1 – If elected, in what way(s) will you bring a different and important perspective to the Watauga County School Board?

If elected, I will bring a perspective grounded in real-world experience, service, and accountability. My background in emergency services, education, and organizational leadership has required making sound decisions under pressure, managing limited resources responsibly, and working collaboratively with diverse teams toward shared goals.

I understand that education is not one-size-fits-all, especially here in Watauga. Students learn differently, teachers face real constraints, and successful outcomes depend on support, preparation, and clear expectations. I bring the perspective of someone who spent time training individuals, mentoring new professionals, and ensuring standards are met without losing sight of individual needs.

My experience managing large budgets, coordinating complex operations, and ensuring compliance in high-responsibility roles gives me a practical approach to fiscal stewardship and policy oversight. I believe school board members must ask hard questions, listen carefully, and make decisions based on what best serves students, families, and educators—not trends or politics.

Finally, my service in non-profit organizations and disaster response has reinforced the importance of trust, communication, and community partnership. I will bring a steady, service-oriented voice to the Board—focused on student success, respect for teachers, and strong collaboration between schools and the community.

2 – What do you consider to be the most pressing issue facing Watauga County Schools and how will you address this issue if elected?

The most pressing issue facing Watauga County Schools is retaining and supporting quality teachers and staff while meeting the diverse needs of students with limited resources. Our educators are being asked to do more than ever—academically, socially, and emotionally—often without the support, time, or stability they need to be successful.

If elected, I will focus on addressing this issue through responsible governance and collaboration. This includes prioritizing teacher retention by supporting competitive compensation, manageable workloads, and professional development that is practical and classroom-focused. Just as importantly, the School Board must listen to teachers and staff and ensure that policies reflect the realities they face every day.

From a governance standpoint, my background in budgeting and operations has taught me the importance of accountability and long-term planning. I will advocate for responsible use of county and state funding, transparency in decision-making, and exploring partnerships that help stretch resources without sacrificing educational quality.

Finally, I believe strong schools are built through trust and communication. I will work to strengthen partnerships between families, educators, and the community so that expectations are clear, students are supported, and schools remain focused on education—not distractions. Addressing these challenges requires steady leadership, practical solutions, and a commitment to putting students and teachers first.

3 – If you could increase Watauga County’s public school spending in only one area, what would your priority be and why?

If I could increase Watauga County’s public school spending in only one area, my priority would be direct support for teachers and instructional staff.

Teachers have the greatest impact on student outcomes, yet they are often stretched thin by large class sizes, administrative demands, and limited classroom resources. Investing in competitive compensation, instructional support staff, and meaningful professional development helps retain experienced educators and allows them to focus on teaching rather than managing shortages.

From my experience, I have seen that well-supported educators create more stable learning environments, better student engagement, and stronger academic results. This type of investment also reduces turnover, which saves money long-term and provides continuity for students and families.

While facilities, technology, and programs all matter, none are effective without qualified, supported educators in the classroom. Prioritizing teacher and staff support is the most direct and responsible way to strengthen Watauga County Schools and ensure students receive the education they deserve.

4 – Do you support or oppose re-directing funding from NC public schools to the state’s Opportunity Scholarship (voucher) program for private and charter schools? Please explain.

I oppose redirecting funding from North Carolina’s public schools to the Opportunity Scholarship (voucher) program.

Public schools serve every student, regardless of background, ability, or need, and they are accountable to the communities that fund them. When public dollars are diverted to private or charter options, it reduces the resources available for the vast majority of students who remain in public schools— particularly in rural counties like Watauga, where alternatives may be limited or inaccessible.

From my experience, I believe the solution is not to weaken public schools but to strengthen them. Our focus should be on supporting teachers, maintaining high standards, and ensuring that public schools have the funding and stability they need to meet diverse student needs. Public education works best when resources are invested directly into classrooms, instructional support, and student services.

Additionally, private schools receiving voucher funds are not held to the same transparency, accountability, or service requirements as public schools. As a school board member, my responsibility would be to the students, families, and taxpayers of Watauga County, and I believe public funds should remain dedicated to public education.

I support giving families strong public schools they can trust, that are well- funded, accountable, and focused on student success—rather than redirecting resources away from the system that serves our entire community.

5 – Do you support or oppose the state legislature’s lowering the percentage of NC’s Education Lottery revenue allocated to public schools? Please explain.

I oppose lowering the percentage of North Carolina’s Education Lottery revenue allocated to public schools.

Voters were told that lottery funds would support education, and those dollars play an important role in helping counties like Watauga address needs such as school construction, classroom resources, and student support services. Reducing that share shifts is an additional burden onto local taxpayers or forces difficult cuts at the school level (we can’t afford any more cuts after last year).

From my experience managing budgets and operating within limited resources, I believe funding commitments should be honored and used as intended. While accountability and transparency in how lottery funds are spent are essential, the answer is not to reduce support for public schools but to ensure those funds are used responsibly and effectively.

As a school board member, my priority would be advocating for stable, predictable funding so local leaders can plan responsibly and focus on student success. Maintaining the education lottery’s commitment to public schools helps protect instructional quality, supports long-term planning, and respects the trust voters placed in the system.

6 – Do you support or oppose NC’s pending House Bill 636 — Promoting Wholesome Content for Students”? Please explain.

I support having age- appropriate content in school libraries because schools have a responsibility to serve students at their developmental level and to partner respectfully with families. Libraries should encourage learning, curiosity, and a love of reading while also reflecting community standards and parental expectations.

As a parent, I believe in thoughtful oversight rather than extremes. Supporting wholesome content does not mean limiting access to ideas, but it does mean using clear review processes to ensure materials are appropriate for the age group they serve and educationally sound. My goal is to maintain school libraries that support learning, respect families, and keep the focus on student growth and success.

7 – State funding for our local schools is tied to enrollment at our local schools. What ideas can you bring forward as a Watauga County School Board member in light of declining enrollment?

Declining enrollment is a serious challenge because it directly affects state funding, staffing, and long-term planning. In Watauga County, this issue is compounded by rising housing costs that have made it increasingly difficult for families—and even school employees—to afford to live in the community.

As a school board member, I would focus on strengthening what we already do well—supporting strong teachers, maintaining safe and welcoming schools, and ensuring academic programs meet the needs of today’s students. Families are more likely to remain in or return to public schools when they trust the quality, consistency, and stability of the system.

I would also support expanding and promoting programs that connect education to real-world skills and career pathways, such as career and technical education and partnerships with local businesses and community colleges. My background as an instructor and workforce trainer has shown me that students thrive when they see a clear connection between school and future opportunities.

While the school board does not control housing policy, it does have a role in collaboration. I would support working with county leaders, municipalities, and community partners to ensure that the impact of housing affordability on enrollment and staffing is part of broader planning conversations. When families and educators cannot afford to live where they work, schools suffer.

Finally, declining enrollment requires careful, transparent decision-making. That includes evaluating facility use, staffing levels, and resource allocation to ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently without sacrificing educational quality. Addressing enrollment challenges will require listening, collaboration, and long- term planning that reflects the realities families face in Watauga County.

8 – Do you support or oppose banning books about LGBTQ lives and/or with LGBTQ characters from public schools? Please explain.

Public schools serve a diverse student population, and school libraries exist to provide age-appropriate materials that reflect a wide range of experiences and perspectives. Decisions about instructional and library materials should be guided by established review processes, professional standards, and more importantly parental input.

As a parent, I believe in thoughtful oversight and accountability. If concerns are raised about specific materials, they should be addressed through transparent review procedures that consider educational value, age appropriateness, and community standards. That process protects both students and parents while maintaining trust in our schools.

My focus as a school board member would be on supporting families, respecting parental involvement, and ensuring that schools remain places of learning, not division. I believe we can uphold community values, maintain appropriate standards, and still respect the responsibility of public schools to educate all students.

9 – What are your ideas/proposals for increasing public participation with Watauga’s schools?

Increasing public participation starts with rebuilding trust and making it easier for families and community members to engage with our schools in meaningful ways.

As a school board member, I would support more consistent, two-way communication between schools, families, and the community. That includes clear, timely information about decisions being considered, opportunities for public input before votes are taken, and board meetings that are accessible both in person and online. People are more likely to participate when they feel heard and respected.

I also believe schools should actively strengthen partnerships with local organizations, churches, nonprofits, and businesses. My background in community service and volunteer leadership has shown me that when schools invite the community to be part of the solution—through mentoring, career exploration, tutoring, and service opportunities—students benefit and public support grows.

Another important step is encouraging parents and community members to be present in schools. Expanding volunteer programs, welcoming classroom involvement where appropriate, and supporting school-based events helps families feel connected to what is happening day-to-day. Participation grows when schools are seen as community hubs rather than distant institutions.

Finally, I would support creating more opportunities for listening—community forums, advisory groups, and surveys that allow parents, staff, and students to share feedback. Public participation isn’t just about speaking at meetings; it’s about ongoing relationships built on transparency, respect, and shared responsibility for student success.

Respectfully Submitted,
Chad Cole, Candidate
Watauga Board of Education – D4 ckc4boe@gmail.com