continue supporting the formula for success Watauga Schools have enjoyed for many years. That formula is; supporting a positive learning environment where students feel loved and encouraged, employing the most qualified teachers and supporting them, implementing the most effective instructional practices, providing the best training and materials affordable, and engaging parents/guardians in a positive manner with their children’s learning.
My final major area of focus is the continuation of improvements to our school facilities. Good teachers, parents, and other administrators helped me understand that the greatest gain for students is achieved when everyone works hand-in-hand to bring out the best in each other. BTW, both our children are proud Pioneer alumni!”
Chad Cole:
“Hello fellow Pioneers! My name is Chad Cole and I am a WHS Class of 2000 graduate. What a difference 22 years has made in our school system, both good and bad. I have been in Emergency Services for 24 years, so my concerns tend to lean towards the safety and well-being of you all. I want to make sure you are protected physically, mentally and emotionally by having the right resources in place for you to go to when situations arise. Whether it be a School Resource Officer (SRO), a nurse, a mental health worker or just someone to go to that will listen, I want to make sure you have what you need when you need it.
You may or may not know this, but you are attending one of the leading (and most expensive) High Schools in NC and part of a top school system in the State. This is something we should all be proud of and I want to keep WCS top of its class and a model for school systems around us. You all are part of something amazing here in the High Country and it is because of your dedication to academics that has allowed us to excel.
One thing I want to make sure that we continue to do is have open communication between the students, parents and the Board of Education. Don’t look at the BOE as a bunch of grumpy old people telling you what you can and can’t do. Look at the board as a group of individuals that has your best interest at heart and they want what is best for you and your future. The board cares and whether or not I am elected, I care too. Learn more at www.ckc4boe.org.”
Jay Fenwick:
“Hello! I am Jay Fenwick running for re-election to the Board of Education. I have a long record of service to our community from Sunday school teacher to youth sports coach to PTA member at Green Valley. I teach Computer Science at App State, am happily married for 32 years, and had 3 boys go through our school system. I have enjoyed my work on the Board and wish to continue moving Watauga forward.
Many of you are not able to vote in this election, so I commend you for taking an interest nonetheless to become involved and learn about the issues. Being an informed voter is our civic responsibility to protect our democracy. So many people around the world are fighting and dying for a chance to have a voice.
This local election has important issues for your attention. Some candidates don’t trust your teachers to make appropriate decisions about instructional materials. Some candidates don’t trust you to think critically about topics for yourselves. Some candidates think we should return to teaching only the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic. Some candidates are dragging our schools through the mud of national political flashpoints, talking tough but lacking any specifics about what is actually happening in our schools. Alternatively, I trust your teachers because they are well-prepared, professional educators. Selection of materials follows a policy, no one person makes these decisions. Families and parents can inspect materials and opt for alternatives if they choose.
I want to end these petty, nothing burger arguments about instructional resources to work again on the big things. We need major facility work at several schools. We need teacher workforce housing to recruit and keep the best teachers. We need to increase pay for custodians and bus drivers.
Jennie Hanifan:
I am Jennie Hanifan, a mother of a family of 5, a fellow neighbor, and I commit to serve you and our families here in our community filling a position on the Watauga Board of Education.
As you graduate from High School I hope that you feel cherished and honored from your years acquiring skills and an education. While you discover your life’s passion and desire, know that your community supports you. Education in English, Mathematics, Science, History, the Arts, Career and Technical, are necessary, however so is character and consideration for your neighbors. Remember talent and natural ability will open doors, but character keeps you there. Define the term success and what it means to you, and don’t forget to bring along gratitude and honor for one another.
Everyone deserves an opportunity to be championed and cheered on as they learn throughout the schooling process. Let me be that support and undergirding as you receive the best education here in Watauga. I would love to represent our community and I would be honored if you vote for me November 8th or early voting, starting October 20th. As we draw our community together let’s live peacefully enjoying these beautiful mountains.
Dustin Kerley:
At the time this article was published, we had not received a statement or photo from candidate Kerley.
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