Giving them the support and structure to help them do their job and let them do their job, Fenwick said. Here are statements from the four candidates: Steve Combs, Ron Henries, Barbara Kinsey and Brenda. Our board has prioritized investments in improving Watauga County Schools facilities, expanding public safety services by adding ambulance coverage and improving emergency communication infrastructure. A special thank you to each of the candidates for their participation in the event, along with our venue host Appalachian Theatre, and our media partners at SkyBest TV and High Country Radio. What are my voting districts? Apply today! } First thing that comes to mind since weve been dealing with this a lot lately is the need for improving our facilities. It is imperative that they know the board members both care about their dedication and sacrifice and understand that the board of education will support them in making the best decisions for our students. I understand the money issue, believe me I do. AppKids is a program established to raise funds for underprivileged WCS students which allows App State employees to take these students shopping during the holiday season. Another major effort has been focused on trying to provide better access to technology for online instruction, specifically high speed internet access. HR Assistant, Remote Recruiter, Recruiter, HR / Recruitment Consultant. The county has very builder-friendly planning regulations, which make it attractive for folks to build if they want. What comes to mind is also I think safety is important with the president of the board having worked with other agencies in the state locally to provide school resource officers, Childers said. Full Time position. We are also looking at trying to improve our ambulance coverage in the county. I will review proposed policies and practices with careful attention to their possible impacts on racial equity, and seek to change those which unfairly affect minority students or personnel. Many candidates also have websites and social media accounts. The board ultimately has the responsibility for these issues but all of us on the board know that teachers ultimately make the best decisions for their classrooms and we believe those decisions are good.. My name is Mia Seligman. We must continue to support this vital work. Was absentee/mail-in voting available to all voters? It is essential that eastern and western Watauga County have an ambulance station. My priorities have not changed since the first time I was elected. View My Voter Registration Information Am I registered to vote? We have more school nurses, more school counselors, a PreK program, middle school and elementary day programs which have helped us significantly close the learning gap, Fenwick said. 559 West King Street Boone, NC 28607-3536 United States The annual Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum is scheduled for Thursday, October 6, from 5:00-9:30 PM, and will be broadcast live from the Appalachian Theatre in Downtown Boone. This is not something that you can sit back and wait on. Provided bio: My name is Ronny Holste. COVID-19 is still a global problem. I want to revisit the Saturday-only free dumping. Archives of each segment of the forum will be made available on Boone Area Chamber of Commerce platforms following the event. All questions will be asked by a moderator. The event is co-hosted by the Boone Area & Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce. Job in Irving - Dallas County - TX Texas - USA , 75062. The pandemic has unearthed several shortfalls in local communities across the state and connectivity is one of the largest gaps we face. For information on different ways to register to voteclick, Yourvoter registration is linked to your residential address. Achieving equal opportunity remains one of the greatest challenges throughout American life, and while it is obviously a national issue, much of the real work has to be done at the local level. As a member of the School Board, one of our most important roles is to review and approve school system policies. | } If I had to choose just one goal, it would be that I will be an effective, supportive and accessible board of education member for the nearly seven hundred employees and four thousand students. Cole believes that all students should have access to books that both fit the curriculum, and also ones that fit their beliefs. No one wants to see us overbuild. The county has far fewer regulations compared to the area towns. Their direct services and their ability to help connect families to additional services in the community play a vital role in helping students succeed. Watauga has been receiving COVID relief funds that we have been distributing to local agencies. WATAUGA COUNTY RESULTS unofficial results from North Carolina Board of Election. Fenwick discussed the multifaceted process teachers in the county use to make decisions on what children are reading in classrooms. if ($(this).next('div.vis_widget_table').is(":hidden")) { Polls close at 7:30 p.m. House District 93 (Watauga, Ashe, Alleghany), 579 Greenway Rd Suite 101Boone, North Carolina 28607United States. The first results posted will be the early vote and absentee ballots. In working with others, a plan is developed, making adjustments when necessary. We allocated $100,000 to this fund to provide rapid assistance loans to local businesses that have been impacted by the pandemic. I will be an advocate for increased early education and child development services at both the local and state level. In working with others, a plan is developed, making adjustments when necessary. Our schools do not have the funding or infrastructure to solve these problems alone. What can we change? James Hill- Secretary
addressed before we can push the traffic flow out into the rural areas. Click HERE for Map 2, New River 3 Voting Precinct Map with Construction Route - Click HERE, https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88013088006?pwd=aHRscm5Cd25KaFU3WE9EWEtXaW5lZz09. 91.5 Chapel Hill 88.9 Manteo 90.9 Rocky Mount 91.1 Welcome 91.9 Fayetteville 90.5 Buxton 94.1 Lumberton 99.9 Southern Pines One thing that most citizens do not know is that the Towns of Boone, Blowing Rock, Beech Mountain and Seven Devils all have authority for the projects in their town limits. Candidates running for US House of Representatives, Watauga County Sheriff, Watauga County Board of Education, North Carolina State House, and the Watauga County Board of Commissioners have been invited to participate. Greet and host candidates during the day and provide required information to all candidates. The North Carolina State Board of Elections has launched formal investigations into two high-profile Republican figures and one Republican dark-money group in connection with the 2022 election. Counties | Continue to support them any way that we possibly can- through food programs and educational opportunities. Job Description & How to Apply Below. If so, was a photo or non-photo ID required? During a pandemic, this rings even more true. I believe my experience with the Watauga County Planning board uniquely qualifies me for County Commissioner. There is a school resource officers presence in every Watauga school building for at least part of the day. Childers plans to increase the number as funds become available. WATAUGA COUNTY, N.C. Early voting began October 15 in North Carolina statewide. Average $85,000/Year - $10,000 Sign-On Bonus - Full Benefits. chevron.removeClass('fa-chevron-down'); }); We need to continue to expand our ambulance bases in the county to reach areas not currently served in further most parts of the county. Another service of special importance to low income families is pre-kindergarten classes. The growth of App State has caused development to expand outside of the Town of Boones boundaries. We are a Carolinas Accredited Chamber by CACCE and serve over 750 members across the High Country. The members of BACC invite and encourage you to join! Moss Brennan (he/him) is a senior journalism major with a minor in political science and media studies. Your email address will not be published. Andrew Rice (he/him) is a sophomore communications studies, journalism major, political science minor from Cary, NC. Anyone can contact me at John.welch@watgov.org. Comments (-1) Another element of promoting racial equity is ensuring that the School Board and other school system leaders are setting the right tone and leading by example in their attention to racial issues and issues which may have racial implications. Andrew Rice, Kaitlyn Potochnik, K. Slade, and Mia SeligmanNovember 7, 2022|819 Views. Questions will come from audience submissions as well as suggestions from the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Government Relations Committee and the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce Community and Government Committee. WATAUGA COUNTY RESULTS - unofficial results from North Carolina Board of Election. It is about community partnerships. March 4, 2022 Candidate filing for the 2022 election season came to a close on March 4 at 12 p.m. after it re-opened on February 24. They have a right to know their curriculum and they should be involved and its our duty to serve them to do so, Hanifan said. widget_load_check_jquery(); The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(6) organization, and is not affiliated with any municipal or county government. Use the golden rule. To listen, learn and offer my voice and ideas to our community. Nazi flag raised outside Temple of the High Country, campus and community respond, Opinion: You cant separate the art and the artist, Boone Barbies light up Ransoms final week, Mavis Staples brings positive vibrations to the High Country, Mountaineers enter conference tournament as 9th seed, Mile walk in heels brings awareness, funding to OASIS, Boy Band Night brings pop favorites to Legends, State Board certifies election results, recount results, Watauga County Board of Elections certifies 2022 election results, 2022 Election: Federal, state, county unofficial results, Polls open at Plemmons Student Union for Election Day, Meet the Candidates: Board of commissioners and sheriff, Meet the Candidates: North Carolina House of Representatives, Meet the 2022 Midterm Election candidates, Election Day: Tips and important information, App State College Democrats host democratic county commissioner candidates, discuss voting, The Student News Site of Appalachian State University, Your email address will not be published. Im on numerous nonprofit boards in the area and volunteer my time as well with OASIS, Hunger and Health Coalition and Hospitality House. The school board recently purchased land in the Valle Crucis community to replace a school that is prone to flooding. Working in local and state government for the past 25 years has allowed me to go into our communities and see first hand many of the needs of our WCS students. = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. I have a beautiful wife, Gina, and two wonderful children, Ava (age 8) and Henry (age 5). Phone:
All membership applications for the BACC must be approved by the Board of Directors. Watauga County Democratic Party The Party of All the People! If you haven't registered to vote, you can use the same link to register. I believe that Mahatma Gandhi had it right when he wrote that a nations greatness is measured by how you treat its weakest members. No matter the community, it is imperative that we find ways to support those who struggle. The Town of Boone has made it nearly impossible and prohibitivly expensive to build within the city limits so the growth will be in the county. Accurate voter rolls are maintained by removing voters who have moved or died or are otherwise ineligible to vote in that jurisdiction, according to the . "Over time, the number dwindled, due mainly to low milk prices, increasing prices of equipment and land, as well as older. Im on numerous nonprofit boards in the area and volunteer my time as well with OASIS, Hunger and Health Coalition and Hospitality House. I want to see those projects through. Where are the barriers to creating a better pipeline of minority role models in education and how can these barriers be addressed? But that means there are issues which must be. Marv Williamsen- Member. Required fields are marked *. For the past eight years I have had the pleasure of serving on the Watauga County Planning Board. I see our small businesses as part of this development from tech companies or manufacturing, but I also see businesses like our brewing industry that can grow here as well. The Watauga County Board of Education is seeking a superintendent to lead the Watauga County Schools. As a board of education member, I would like to be an advocate to help find long-term solutions to these issues. I do not have all the answers, but I am a candidate that will listen to situations, consider all appropriate responses, and make the best decision possible for all the students and members involved. View the Watauga County 2022 Meet the Candidates Forum in its entirety here, or watch the segmented archives below. Our law enforcement and rescue services need to be fully supported by the commissioners so we can make sure citizens are safe. Two priorities are at the top of the list: 1) Early childhood education, including increased availability of pre-kindergarten classes, especially for lower income families, and greater investment outside of the school system in early childhood services, and 2) greater progress on implementing the school systems capital improvements plan, including replacing two of the K- schools and completing major maintenance and improvement projects for most of the other. WATAUGA The Watauga County Board of Elections has completed its biennial list maintenance and removal of inactive voters. Ashcraft also addressed personnel issues the county has been facing in recent years. if ($(this).next('.vis_widget_table').is(":hidden")) { High Country Press reached out to the candidates for Watauga County Board of Education. Maybe myself and interested App State students could work together to raise funds to help cover some of these unpaid lunch costs? These are the most pressing needs I see for Watauga County: We really need broadband Internet access for all of our citizens. Legal. The event is co-hosted by the Boone Area & Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce. Watauga County Board of Elections
Knowing your candidate choices in advance and being familiar with the ballot will help your voting experience go more quickly. Kerley also emphasized his desire to have a resource officer in every school. Where plausible and appropriate, we should also consider policies and systems that continue to provide transportation, programming, meaningful activities, technical support and relationships for those who need it the most. Cole supports mental health support being offered to students as needed, but believes that Watauga as a whole is doing well. chevron.addClass('fa-chevron-up'); } It is Imperative that you finish the Ballot in its Entirety for us to have a chance to finally CHANGE how Watauga County is Governed! We will also continue to advocate at the state level for broadband expansion throughout the county. Required fields are marked *. To safely return our students to the classroom. By working together, we can achieve our mission to maintain and enhance our industry as a whole. in Downtown Boone. We make recommendations regarding the development of comprehensive planning programs in the unincorporated area of the County, including implementation and revision of land use regulations. I know our current school system leadership is aware that we need to create a more diverse workforce and that this awareness shapes their recruitment efforts. We have accomplished so much but we still have much to do. Credential check will begin at 8:30. widget_load_check_dom() As a county commissioner I will work to make the board more accessible to the citizens of Watauga County and make sure the board works for the citizens and not vice versa. The bottomline is that three candidates (Childers, Fenwick, Ashcraft)offer years of experience in working with Watauga schools both professionally and on a volunteer basis. The Planning Board also acts as the review board for subdivision plat approval. chevron = $(this).find('i.fa-pull-right'); He has worked on The Appalachian since freshman Abi Pepin (she/her) is a senior journalism major, political science minor, from Concord, NC. Another important way to promote progress is through our recruitment and hiring practices and our efforts to prepare and retain new teachers and other school personnel. I hold true to treating others as I would like to be treated. Address, Phone Number, and Fax Number for Watauga County Board of Elections, a Board Of Elections, at West King Street, Boone NC. Also, with support from community groups and companies, hotspots have been offered to help many students gain connectivity at home. In addition to being an educational issue, it is also a barrier to much needed economic opportunity for families and to economic development for rural and poor communities. The event was broadcast live on SkyBest TV, WATA (1450 AM / 96.5 FM), and through the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce website and YouTube channel. If we do this, then we can establish relationships and build circles of care and support for those who need it the most. Their priorities are moderate and well intentioned. And not all of them have been affected, but a lot of them have and thats why we have employed more counselors and social workers to try to help address those needs, Childers said. It is difficult to determine the course of the pandemic in the coming months but Watauga County must position itself to respond to any challenge that may come our way. Thats a big improvement: only one access in and out in the building at the front doors and those doors stay locked all the time, Kerley said. chevron.addClass('fa-chevron-down'); Kerley explained how the security measures have been very beneficial in creating multiple security doors. As mentioned above, WCS was able to provide MiFi hotspots to many students, but we know cell service is not available in all areas of the county. Our board has invested in our health department to bring it to a more stable financial situation and provide it with the resources to protect our citizens. 100% remote. I think if we can just work with our counselors and support services to help boost these kids confidence and just make them feel like social optimists and get them back on track and feel like school is the best time of their life, Kerley said. position Listed on 2023-03-01. It is imperative that we protect our natural resources and agribusiness while developing an environment that benefits all folks within Watauga County. Posted 12:00:00 AM. Meet the Candidates: Watauga County Board of Education McNeil Johnston Andrew Rice, Kaitlyn Potochnik, K. Slade, and Mia Seligman November 7, 2022|812 Views Election Day is Nov. 8 and with 19 candidates on the local ballot, Watauga voters have many decisions to make. Candidates must be prepared to take office July 1, 2023. Job specializations: . You cant live here for cheap so its hard to live and work here, Kerley said. The Watauga County Planning Board is made up of seven members appointed by the County Commissioners. We have two sons: Hamilton, a senior finance major at Appalachian State University, who will graduate in December; Anderson is a freshman and is playing football for the Mountaineers and plans to major in business. Building student social skills and keeping pressure on things like attendance more relaxed is best.. The current antenna is part of an antiquated system that is in dire need of an upgrade. to update your address. My pronouns are she/her. 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