Questionnaire Responses – Adam Hege
1 – What are your unique life/occupational experiences you believe will bring a different and important perspective to the Watauga County School Board?
I’m a proud parent and uncle of children in the Watauga County School System (Watauga High, Blowing Rock). I attended and benefited from NC public education from kindergarten through my doctoral studies (first generation 4-year college graduate). I’m a strong supporter of public education at all levels and of teachers, administrators, and staff and their professional expertise – they play such a vital role in a democratic society. I believe that public school systems are one of our most vital assets and that they make a major impact on the broader community for future generations. As a public health professor, I’m continually reminded of and tell my students the same – the healthiest counties and communities are those that have good school systems. I’m a progressive candidate, and through my lived experiences, I’ve continued to value the importance of critical thinking, communication, collaboration, compassion, character, diversity, equity, and inclusion. I’m educated (PhD, MPA) and trained in local and state government and public policy, with 15 years of experience in the field and in higher education.
2 – What do you consider to be the most pressing issue facing Watauga County Schools and how will you address this issue if elected?
There are many things at the state level, particularly the inadequate funding and undervaluing of the importance of public education, impacting school systems across North Carolina. The one issue that I think is the most pressing issue specific to Watauga County Schools is the ability to recruit and retain high quality teachers, administrators, and staff. Through my experiences, I have seen firsthand that any organization is only as good and successful as the people that make it up. Our school system is consistently one of the best in NC for that reason – we have such good teachers and staff. However, when professionals go above and beyond what is expected of them daily, they need to be rewarded for that effort. The pay for these hardworking and dedicated professionals is not sufficient and with the ever-growing cost of housing in our community, it is not sustainable. As a board member, I would utilize my previous and current working relationships with county commissioners and community advocacy groups to address these issues, particularly as it relates to housing (affordable and accessible housing is something impacting our entire community). I will be a tireless advocate for teacher pay and adequate funding for our school system, and I will work collaboratively with stakeholders across the county to address some of our pressing challenges, such as housing, that negatively impact our school system and our ability to recruit and retain the best education professionals.
3 – Do you believe the Watauga County Board of Commissioners provides adequate funding for Watauga County’s public schools? Please explain.
In general, I do believe that the Watauga County Board of Commissioners provides adequate funding for our county’s public schools. Where we North Carolinians have all struggled in the last decade is with the legislature at the state level not providing adequate funding. Specifically, in 2022 we were rated last (50th) in the U.S. for state funding directed at K-12 public schools (Education Law Center); according to the North Carolina Public Schools Statistical Profile, from 2008 to 2020, NC’s funding levels decreased by approximately 10% when adjusted for inflation (NC Public Schools Statistical Profile). As a supporter of public schools, I’m always going to be a proponent of more funding where available; however, at the local level, our Board of Commissioners have done a good job of maintaining a good funding track record for the school system. It is recognized, however, that we have several schools that have renovation needs, so there will be the continued need for funding to help support those efforts. As previously, mentioned, I will always be an advocate for funding that can help to support the increased pay of teachers and staff, where we are unfortunately not getting from the state level.
4 – If you could only increase Watauga County’s public school spending in one area, what would it be and why?
If I could increase spending in one area, it would be in school-based support services, including mental health professionals and social workers. Mental illness is a major public health issue in our area, and we often lack the resources to meet the demands. I would love to see the school system continue to look at ways to fund the support services that can help students and their families in times of need, which is frequent for many of our students. Students cannot achieve their full potential academically if they are not having their basic needs met. Much of educational achievement and teachers’ ability to do their jobs takes place outside of the classroom.
5 – Do you support or oppose all/none/some of the ‘Parent’s Bill of Rights’ enacted for public schools by the state legislature in August 2023 (SB 49)? Please explain.
My answer to this question is “some of it”, simply because our public schools, particularly here in Watauga County, were already doing much of what is included in SB 49. As a parent of a student myself, I believe very much in the importance of parents being intricately connected to their child’s education – at the same time, I also believe that teachers and educators have the expertise to do their jobs, and they should have the freedom to do their job in the way they see fit, just as we would expect other professionals to have in their fields. However, what I am wholeheartedly against are elements of the bill that essentially seek to police students and their parents/families (and educators) regarding issues related to gender identity, sexual activity, and sexuality. It is eerily similar to some of the things that have happened in Florida in recent years – and Florida is not a good model for our state or local communities to be following. In addition, I have no problem with parents being able to inspect books and instructional materials – that shows good parental involvement. However, if it is something they don’t like, I’m not in support of them being able to ban it for everyone else – I’m definitely not a supporter of banning books.
6 – Do you support or oppose the “Moms for Liberty” organization and activities related to public schools? Please explain.
No, I do not support the “Moms for Liberty” organization, its agenda, or its activities. I do not see banning books, harassing teachers and other public-school officials, or attacking the LGBTQ population and other marginalized populations as pursuing “liberty”, helping schools, or improving the quality of education that children receive. I value critical thinking and compassion – my philosophy of teaching and education is built around what Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that this goal of true education.” I don’t equate “Mom’s for Liberty” as pursuing that goal.
7 – What are your ideas/proposals for increasing public participation with Watauga’s schools?
Public participation is vital to continually improving our community and addressing the needs of the public. As a school board member, I would welcome opportunities to meet with parents as well as teachers and staff members routinely. Elected officials can only serve the people as they know how best to serve – and that comes from listening. I would welcome the opportunity to hold town halls at schools throughout the academic year and/or meet and greet with groups in the community. As a community-based researcher and educator professionally, I love the opportunity to engage with diverse audiences and to facilitate open discussions and conversations. Having a child in high school right now who is very active in sports and clubs, this gives me a good opportunity to connect with people at that level and I really treasure it.