Candidate:  Michael Boose
District:  At-Large Cumberland County Commissioner
Opponent:  Juanita Gonzalez

What endorsements have you received for your current candidacy?

None at this time; final decisions will be made in the next several weeks.

If offered, would you accept contributions from political action committees affiliated with the real estate industry? (RPAC, Buildpac etc.)

Yes, in compliance with election laws.

What are you going to do for homeowners/property owners in Cumberland County if elected?

I am the only candidate that is homeowner, rental property owner, business property owner, and a small business owner.  This background makes me uniquely aware of the impact that taxes, revaluations, building restrictions, zoning and re-zoning can have on a property owner.  Consistent, fair, orderly growth is key to maintaining and increasing the value of property in Cumberland County.  My review of the past several county budgets indicates that there is no pressing need for any property tax increase.  I will “hold the line” on arbitrary tax increases.  It is inherently woven in the fabric of the American dream that everybody wants to own their own home.  The satisfaction of home ownership and control of that property produces pride of ownership, instills a drive to succeed and provide for family.  Through home ownership and gainful employment our citizens put down roots in Cumberland County and reduce our transient population.

How will you reduce property crime in the county?

My experience has taught me that property crime is driven by three major factors; 1) Unemployment, 2) Lack of Education, 3) Substance abuse.  We cannot sprinkle money at these issues and hope they improve.  If people are not at work, not at school, and abusing alcohol/drugs, then they shall become criminals to provide for their basic needs, “wants” and their addictions.  Fragmented, unfocused groups (Although initiated by great people with good intentions) will fail.  Ownership and control issues between county, city, state, federal and military agencies must be overcome if any crime reduction is to be achieved.  We need to be honest in our evaluation of the success of these programs.  I will speak bluntly and clearly.  I will identify successful and unsuccessful programs.  I will promote the successful and eliminate the unsuccessful.

What are your thoughts on a new parks & rec bond referendum?

The public wants and deserves fair opportunity to express their choices.  Honest, accurate cost and time tables are crucial.  It is the tax payer’s money and their intentions for its use is paramount in deciding “quality of life” issues such as parks and recreation.

What new ideas/concepts can you bring to the office you are seeking?

My address and phone number will be published.  If you contact me, I will respond.  I intend to have “office hours” where I can be available to meet to discuss issues facing our county and citizens.  I am the only “at large” candidate that is a lawyer.  I will use my training and experience as an advocate and consensus-builder to improve the quality of life for all.

Candidate:  Earl Butler
District:  Cumberland County Sheriff

What endorsements have you received for your current candidacy?

I have been endorsed by dozens of organizations and may individuals throughout the county and the state.

If offered, would you accept contributions from political action committees affiliated with the real estate industry? (RPAC, Buildpact etc.)

Yes.

What are you going to do for homeowners/property owners in Cumberland County if elected?

We will continue to provide the best services for the homeowners and property owners that we possibly can.  For the 20 years that I have served as Sheriff, I have brought the values of our community, my beliefs and innovation to the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.  I brought new concepts, such as community policing, on-board cameras and computers in patrol vehicles and other new ideas, while never forgetting the need to personally care for and be involved with our citizens.  We have constantly upgraded our technology and techniques and maintained and we will continue to advance a Sheriff’s Office in which:  (1) the community has reposed great trust and confidence and continues to do so;  (2) crime prevention and control capabilities are continually expanded and strengthened;  (3) essential operating policies and management procedures are properly formalized and promulgated;  (4) fair and nondiscriminatory personnel practices were and are established and implemented; (5) interagency cooperation and coordination was and is fostered and effected;  and (6) the provision and delivery of services to the community was, is and will be constantly improving.

The record of the Sheriff’s office is one of achievement and progress, and I ask the homeowners and the property owners as voters to allow me to continue to prove my dedication to their protection and progress.

How will you reduce property crime in the county?

We will continue to expand our crime prevention and crime control capabilities.  Our community policing program has been continually recognized since 1998 as one of the best in the state and the country.  As a result of our community policing and our anticipatory preparedness, crime in Cumberland County has been decreasing, and we expect it to continue to decline.  We are looking toward the institution of a comprehensive copper theft prevention program, and an anti-break-in and anti-vandalism campaign.

What are your thoughts on a new parks and rec bond referendum?

A referendum, in almost all instances, is preferable to circumstances in which the voters are merely polled or not allowed to express the voters are merely polled or not allowed to express the voters’ beliefs on important issues.

What new ideas/concepts can you bring to the office you are seeking?

Under my leadership, we have advanced the abilities and operations of the Sheriff’s Office, and we will continue to do so.  We have developed crime prevention and control capabilities, and they will be continually expanded and strengthened.  We will continue to expand the use of technological resources to  aid, not only in the fight against crime, but in the provision of other services which the Sheriff’s Office must provide, including service of civil process, gun permitting, and other services.  The delivery of these and other services to the community is and will be constantly improving to the highest level obtainable in light of the constraints of need, demand, budget, and resources.

 

Candidate:  Judy Musgrave
District:  Cumberland County Board of Education

Why do you feel like you are qualified to run for the Board of Eduation?

I am capable and qualified to run for an at-large seat on the Board of Education.  I have worked in the eduation arena for 40+ years and have worked specifically in the Cumberland County school system for 28 of those years.  During this period I served in many capacities and have taught or worked with teachers from all grade bands from K – University level.  I bring a plethora of knowledge, skills, and abilities to the table.  Some of my credentials and experiences are listed below:

•  Retired Secondary Mathematics Curriculum Specialist for Cumberland County Schools, Grades 6 – 12
• Former Jr. High & High School Mathematics/Science Teacher
• Former Instructional Curriculum Facilitator (ICF) and “Educator in the Field”  for Cumberland County Schools Reform
• Former workshop Facilitator/Presenter for the School of Education at Fayetteville State University
• Former Mathematics Assistance Team Reviewer for the NC Department of Public Instruction
• Former Adjunct Professor in the School of Education (Elementary Department, K – 6) at Fayetteville State University

I am an award winning teacher and advocate for students and have realized much success during my tenure.

How do you envision Cumberland County Schools in 10 years?

In ten years, I envision the Cumberland County School System as on where tremendous success is being realized by all students.  This new Cumberland County School System recognizes each child as important and capable of making substantial contributions to society.  Students are totally prepared to attend the college or university of their choice and are not just able to meet the academic requirements to matriculate into the schools, but will be able to compete with students from other counties, states and countries.  I see a strong educational system built by empowering and transforming lives.  Students are global citizens and are very knowledgeable of global cultures.  Teachers will feel valued, respected and appreciated for their dedicated service.  Parents will realize that they are the first and most important teachers for their children and will require nothing less than greatness from them.  This will be a shining example of the total village working together for the good of all children.

What is the number one challenge facing the Cumberland County school system?

There are a few areas which would warrant improvement or that pose challenges for the Cumberland County School Board of Education; however, I think that the greatest of these is the challenge to close the achievement gap and provide a quality educational program which educates ALL children.  There needs to be an intentional focus to decrease the number of students placed in in-school suspension, suspension from school, and the exceptional childrens’ program.  There must be a deliberate process implemented to help grow ALL students academically and socially.

How do you propose to fix the challenge?

I believe that there are workable solutions to this huge challenge if and only when the home, school, and community work in concert to find those solutions.  With deeper, greater and stronger communication, connections and collaboration among parents, guardians and the school community, we can find alternative means to keep students in the classrooms and not in in-school suspension or out of school suspensions.  There should be mandatory redirection classes targeting students with poor social skills and low self-esteem.  The School Board could set new policies in curriculum to help encourage the facilitation of discussion on learning styles, real world connections and applications in teaching content standards.  This becomes very important in having teachers add meaning and emotion to content and pedagogy so that each student can move information to his/her long term memory.  It would also be valuable for all who are involved in the CCS education arena to know the culture of the students, parents and community to empower everyone to help bring about the best education possible for ALL students.

What new ideas/concepts can you bring to the office you are seeking?

During the 40+ years of my teaching career, I have amassed a broad base and plethora of knowledge, skills, strategies, and ideas which I can bring to the office which I am seeking.  Some which are listed below:

• An understanding of curriculum alignment
• A valuable knowledge of Common Core and it application
• A strong knowledge of the “Essential Elements of Instructions”
• Applications of the Revised Bloom’s Taxonomy
• The creation of a potpourri of manipulatives and creative thinking and reasoning skills activities
• A knowledge of Learning Styles and how students and adults learn
• A knowledge of Curriculum Development to bring about an understanding of 21st Century Skills and
• A knowledge of teaching methods and pedagogy to enhance the abilities of students on all grade levels, which could help in closing the Achievement Gap to ensure all students learn and realize success.

Candidate:  Greg West
District:  Cumberland County Board of Education

Why do you feel like you are qualified to run for the Board of Education?

I am qualified for many reasons to include the fact that I have served as Chairman three times during my 12 years on the board. I am the only incumbent and an elected board needs consistency, stability and informed board members.  The learning curve is steep in public education.  I also am not an educator and bring outside perspectives and business experience to the 9-member board, many of which are former educators.  Additionally, I am the only board member who has children in our public schools.  I have a child in elementary, middle and high school, so I am a vested stakeholder in Cumberland County Schools.

How do you envision Cumberland County Schools in 10 years?

In 10 years, I see us exceeding the state average in every meaningful measure.  We have some unique challenges in Cumberland County with 58.5% of our population on free and reduced lunch.  Additionally, we do not have as high a percentage of families with college degrees as other urban school districts.  Nonetheless, we are seeing 89% of our schools make predicted growth and Cumberland County Schools is performing higher than our benchmark urban districts within NC. We were a top four district in the nation in 2013 as a finalist for the Broad Prize for Urban Education.  I know that we will win that prestigious award within the next ten years!

What is the number one challenge facing the Cumberland County school system?

I feel the number one challenge facing our system are the challenges of being in a rapidly changing world and having to adapt with limited resources. Although the great recession ended in June 2009, the local and national economy has yet to fully recover.  As such, there has been great financial pressure on school systems and budgets have been cut.  However, we continue to raise the bar with more rigorous standards and our children are meeting the challenge.  Until the economy has a sustained period of growth, the biggest challenge facing our schools will be financial.  However, our system has prospered well in this environment over the past 5 years and I know we can succeed in the future, despite the obstacles.

 How do you propose to fix the challenge?

The statutory role of the Board of Education is to set policy and hire the superintendent. That’s it.  Perhaps our largest role beyond that is to be an advocate…a cheerleader…for public education.  So, whether it is with our local county commissioners, the NC legislature, or the Governor, we are to lobby for adequate funding and then make sure we are good stewards of what we are given.  The current school board has worked hard to adopt resolutions and campaign for teacher raises and to keep teacher assistant positions, to name a few recent legislative successes.  We also worked hard to renew a funding formula with our Cumberland County Commissioners to ensure local budget stability.  We are the champions for public education!

What new ideas / concepts can you bring to the office you are seeking?

Our biggest new idea is the Mentoring Works! initiative in the community. We need to work diligently to develop and expand the program.  Partnering with United Way and other local agencies, Mentoring Works! will guarantee that a young person has someone who cares and who is available to help them navigate day-to-day challenges. A meaningful relationship with a caring adult has numerous benefits for youth and we need to double the number of participants in this young program.  I also pushed for the board to go paperless many years ago.  I have been an early adopter of technology and, since I am not from within the educational community, I bring the ability to think outside the box and bring solutions from other industries to our school system. I am a team-builder and creative leader and help groups perform at their highest levels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Candidate Name: Donna Vann
District:  Cumberland County Board of Education

Why do you feel like you are qualified to run for the Board of Education?

Each candidate has experienced education as a learner and all are members of the Cumberland County community, yet that is where our similarities end. Knowing that our personal experiences are what has shaped how we view and value education, I feel the depth of my educational understanding from 31 years as an educator is what makes me the most qualified to run for the Board of Education.  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, set me apart.  I have the knowledge and familiarity of all facets of the educational community to be able to represent and meet the needs of every stake holder.

How do you envision Cumberland County Schools in 10 years?

Part of the mission of Cumberland County Schools is to provide an environment in which every student develops the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in a diverse and global society. The fact that technology is changing our world, especially our classrooms and teaching our children, in 10 years I envision Cumberland County Schools having a mission of empowering every student to be successful in an increasingly digital and interconnected world where teachers and students learn, connect, collaborate and share globally through video conferencing, such as hangouts, skype and facetime.  I foresee teachers individualizing instruction with the use of technology and real-time data; tablets and laptops taking the place of paper/pencil tasks; and students progressing vertically through school at their own pace, as opposed to moving as part of a group from grade to grade.

What is the number one challenge facing the Cumberland County School System?

I believe the number one challenge 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, impacting every aspect of education and hindering the mission of CCS – to provide a safe and caring learning environment in which every student develops the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a productive life, to be successful in a diverse and global society, and to empower students to become lifelong learners. 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.

How do you propose to fix the challenge?

In reality, there is not a “fix” that a local Board of Education can do about budget cuts from the state. What I envision in meeting these challenges as a member of this board is to have fresh eyes to look at ways that allocated money can be redistributed to have the greatest impact on instruction in the schools.  My knowledge and expertise in educating children at the school level will empower the BOE to facilitate budget and finance decisions that will ensure the accomplishment of the strategic goals of Cumberland County Schools.

What new ideas/concepts can you bring to the office you are seeking?

As an experienced educator, I can bring a true educational perspective, as opposed to that of a politician, 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.