Residents consider school board candidacy

Local residents who are considering applying for a school board seat are now more informed about just what it takes to be a successful advocate of Chapel Hill-Carrboro schools.

About 15 potential applicants for a position on the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education received information about the job Tuesday.

The position will open when current chairwoman Pam Hemminger assumes a seat on the Orange County Board of Commissioners vacating the school board with one year left in her term.

Dabney Grinnan one potential applicant at Tuesday's meeting" said supporting the district's teachers would be her main priority.

""I have a great deal of concern that due to federal" state and local mandates and initiatives we are asking so much of our teachers" Grinnan said. It's hard for them to teach and be less interested in teaching.""

Deb Musson" another potential applicant" cited the economy and its impact on schools as her primary concern.

""I know that since we've been here" budget issues have always been an issue and with the economy such as it is that's going to be a driving force" she said.

Tuesday's meeting provided insight to many possible applicants who needed more information about the commitments involved with serving on the board.

For Theresa Watson, who is considering applying, the meeting reiterated the time and effort involved in a board position.

I took from yesterday's meeting that the position will require time" and you have a commitment" she said. That is really important.""

Stephanie Knott" spokeswoman for the district" said a member of the school board needs a combination of experience and dedication that does not revolve around a high paycheck.

""There is a great deal of volunteerism behind the role itself" Knott said. While it does come with a small stipend for service" it is very small and it doesn't compensate for the time they spend in that role.""

She also said that a history of service and the ability to spend extended periods of time working on bettering local schools would be essential.

""Someone who has a background of service and the ability to have the time to devote to being a board member is the greatest attribute in many respects"" she said.

It's a great responsibility that requires time away from home and family.""

The job requirements include serving on various district committees and helping to elect new board leaders in December" among other duties.

Instead of an election as is typical with the school board current board members will select the applicant they prefer based on an interview.

Applications for the position of the new board member consist of detailed questions aimed at the applicants as well as three letters of recommendation.

Though the board hasn't received any official applications a record number of local residents attended Tuesday's informational meeting district Superintendent Neil Pedersen said.



Contact the City Editor at citydesk@unc.edu.