Education

Education Funding & Support

Focus: Ensuring adequate local funding and strong support for both Caldwell County Schools (K-12) and Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute (CCC&TI) to foster educational excellence and workforce readiness throughout our community.

My Commitment as Your Commissioner:

Investing in education is investing in Caldwell County's future. Strong public schools and a thriving community college are essential for preparing our youth, developing a skilled workforce, and attracting families and businesses. As your County Commissioner, I recognize the critical role local funding plays in supplementing state resources and will be a steadfast advocate for our students, educators, and educational institutions. Here’s how I plan to be helpful:

1. Support Competitive Resources for K-12 Schools:
   
   

   • How I'll Help: While the Board of Education manages daily operations, County Commissioners approve the local budget allocation. I will work collaboratively with the Board of Education, carefully reviewing their annual budget requests. Recognizing the need to attract and retain high-quality teachers, I will support efforts to provide competitive local salary supplements within the county's financial capacity. Furthermore, I commit to prioritizing funding requests for essential educational programs and resources that directly impact student learning and safety, ensuring our local dollars effectively enhance the state-provided foundation.

2. Ensure Safe and Adequate School Facilities:
   
   

   • How I'll Help: Our students deserve to learn in safe, modern environments. As Commissioner, I will support consistent funding for ongoing maintenance and repair of existing school buildings based on needs identified by Caldwell County Schools. I will also work proactively with the Board of Education on long-range capital improvement planning. When significant renovations or new school construction are necessary due to aging infrastructure or population growth, I will champion responsible funding mechanisms, including advocating for bond referendums if required, to provide the necessary facilities for our students' success.

3. Champion Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute (CCC&TI):
   
   

   • How I'll Help: CCC&TI is a vital engine for workforce development and accessible higher education in our county. As Commissioner, I will be a strong supporter of the college, advocating for the county's annual funding allocation to sustain and grow programs crucial to our local economy – particularly in fields like advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and skilled trades. I will support justifiable capital requests for facility upgrades or expansions needed to meet industry demands. Additionally, I will appoint knowledgeable and committed individuals to the CCC&TI Board of Trustees who understand its mission and will guide it effectively.

Strong schools and a strong community college are non-negotiable for a prosperous Caldwell County. As your Commissioner, I pledge to be a collaborative partner with our educational leaders, ensuring that county resources are allocated responsibly and effectively to support educational excellence and opportunity for all residents.