10 candidates are competing for four open seats, with Districts 1, 2, 4 and an at-large seat up for grabs.
Buncombe County Board of Education AT-LARGE
Charles Martin
Democratic Party
Where are you from?
Asheville, NC
What is your top priority if elected?
I am running to be the At-Large District Representative to the Buncombe County Board of Education because I want to empower students to achieve their full potential, develop family partnerships, support teachers, and ensure equal opportunities for all.
What three words would you use to describe your political values?
Advocate, Positive & Engaging
What do you wish the community knew about this office?
1. Role and Responsibilities:
District-Wide Representation: The At-Large seat represents the entire school district rather than a specific geographic area. This means the individual elected to this seat must consider the needs and interests of all schools and communities within the district.
Policy Making: At-Large members participate in setting educational policies, approving budgets, and making key decisions about the direction of the district.
Oversight and Accountability: They help ensure that the district’s schools are effectively managed and that educational standards are met. They also play a role in evaluating the performance of the Superintendent and other key staff.
2. Community Involvement:
Engagement Opportunities: Community members should be aware of opportunities to engage with At-Large candidates and current board members through public forums, town halls, and board meetings.
Feedback Mechanisms: There should be clear channels for community members to provide feedback and voice their concerns or suggestions regarding district policies and initiatives.
3. Impact on the Community:
Equitable Representation: An At-Large board member can advocate for equitable distribution of resources and opportunities across the district, helping to ensure that all schools and communities receive fair consideration.
Community Engagement: They are expected to engage with diverse community groups, gather feedback, and represent the interests of all constituents, not just those from a specific area.
Strategic Vision: Their role includes contributing to the development of a strategic vision for the district that aligns with the community’s needs and priorities.
What is one thing that you want to say to voters?
If elected as the At-Large District Representative to the Buncombe County Board of Education, Charles Martin pledges to advocate tirelessly for students, teachers and families. His platform focuses on creating a supportive learning environment where every child can thrive academically and personally. By leveraging his extensive community ties and professional experiences, Charles aims to implement policies that benefit all stakeholders in Buncombe County Schools, ensuring they receive the quality education they deserve.
Where do you currently live?
Arden, NC
Dr. Glenda P. Weinert
Republican Party
Where are you from?
Asheville, N.C.
What is your top priority if elected?
To work to ensure that Buncombe County Schools are the best Public School System it can possibly be.
What three words would you use to describe your political values?
Family, community and financial oversight
What do you wish the community knew about this office?
There is a team that works tirelessly to support and administer our school system.
What is one thing that you want to say to voters?
I am running to advocate for all children and their families.
Where do you currently live?
Asheville, N.C.
Arria Williams
Unaffiliated
Where are you from?
Arden, NC
What is your top priority if elected?
My top priority if elected is ensure our kids get the clean air they deserve by utilizing ventilation and filtration to keep pathogens as well as harmful pollutants out of the air they breathe.
What three words would you use to describe your political values?
Data-driven, Progressive, Communal.
What do you wish the community knew about this office?
I wish the community knew how important the board of education is. Our schools are what connect our community the most as well as shape our future; it is the people who sit on this board that set the tone and policy for how our schools operate.
What is one thing that you want to say to voters?
I have a unique skill set, perspective, and expertise that has prepared me to collaborate with our students, staff, and community to adapt and respond to the challenges we are facing today.
Where do you currently live?
Asheville, NC
Buncombe County Board of Education, District 1
Ann Brown Franklin
Democratic Party
Where are you from?
Weaverville ,NC
What is your top priority if elected?
To represent the people of Buncombe County as I work to provide opportunities for quality education for our students.
What three words would you use to describe your political values?
Democracy, Advocacy, Equality
What do you wish the community knew about this office?
The challenge of funding quality education with diminished funding from the General Assembly. Also the pressure put on our Commissioners to assist in funding that lack of money.
What is one thing that you want to say to voters?
I will do my best to work to provide the best quality education for the students of Buncombe County.
Where do you currently live?
Weaverville, NC
Greg Parks
Republican Party
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Canton NC.
What is your top priority if elected?
To provide the kids in Buncombe County with the best education experience available.
What three words would you use to describe your political values?
Accountable, Fair, and Honest
What do you wish the community knew about this office?
How much it impacts the entire county.
What is one thing that you want to say to voters?
Its time for a change the status quo is not working. It is time for parents to make a impact in our school system.
Where do you currently live?
Leicester NC
Buncombe County Board of Education, District 2
Sara Disher Ratliff
Republican Party
Where are you from?
Asheville, NC
What is your top priority if elected?
As a mother of four children spanning elementary, middle, and high school in
Buncombe County, I bring a valuable and currently underrepresented perspective to
the school board. With only one current member having a child in the school
system, I am committed to being a strong voice for parents, ensuring that our
concerns and needs are effectively heard and addressed.
What three words would you use to describe your political values?
Conservative, traditional, freedom.
What do you wish the community knew about this office?
I frequently hear concerns about increasing pay for Buncombe County teachers and support staff, and I fully agree they deserve better compensation. However, it's crucial to know that while local boards employ these professionals, their salaries are set by a state schedule, not by local authorities. Supplemental pay is decided by the County Commission. Only the state legislature and Governor can change the salary schedule. Candidates promising salary increases may not fully explain this process. For change, I encourage you to contact your state representatives and the Governor’s office.
What is one thing that you want to say to voters?
As a full-time working mother outside of the education field, I have a deep
understanding of the day-to-day challenges that families face. With multiple children
actively engaged in classrooms, I experience firsthand the struggles with homework,
communication, extracurriculars, lunches, along with peer and teacher
relationships. My perspective, often missing in school board decisions, reflects the
real-life concerns of families. My family and I are active stakeholders in Buncombe
County’s public education system, and I am committed to ensuring our voices are
Represented.
Where do you currently live?
Fairview, NC
Nancy Hargrove
Unaffiliated
Where are you from?
Born in Greenville, SC
What is your top priority if elected?
I would like to create a trust in our Buncombe County Schools, having our citizens to believe that our schools are THE place to receive a great education, thus stopping the decline in our student population.
What three words would you use to describe your political values?
Political values- commitment, pro-education , family-oriented
What do you wish the community knew about this office?
What is one thing that you want to say to voters?
District 2 has traditionally been the "Owen School District" composed of the Black Mountain and Swannanoa communities and the public schools within. There are 6 school districts in the county, so each has an elected representative plus 1 at-large representative- 7 total. Owen is the smallest in population, so voting maps were redrawn. Now Owen District 2 has part of the Reynolds district precincts in its area to equalize the population, and voters in these precincts are now eligible to be candidates. I and two other candidates are running for this office. It is important to have our district represented in a way that mirrors our citizens values. We need to maintain a strong public education system, so VOTE; elect the best candidates!
Where do you currently live?
Black Mountain, NC since 1990
Greg Cheatham
Democratic Party
Where are you from?
Atlanta, Georgia
What is your top priority if elected?
Enacting policies that help our school system retain our wonderful staff.
What three words would you use to describe your political values?
Logical, respectful, friendly.
What do you wish the community knew about this office?
I wish the community understood the role of the school board and the most efficient way to interact with their school board representatives.
What is one thing that you want to say to voters?
I will make decisions on the school board that put the needs of our students first.
Where do you currently live?
Black Mountain, North Carolina
Buncombe County Board of Education, District 4
Amy Churchill
Unaffiliated
Where are you from?
I am originally from Georgia
What is your top priority if elected?
Continue my decades long advocacy for public education and dedication to the educational goals, health, safety, and well-being of everyone in our school system.
What three words would you use to describe your political values?
putting students first
What do you wish the community knew about this office?
This is an elected position that requires collaboration and compromise, as well as a passion for seeing our students succeed. I have had the pleasure of doing this for 12 years.
What is one thing that you want to say to voters?
I will always be a champion for our public schools and will continue to use my voice and my ability to collaborate with others to ensure that our students are prepared for whatever their next chapter in life will be.
Where do you currently live?
Arden since 2002
Jim Fulton
Where are you from?
Born and raised in South Carolina
What is your top priority if elected?
Improve proficiency ratings
What three words would you use to describe your political values?
Transparency, Excellence, Inclusivity
What do you wish the community knew about this office?
Proficiency ratings have not improved over the incumbent's twelve-year term. Reading remains at 62%. Math at 60%. Science at 57%. College and career readiness is at 67%.
What is one thing that you want to say to voters?
Surely, we can do better! I am a problem solver who will work with stakeholders to develop, implement and monitor solutions for improving educational outcomes for Buncombe County public school students.
Where do you currently live?
Arden, NC