As a veteran in the field of education, I have dedicated 20 years of my life to shaping the minds and fostering academic excellence of young people in North Carolina's public schools, and I believe in the transformative power of effective leadership in local school systems. I have witnessed it with my own eyes. , state, and national levels.
It has been an honor to serve as a public school principal since 2010, and I am honored to be named the 2023 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year.
I believe that servant leadership in education comes with great responsibility. Not only to the students and educators within my school, but to all students, educators, and school communities across the great state of North Carolina.
In recent years, local, state, and national politics have become increasingly polarized and more divided than ever before. In this environment, partisan agendas and party loyalties and particular candidates' positions on education issues all too often overshadow the needs of students and the health of the education system.
I believe that the best interest of students is not a matter of red or blue, but that both sides should work together for the best interest of everyone.
Nowhere is this idea more pervasive among North Carolina voters than when choosing key education leadership positions, such as the state's Superintendent of Public Instruction position.
The role of the state superintendent of education in shaping education policy and allocating resources is significant.
These individuals have the power to influence curriculum standards, school funding, teacher salaries, and more, all of which directly impact the quality of education students receive in every corner of our state.
Therefore, it is imperative that the selection process for these positions be viewed through a purple lens by voters, prioritizing the best interests of all students over alignment with only one voting party.
Education is not a partisan issue. It is a fundamental right and the foundation of a thriving society. North Carolina's state constitution states, “The people have a right to the privilege of receiving an education, and it is the duty of the state to protect and preserve that right.”
Whether students live in rural communities or urban centers, whether they come from wealthy or privileged families, they all reach their full potential. You have the right to receive a high-quality public education.
Maintaining this mindset in selecting educational leaders will ensure that decisions are made that incorporate diverse perspectives and focus on equity and excellence for all students, regardless of zip code within the state. .
We need to foster collaboration and consensus-building, which are essential ingredients to bring about meaningful and sustainable change in our education systems. When leaders across the political spectrum come together to address the challenges facing schools, we increase our ability to find innovative solutions and solve complex problems with nuance and pragmatism.
Of course, working together is not easy, especially in today's highly polarized political climate. It requires a willingness on the part of all voters to put the common good above partisan interests, to listen with respect and tolerance to differing views, and to seek compromise when necessary for the greater good of students. Is required.
Eight out of 10 North Carolina students attend public schools, and they deserve that from each of us.
As educators and student advocates, we must actively participate in efforts to maintain a purple perspective on voting when it comes to educational leadership. This means holding elected officials accountable for their commitment to education and advocating for policies that prioritize individual student success over political ideology. It is essential that we actively participate in the democratic process by voting informedly in elections, rather than just voting by party without having a purple mindset when it comes to education.
At the end of the day, our state's future depends on the strength of our education system and the opportunities it provides for all students. By adhering to the ideals of Purple and Straight voting when selecting educational leaders, North Carolina is a beacon of excellence in education where every child has the opportunity to grow and succeed, regardless of political climate. I can guarantee that it will continue to be.
Let us stand united across partisan divides in our efforts to provide the best education possible for North Carolina's public school students. Our Old North State children deserve nothing better.