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Race for Jackson County School Board BY HANNAH MCLEOD STAFF WRITER en candidates are running for three open seats on the Jackson County Board of Education this spring. Only one incumbent is running, while two other seats will have a newcomer following the Primary Election. Though the race is non-partisan, it is decided during Primary Elections. All Jackson County voters are eligible to vote in the race for board of education. According to Jackson County Board of Elections Director Lisa Lovedahl, Jackson County is one of about 30 included in a law that made county school boards non-partisan and placed them on the primary ballot. Primary Elections take place May 17, with early voting beginning April 28. After board members have been elected, the board will vote to make one member chairman for a two-year term.
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Abigail Clayton
Courtney Umphlett
Lisa Buchanan
Wesley McKnight
Kim Moore
Frederick Buskey
Lynn Dillard
Joy Rose
istrict 2 covers Sylva’s North Ward, as well as Scotts Creek. Abigail Clayton currently represents the district. She was elected for her first term in 2018 and is running for reelection this year. She has two competitors for the seat, Courtney Umphlett and Lisa Buchanan.
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Smoky Mountain News
April 20-26, 2022
ABIGAIL CLAYTON Age: 38 Birthplace: Anchorage Alaska Place of residence: Sylva (since 1995) Occupation: Vice-President/City Executive for State Employees’ Credit Union in Cullowhee Experience in education: While I am not a formal educator, I am a huge supporter of our local schools. I am an active volunteer with JCPS and my career has allowed me to introduce financial education in our local schools. Why are you the right person for the job? As a parent of a JCPS student, I can bring a voice for parents. As a supporter for our local educators, I bring their perspective to the Board. I have a special needs younger brother who is also a JCPS student, so I can provide perspective for those within special education. I also serve this population in our community as the local program coordinator for Special Olympics. Everyone in our community deserves to be heard, and I feel like I am excellent at listening to all parties and doing what is best for the children of Jackson County. Top priorities for Jackson County Schools: I will strive to give all stakeholders (parents, the community and our local educators) the transparency and the voice they want and deserve. I am proud of our strong leadership and will continue to support their efforts to do what is right for the children of Jackson County. I will ensure that improving the education and well-being of our students is at the forefront of all decisions.
COURTNEY UMPHLETT 6
Age: 33 Birthplace: Salisbury
Place of residence: Sylva Occupation: Owner of Wonderworks Music Studio and The Sylva Art Bar Experience in education: I have accumulated 13 years in education in various capacities. My experiences include three years as a music teacher in public schools as well as a reading/math tutor and after school program educator in JCPS; lead and substitute teacher for preschool classrooms at the Early Learning Center in Sylva; and contracted teacher for various band and choir programs throughout WNC. Through my business, I teach private piano and voice lessons to students in Sylva and online around the globe as well as manage the various aspects of an education business from budgeting to observations of teachers. Why are you the right person for the job? I am a passionate supporter of public education and believe it is one of the best things our nation does. Having been in the classroom as well as married to a JCPS teacher of 16 years, I know the ins and outs of our public education systems today. I understand what proposed actions may better the school system or make things harder on the staff. My 10 years running an education business bring a unique perspective to the board. I am willing to work with anyone to bring good and lasting change to JCPS as well as listen to those whose opinions may differ from my own. We are all in this together, and working together is the only way we can achieve success. Top priorities for Jackson County Schools: Continuing the funding and support of preschool in Jackson County. Working with high schools to explore a wide variety of opportunities for post-graduation tracks such as: col-
lege, apprenticeships, career and technical education, or entering the workforce. Responding to the mass teacher and staff exodus we are seeing in our public schools. Jackson county is not the only one, but it doesn’t mean we can’t work to figure out the reasons why this is happening and develop solutions to make the education world seem like a desirable career again.
LISA BUCHANAN Age: 57 Birthplace: Sheppard AFB, Wichita Falls, Texas. My family moved back to Jackson County when I was 5 years old. Place of residence: Sylva Occupation: I am a North Carolina State Bar Certified Paralegal. Commercial Documentation Specialist for HomeTrust Bank. Experience in education: I have volunteered with Jackson County schools as a soccer coach at two area schools. I was a founding board member for the Smoky Mountain Touchdown Club and have volunteered with Jackson County Bible Club. I have taught at a private school on a volunteer basis. I have raised four children who attended Jackson County schools. My sons were involved in athletics as JCPS students, and my youngest son graduated from Jackson County Early College. I have a passion to see every Jackson County child provided with an education that equips each child to reach his or her full potential. Why are you the right person for the job? I have always had a passion to improve the lives of and protect children. In addition to the
opportunities I have had to work with children in Jackson County schools, I have volunteered in many other aspects for Jackson county youth. At the national level I am a volunteer with Veterans for Child Rescue. I am a State Bar Certified Paralegal, and I believe this training and knowledge will serve me well as I serve our community. I believe strongly in the power of prayer and will seek God’s will for the needs of our children. Top priorities for Jackson County Schools: Transparency, Teacher Support, Academic Excellence and Safety. I support open communications and open meetings and everyone’s voice will be recognized and valued. We need to redirect resources to the classrooms and give our teachers the support they need. Although our county has need of improvement academically, our teachers and school-based staff are a dedicated, hardworking team. I’m committed to providing much needed resources, wholesome curriculum, and encouragement to these valuable individuals to improve overall student performance. I will work hard to provide each child with a safe education, both the safest environment and the most wholesome, age-appropriate curriculum possible. istrict 4 covers Cullowhee, Caney Fork, River and Canada. It is currently represented by Ali Laird-Large, who is also chairman of the Jackson County School board. She has represented district four since first being elected in 1998 and is not running for reelection. Wesley McKnight, Kim Moore, and Frederick Buskey are competing to represent district 4.
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