Southport Magazine

Read full, verbatim interviews from candidates for County Commissioners and Board of Education.

Though the presidential race remains a fiery one to say the least, we are focusing on candidates a bit closer to home. We reached out to those running for County Commissioners and Board of Education seats within Brunswick County to gain insight into their platforms. This is not only in an effort to educate last-minute voters of their options, but after November 6th, these interviews will stand as a way we residents can better know the folks we voted into office. We’ve hit them with the tough questions, but we looked to meet them on a human level, too. Don’t be surprised to find out Brenda McMillian’s favorite animal or the zodiac sign of “Bud” Thorsen!

To learn even more about the candidates, check out StarNews’ voter guide online. Here you can enter your address to find a sample ballot for your area which will list all national, state, and county contenders. Questions were asked on topics ranging from charter schools to standards in curriculum and testing, as well as C&D waste, beach nourishment and more.

We regret being unable to print all 19 questions between each candidate, but we have made all interviews available verbatim online since October 22nd, because we believe education in voting is key, and it’s the local folks we will come in contact with the most.

County Commissioners:

District 3: Pat Sykes (R)
Did not participate

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District 4: Scott Phillips (R)
Zodiac: Gemini
Fave food: Steak
Fave movie: “Field of Dreams”
Fave color: Red
Fave animal: Labrador Retriever

1. Why are you running for commissioner? What special strengths do you believe you would bring to the board?
To have a positive influence on the direction of the county to allow my children the same opportunity I had, to raise theie families here. I have four years of experience as a county commissioner with strong Christian values, a strong work ethics, and a logical, common sense way of thinking to make decisions for the county.

2. Have you ever worked for a small business? If yes, which one and in what capacity?
No, but I do have a brother and several good friends who own and operate small busineeses in Brunswick County.

3. What experience do you have with complicated budgets?
Four years of the budget process for Brunswick County.

4. What can you do to help the unemployment and poverty rates in Brunswick County?
As commissioners, we need to make it easier for businesses to get established and prosper in Brunswick County through local ordinances. We also need to provide the resources to market Brunswick County to large corporations to bring them to the county. If we can do this, we get residents to work, which will lower the poverty rates.

5. According to the 2011 Community Health Assessment, two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese, and childhood obesity in particular has tripled. The county is also considered “medically underserved” according to the assessment. How do you plan on changing this problem?
Through the consolidation of the human health services, I hope residents receive quality services, more efficiently. Through these services, more residents can receive the information they need to make better decisions about their health and their future.

6. What is your position on local purchasing preferences?
When possible, I prefer to purchase locally. This keeps small business owners in business and brings local sales tax back to the communities.

7. What is your position on offshore drilling and fracking?
I believe we need to do all that we can to become energy independent. With technology and the proper regulations in place, I believe these methods can be performed safely for the citizens and the environment.

8. What is your vision for the future of Main Street in North Carolina’s economy?
My vision of NC’s economy is lower taxes and reduced regulations that will promote small business growth and be appealling to large corporations to move their operations to our state.

9. What role do you see for agriculture in our state’s future and how does your platform support small agricultural producers?
Agriculture was large part of the growth of this state. Increased regulations and higher costs to doing business has pushed many of our smaller farmers out of business. NC is stil a viable part of the agricultural community and I support government reducing regulations to allow farmers to diversify from the traditional agricultural activities in order to prosper.

10. How often do you purchase locally produced food?
We grow our own. Otherwise, we look for locally grown produce and locally caught seafood to support the commercial fiching industry in our area.

11. What role do you see for fishing in North Carolina’s future?
Southeastern NC, Brunswick County was a fishing community. Again, regulations from the federal government has made it difficult for commercial fishing to make a living in our area. Locally, many businesses and residents buy “Local Catch” to sustain our commercial fishing industry.

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District 4: Brenda Faye McMillian (D)
Current job: Retired social worker
Most recent position: Chief Judge
Resident for: 58 years
Fave food: Seafood
Fave color: Blue
Fave animal: Cat
What do you enjoy most about this area?: Southport Waterfront

1. Why are you running for commissioner? What special strengths do you believe you would bring to the board?
I am interested in improving the county’s infrastructure, providing supportive services to caretakers of
Seniors and promoting job development. I want to help bring jobs to the county. Some of my strengths which will be brought to the board are honesty, trustworthiness and objectivity. My 30+ years of experience working with residents from all socio-economic backgrounds throughout Brunswick County and the ability to research and listen to all sides of issues prior to making a decision are assets. I care about the residents and want their best interests represented on the County Commission board.

2. Have you ever worked for a small business? If yes, which one and in what capacity?
I have worked in the retail industry as a customer service representative and have also managed real estate property.

3. What experience do you have with complicated budgets?
As a Social Worker, I managed resources of county wards.

4. What can you do to help the unemployment and poverty rates in Brunswick County?
The key to resolving the unemployment and poverty rates are to increase the number of employment opportunites in Brunswick County. We start by maintaining low taxes, increasing recycling, and expanding the infrastructure relative to water and sewer services. Next we work with the Economic Development Department to attract safe, environmentally friendly businesses. As the number of jobs increase, a boost will occur in the Real Estate industry as people are able to afford to purchase housing. This would result in several jobs being available in the construction industry which would provide a domino type effect to other businesses.

5. According to the 2011 Community Health Assessment, two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese, and childhood obesity in particular has tripled. The county is also considered “medically underserved” according to the assessment. How do you plan on changing this problem?
The local Health Department has medical services which many county residents are not familiar. Increasing the Health Department’s outreach program will help resolve a portion of the issues related to the medically underserved. Teaching proper nutrition and health in Grades K-12 would help combat the obesity problem. Workshops for parents would also be beneficial. Reading across curriculum is utilized in the school system. Just as reading is incorporated into daily school activity, a daily time slot should also be included for exercise. Modifying the menus to eliminate some of the high processed foods and replacing them with fruits and soup will all be beneficial.

6. What is your position on local purchasing preferences?
Did not provide an answer

7. What is your position on offshore drilling and fracking?
We certainly need additional safe and environmentally friendly energy sources. My concern about fracking is that millions of gallons of water used in fracking become contaminated and therefore unusable. Therefore, continued research is imperative in making certain the environmental impact does not result in a similar situation to the occurrence on the Gulf Coast.

8. What is your vision for the future of Main Street in North Carolina’s economy?
Small business has been a prime source of jobs. My vision is for taxes to remain low, expanding infrastructure of water and sewer and for small businesses to continue to have trained local employees. I envision increased vocational training to youths in the public schools thereby providing more opportunities for success. Also having the advanced technical students serve as peer tutors and mentors would further enhance their skills with some of them securing employment as small business owners and trainers. The community colleges would continue to train and retrain workforce members.

9. What role do you see for agriculture in our state’s future and how does your platform support small agricultural producers?
North Carolina agriculture is essential for the health of county residents and stimulation of the economy. The farmers markets in Southport, Shallotte and other areas of the county are very successful. Local businesses and educational institutions patronizing the local farmers are all positive ways to support agricultural suppliers. Agribusiness can be further enhanced with the farmers planting the crops which are popular in this area.

10. How often do you purchase locally produced food?
Every week

11. What role do you see for fishing in North Carolina’s future?
Fishing can serve as a great source of employment and revenue. It can be marketed as a great tourist attraction for recreation and for nourishment. Our local economy can be boosted as local restaurants, families and other businesses purchase fishing products.

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District 5: Frank Williams (R)
Current job: Owner / Founder, Pioneer Strategies, Inc. (2001-present)
Most recent political position: First run for public office; served as 7th District GOP Chairman
Resident for: I was born and raised in Brunswick County and in District 5; I lived in Raleigh for a number of years after college and moved back to Brunswick County in 2008.
Fave food: Steak
Fave movie: “Star Wars” series
Fave color: Red
What do you enjoy most about this area?: Everything! We have great people, great beaches and waterways and great seafood. What’s not to like?

1. Why are you running for commissioner? What special strengths do you believe you would bring to the board?
I am running because Brunswick County is a great county, and the decisions our leaders make will determine whether we continue to be a great county. If elected, I will strive to make intelligent, thoughtful decisions; I will continue traveling throughout the county and attending public events to ensure that I am available and accessible to hear citizens’ concerns.

2. Have you ever worked for a small business? If yes, which one and in what capacity?
I have owned and operated a small business for the past 11 years, and my company provides marketing advice and services to a number of other small businesses.



3. What experience do you have with complicated budgets?
I have served on numerous boards and committees that dealt with and approved organizational budgets.



4. What can you do to help the unemployment and poverty rates in Brunswick County?
Given that Brunswick County’s unemployment rate was 10.5% as of August 2012, we must make Brunswick County as business-friendly as possibly by pro-actively reviewing our ordinances and customer service processes to ensure that they are reasonable, clear and predictable. We must also work to recruit industries to our county, and we must provide the basic infrastructure they need to succeed.

5. According to the 2011 Community Health Assessment, two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese, and childhood obesity in particular has tripled. The county is also considered “medically underserved” according to the assessment. How do you plan on changing this problem?
Did not provide an answer



6. What is your position on local purchasing preferences?
It is important to note that the county must comply with certain state purchasing laws. To the extent possible within the confines of those state laws, we should encourage qualified local companies to submit bids for county work.



7. What is your position on offshore drilling and fracking?
I believe we should investigate the possibility of offshore drilling. Assuming it can be done in a way that protects our coastal environment, this could create much-needed jobs for blue-collar North Carolinians and could make North Carolina a key player in American energy independence.

8. What is your vision for the future of Main Street in North Carolina’s economy?
Small businesses are the backbone of our local, state and national economy, and we must create an environment that encourages risk-taking and innovation and in which small businesses and entrepreneurs can grow and thrive.

9. What role do you see for agriculture in our state’s future and how does your platform support small agricultural producers?
Agriculture is an important part of both our state’s past and its future. As a county commissioner, I will support small agricultural producers by fighting to keep their property taxes as low as possible. Additionally, we live in a large, diverse county, and we must resist the temptation to put the entire county in a one-size fits all box that stifles farmers and other businesses in rural parts of our county.

10. How often do you purchase locally produced food?
I will on occasion purchase food from local farmers and farmers markets.

11. What role do you see for fishing in North Carolina’s future?
I believe both commercial and recreational fishing are an important part of our state’s future. In Brunswick County, recreational fishing is a tourist draw.

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District 5: Michael Ballard (D)
Current job: Pastor
Most recent position: Town Councilmen for Town of Navassa ‘01-’11
Resident for: entire life
Zodiac: Leo
Fave food: Southern fried chicken
Fave movie: James Bond movies
What do you enjoy most about this area?: The opportunity for growth and development

1. Why are you running for commissioner? What special strengths do you believe you would bring to the board?
I am running because I believe that I can make a difference. My special strengths that I would bring to the board would be my experience from serving as a elected official.

2. Have you ever worked for a small business? If yes, which one and in what capacity?
Yes, Wilmington Nissan and I was a salesman.



3. What experience do you have with complicated budgets?
Worked with the budget team for the Town of Navassa for all departments.



4. What can you do to help the unemployment and poverty rates in Brunswick County?
I would work with our local towns to bring smaller companies that would create jobs and protect and promote the small business that’s already producing jobs.

5. According to the 2011 Community Health Assessment, two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese, and childhood obesity in particular has tripled. The county is also considered “medically underserved” according to the assessment. How do you plan on changing this problem?
First of all we hath to keep educating people about the danger of obesity and at the same time we must have outlets in place so that citizens can receive the much need medical service in which the county need to provide.



6. What is your position on local purchasing preferences?
We should always do our best to purchase locally before going outside because it helps our local economy.



7. What is your position on offshore drilling and fracking?
I am not opposed to off shore drilling or fracking but I would like to see more studies done on what effects they would have on the environment.

8. What is your vision for the future of Main Street in North Carolina’s economy?
My vision for the future is to build a strong econmy by creating more jobs, economic development, and a solid plan the would attract larger companies.

9. What role do you see for agriculture in our state’s future and how does your platform support small agricultural producers?
My role would be to get our state back to the top agricultural producing state it once was. In the support of small agricultural producers we must make sure that they are not overlook by government.

10. How often do you purchase locally produced food?
As often as I can.

11. What role do you see for fishing in North Carolina’s future?
Making sure that our rivers, inlets, and waterways stay healthy and clean so that the future of our fishing industry would continue to be productive in our state.

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Board of Education:

District 1: Olaf “Bud” Thorsen (R)
Current job: Chief Court Counselor
Most recent position: Board of Ed.
Resident for: 54 years
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Fave food: Roasted oysters
Fave animal: Dog
Fave color: Green
What do you enjoy most about this area?: Beach/Waterway

1. Why are you running for the school board? What special strengths do you believe you would bring to the board?
I have worked with the public for 31 years with youth counseling delinquent and undisciplined juveniles. I understand the importance of a good education. My children and I are products of Brunswick County Schools. I am a good listener and use common sense when making decisions.

2. What experience do you have with complicated budgets?
I am currently the chairman of the finance committee for the Board of Education for the past four years. Brunswick County school district’s budget is comprised of three different funding streams: Federal, State and local dollars. Each of these funding streams has specific rules for use and monitoring requirements. I along with my fellow Board of Education members have been able to maximize our revenue and even during difficult fiscal times, protect jobs and the integrity of our classrooms.

3. According to the 2011 Community Health Assessment, childhood obesity has tripled. The county is also considered “medically underserved” according to the assessment. How do you plan to help the county’s youth?
Child nutrition programs in Brunswick County schools are aligned with the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act,. This requires specific nutritional guidelines for school breakfast and lunch programs including a fresh fruit or vegetable for all lunches served.

Recently representatives from our local hospital have reached out to Brunswick County schools to brainstorm ways they can be involved to address the recent survey results. Hopefully partnerships like these will strengthen our ability to combat these issues.

4. What do you see as the opportunities and challenges in this district?
Opportunities: Brunswick County schools need to do a better job of informing the public the positive things that are happening in our school district such as keeping web pages up to date.

Challenges: a. Maintain adequate funding for public schools continues to be a challenge while efforts to increase alternatives to public school are being funded with the same shrinking pot of dollars; b. to attract and maintain quality teachers given the current economic climate.

Strengths: Our school district is steadily making progress. Graduation rates are the highest in our history which is fulfilling our system’s purpose to produce college and career-ready high school graduates. Brunswick County schools have incredible teachers, administrators, and support staffs who are dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of our students.

5. What is your long-term plan to get and keep good teachers in the classroom?
The key to recruiting and returning good teachers is to provide them with the resources and support they need to do their jobs. If funding is available continue to be compatible with surrounding school districts regarding supplements.

6. How will parents be involved in plans to improve public education in our community?
There are two significant efforts taking place in our district. The revision of the
systems strategic plan and the development of a facilities master plan that will guide the work and resources of the system for the next 5 years. Our District has parents on each of these committees: Countywide Parent Advisory Councils with parents representing each school and sharing concerns with the Board of Education and superintendent; Policy # 1310/4002 directs each principal or designee to develop a parental involvement plan as part of the school improvement plan which includes such:

Two-way communication between school and home
Promote responsible parenting.
Involving parents in student learning.
Promotion of volunteering.

7. In what ways are you reaching out to the business community to build their support for quality public schools?
Brunswick County Schools and central office are members of all three Brunswick County Chambers of Commerce (North – Southport – Oak Island and Brunswick). We share information about what is happening in our schools. Business communities offer tremendous support to our schools through volunteer and individual school partnerships. The business community is involved in the development of the five-year facilities master plan which is critical.

8. What will you do to ensure that afterschool programs and other activities remain in place for students?
Brunswick County Schools do not provide afterschool programs although we do support the efforts of CIS. Afterschool care is provided and managed by CIS and is available in several school locations. Continue to support in-school and extra-curriculum opportunities for students such as fine arts and athletics.

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District 1: Ray Gilbert (D)
Current job: Pastor
Most recent position: Board of Ed., ‘04-’08
Resident for: Since 1979
Zodiac: Aries
Fave movie: “Lean on Me”
Fave food: Seafood
What do you enjoy most about this area?: The quality of life, fishing, hunting, proximity to attractions for my family and working to improve the quality of education for Brunswick County Students!

1. Why are you running for the school board? What special strengths do you believe you would bring to the board?
To provide strong leadership for the board of education; guide policies that will have a positive impact on our schools continued academic improvement; Develop and follow site-based management & accountability policies and practices at school level that ensure principals are leading our schools and are accountable for student performance); Strengthen local Parent Advisory Committees;Ensure quality teaching in every classroom by intensifying board and staff focus on education of students and build a worldclass vocation high school.

2. What experience do you have with complicated budgets?
I served on the board of educatio for four years and tried to get the board to reduce adminstrative cost and increase classroom spending. I have expereince manageging budgets at university, community college, governmental and non-profits levels, as well as managed budget for churches. I am a fiscal conservative when it comes to spending tax-payers money. I saved the board money during my term, because I would stay at more modest priced hotels when I attended trainings. I have the experience to see waste and correct it! I have headed non-profit agencies that had to do more with less and make tough decisions on budgets and personnel.

3. According to the 2011 Community Health Assessment, childhood obesity has tripled. The county is also considered “medically underserved” according to the assessment. How do you plan to help the county’s youth?
Strenghen our physical exercise programs to include fun learning about personal health and care. Good healthy food is only a part of good health. Our elmentary students only get 18-23 minutes of recess time, and I will work to extend the length of recess. We have to create partnerships with students, families, health department to hold family health and awareness sessions. All youth will be helped by creating education options in terms of their career choices. We can utilize the schools for physical fitness and parenting workshops? We must think outside the box and be willing to explore new options.

4. What do you see as the opportunities and challenges in this district?
A great opportunity exist if the voters of Brunswick County elect Lorene Hewett, Tom Simmons and Ray Gilbert to the Board of Education, because we have the background and expereince in education to do what needs to be done to strengthen our education. We can set the tone that will allow for recruitment of jobs, allow realtors to sell homes and give students and parents partnership opportunities in their education.

The Challenge: Elect a new board and Keep board and administration accountable for improved test scores and performance. To create an environment that will foster learning, focus on students and working toward cutting expenditures of the board.

5. What is your long-term plan to get and keep good teachers in the classroom?
Create learning environments that will allow for every teacher to teach and lead their classes;
Support teaching through incentives:
1) Increase supplement;
2) Partner with utility companies to reduce or waive all security deposits;
3) Partner with rental/realtors/fincancial agencies to assist teachers with homeownership;
4) Allow teachers to be creative;
5) Bring the best technology to our classrooms

6. How will parents be involved in plans to improve public education in our
community?
My goal is to strenghen the Parent Advisory Council (PAC) and ensure that principals know that the PAC must meet and be a part of the school leadership and decision process. We will meet with citizens at community meetings in their local communities; I want to see quarterly newsletters and communication. We will have ask the board meeting sessions on a monthly bases!

7. In what ways are you reaching out to the business community to build their support for quality public schools?
Discussing their needs to keep their business open and what they seek in our graduates as employees; empower the business advisory roundtable and meet at least 3 times a year and bring ideas and recommendations to the board for implementation. I have business people on our Team Gilbert campaign committee. I am a small business owner.

8. What will you do to ensure that afterschool programs and other activities remain in place for students?
Reduce cost of the administrative department. Intensify the board and schools focus on teaching, reaching and learning. When we increase total student performance, we will have fewer students needing the supplimental education assistance and that will allow for more focused attention on students who need assistance. We will work with the faith community and community based organizations to ensure that the afterschool efforts are successful. The board of education must evaluate all funding for afterschool services. I disagree with the state of NC in requesting a waiver from the standards of the No Child Left Behind Act, because the local board can invade the funding and spend in other areas instead of student enrichment!

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District 2: Catherine Cooke (R)
Current job: Self-employed
Most recent position: Currently serve on Board of Ed.
Resident for: I have lived in Brunswick County for 26 years while some of that time has been in other areas for short periods of time (18 months or so)
What do you enjoy most about this area?: This area offers a relaxed way of living with beaches and recreation that is unlike other areas of the state. The “small town feeling” appeals to many.

1. Why are you running for the school board? What special strengths do you believe you would bring to the board?
I am running for re-election. I have served for 4 years and feel that I have been a listening ear to parents, teachers and administration. I am consistent in supporting programs that work for the students and promoting parent involvement at all levels of a child’s education. I have school aged children who are actively in the school system and feel that this gives me an advantage to knowing first- hand what is going on with other students and staff.

2. What experience do you have with complicated budgets?
I have worked in a family-owned small business, and worked with the school budget the past 4 years. I believe my current experience and past 4 years of study and oversight help me in this area.

3. According to the 2011 Community Health Assessment, childhood obesity has tripled. The county is also considered “medically underserved” according to the assessment. How do you plan to help the county’s youth?
The children have physical education in the elementary and middle schools on a consistent basis. This drops off when they reach high school. Many children do not have other outlets for exercise or play. We need to educate an early age the importance of smart food choices and physical activity. Many habits are picked up by family members, so the real challenge is educating parents and caretakers . This could be done at local schools and on a county-wide basis.

4. What do you see as the opportunities and challenges in this district?
We need to address the literacy rate which we have been doing with a real focus with our Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader initiative. The state has mandated new accountability measures for elementary children and this should be one of the primary focuses. If children cannot read at an early age, this sets the stage for possible drop-out and long term issues. We also need to address the career tech training for high school students.

5. What is your long-term plan to get and keep good teachers in the classroom?
I think we need to equip the teachers with all of the things they need in the classroom from the best and most current technology to pencils and Kleenex. A teacher should not have to spend personal funds to supply the children with what is needed to educate them effectively. We need to ensure that the facilities are safe and up-to-date and provide the leadership and staff development necessary to keep them apprised of current trends and best practices and to interact with each other outside of the classroom in a relaxed setting.

6. How will parents be involved in plans to improve public education in our
community?
We have several task forces that have been implemented with this exact piece in place. We have a consulting group that is actively interviewing business owners, parents, community partners, school staff and others to put together a concise report to work with for strategic planning for the next 5 to 10 years. We have opportunities for parents to be involved at the school level and with the board at committee meetings that are held monthly. I welcome comments and questions from parents at any time.

7. In what ways are you reaching out to the business community to build their support for quality public schools?
Again, the current consulting group will recommend ways to implement this in a more precise manner. Many businesses and churches partner with individual schools to act as support for materials, mentoring and tutoring. I believe we need to do a better job of letting the community know what we need so that they can respond favorably.

8. What will you do to ensure that afterschool programs and other activities remain in place for students?
The need for afterschool programs varies from school to school. I will try to ensure that the children who require these services will have them available. Communities in Schools and other independent groups organize these programs with much success.

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District 2: Lorene Hewett Williams (D)
Current job: Retired
Most recent position: Candidate for the Brunswick County Board of Education
Resident for: I have lived in Brunswick county all of my life except for the years I attended college.
Zodiac: Aquarius
Fave food: Seafood gumbo
Fave movie: “The Ten Commandments” (the one with Charlton Heston)
Fave color: Peach
Fave animal: Cat
What do you enjoy most about this area?: I enjoy my family, friends, and the people of this great county. I enjoy the rivers, the ocean views and my garden. I enjoy seeing the growth of this county and the possibilities that are ahead.

1. Why are you running for the school board? What special strengths do you believe you would bring to the board?
I am running for the school board because I have educational expertise and experience that will assist the board member in taking actions that are in the best interest of all of our students and employees.

I have 35.5 years of experience as Teacher, Speech Therapist, Educational Administrator, former member of the Board of Directors of North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching. I have experience with multi-million dollar budgets, an understanding of contracts, educational law, and State /Federal programs that are designed for children. Additionally, I have a BS and a Masters in education. I am also certified at the Advanced Level as Curriculum specialists, Program Administrator, Principal and Superintendent.

2. What experience do you have with complicated budgets?
As Director for exceptional children’s Programs and Federal Programs, I managed multi-million-dollar budgets for more than 20 years.

3. According to the 2011 Community Health Assessment, childhood obesity has tripled. The county is also considered “medically underserved” according to the assessment. How do you plan to help the county’s youth?
I want to assist in developing policy that will ensure the provision of healthy breakfast and lunch to our students.

4. What do you see as the opportunities and challenges in this district?
I see great opportunities for children in this county. I see teachers, parents and school administration working together to provide quality education for all students. I see the building of trust and collaboration with all stakeholder in this district. There will be transparency and accountability.

With decreased State and Federal funding, next year will be filled with enormous complexities that present significant challenges to this school board. What this county needs are board members who not only understand the challenges but who have the insight and experience to make the decisions these challenges require. As a new board member, I am up for the challenge. I will bring a fresh perspective and a more inclusive approach- one of transparency and one that will lead Brunswick County schools to excellence.

5. What is your long-term plan to get and keep good teachers in the classroom?
Recruit, hire from within the county (Most of these teachers have a vested interest. They live and pay taxes in this county.), and provide bonuses to teachers who demonstrate excellence by moving students to higher levels of proficiency.

6. How will parents be involved in plans to improve public education in our community?
I want to assist in developing policy that will provide accountability and multiple layered communications with parents and community stakeholders. As a new board member I will strive to correct the issue of leadership and governance by ensuring transparency and accountability to the public. We will involve the community in appropriate, meaningful ways and communicate clear information to the community about district policies educational programs, fiscal conditions and progress on goals.

7. In what ways are you reaching out to the business community to build their support for quality public schools?
Again, by inviting them to the table. We must discuss the expansion of educational opportunities for students who are not seeking college degrees. The business community must have input in the discussion leading to the development of a Career Technical School. As with parents, we will involve the community in appropriate, meaningful ways and communicate clear information to the community about district policies, educational programs, fiscal conditions and progress on goals.

8. What will you do to ensure that afterschool programs and other activities remain in place for students?
First, survey the need. I would like to ask parents and teachers to tell us what is needed. I will support the needs of the children.

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District 4: Tom Simmons
Fave color: CAROLINA PANTHERS BLUE I consider myself their #1 fan!
Fave animal: Black Labs, especially Cam Newton Simmons, our rescue dog
Fave Food: Carolina Panthers Tailgating: Brats with onions, peppers, and mustard (if Janis okays a healthy diet break)

1. Why are you running for the school board? What special strengths do you believe you would bring to the board?
With over 30 years experience as an educator, I have the knowledge and courage to make tough decisions necessary to move the Brunswick County School System forward. I will bring leadership skills to find solutions for today’s problems and the visionary skills to plan for tomorrow’s challenges.

2. What experience do you have with complicated budgets?
As a principal at West Bladen High School, I managed the school from construction stage through staff selection, and opening. I also opened a newly formed middle school in Hyde County and served as principal. As Chair and Board of Trustees member of Boys & Girls of NC, I work with the Finance Committee under a multimillion dollar budget. Currently I am involved with a team developing a budget for Flemington Academy at Boys and Girls Home.

3. According to the 2011 Community Health Assessment, childhood obesity has tripled. The county is also considered “medically underserved” according to the assessment. How do you plan to help the county’s youth?
We need to ensure our schools’ breakfast and lunch menus are offering choices that meet the Health Assessment guidelines. As school leaders it is important to encourage our students to be active and develop a healthy life style. Parents should be encouraged to become active partners in their children’s commitment to good health.

4. What do you see as the opportunities and challenges in this district?
The establishment of a career technical high school is an opportunity and a challenge. It offers an opportunity to provide an important educational component to our students and a challenge to establish that vital component. The Early College High School is a wonderful opportunity for students and their parents. Challenges that must be addressed are low-level satisfaction in governance and leadership and improving morale of our system employees.

5. What is your long-term plan to get and keep good teachers in the classroom?
I will work to ensure teachers have the resources and updated technology in classrooms to meet the students’ needs. I want teachers to have confidence that the system leaders are listening to their concerns, value their opinions, and support them. I will propose a three-year plan to increase local supplements.

6. How will parents be involved in plans to improve public education in our
community?
We have to make parents partners in the educaton process. We have to listen to their ideas and concerns to make the schools a place where EVERYONE finds connection. Everyone should have input toward our efforts to make Brunswick County Schools innovators in education.

7. In what ways are you reaching out to the business community to build their support for quality public schools?
I strongly support a Career Technical High School as well as continued vocational courses currently in our schools. I have talked with the business community, local and county governments for about 10 years on the importance of training students that do not plan to attend schools of higher education. In these discussions, business leaders have committed to partnerships and internships to make this idea a reality.

8. What will you do to ensure that afterschool programs and other activities remain in place for students?
Afterschool programs are a vital part of education, therefore, we must find ways to fund activities such as tutoring, mentoring, and other developmental programs.

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District 4: Shirley C. Babson (R)
Unable to participate due to a family medical emergency

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