Name as it appears on the ballot: John Lee
Party affiliation: Democrat (Note: This is a nonpartisan race.)
Previous elected offices held: N/A
Age as of Election Day: 65
Immediate family members: N/A
Occupation (employer, where you work, what you do): Entrepreneur
Website and campaign social media: johnathaun@yahoo.com
1. The “Parents’ Bill of Rights” legislation has incorporated changes regarding education on health, gender identity and sexuality into state law. This year’s state superintendent race features a candidate who has discussed implementing additional measures that some critics call extreme. What’s your assessment of the state of public education in North Carolina?
In Cumberland County, we have a task before us. The future of our children must become the point of inflection. Presently, we have 15 schools on the low-performing list. Six of those schools are in District 2 and each level is represented — elementary, middle and high. A potential funding loss of $17 million from the public school 2024-25 budget may suggest that public education is lacking the ability and quality to retain its population.
2. If you solely controlled the purse strings of Cumberland County and for the county’s school district, what changes would you implement to both help preserve your fund balance and best serve teachers and students?
It requires intimate involvement in county management to efficiently and effectively delegate financial resources. The current fund balance will be depleted by $21 million for outstanding debt. Spending should promote quality education and safety. Teachers, on a state-wide level, have a history of suffering financially. Can you cite another profession whose salary is funded by the local, state and federal governments? It is important to have reserves to cover unforeseen expenses. However, the fund balance is not a savings account.
3. This community has long discussed constructing a new campus for E.E. Smith High School. What’s your solution for E.E. Smith High School?
The first and last considerations should be on the impact on the community, the students and its cultural and historical legacy. There are too many moving parts for a solution to be rendered by any one person. I believe that E.E. Smith High School should remain at its present location and receive investments in like manner as Terry Sanford.
4. Declining enrollment and increasing absenteeism are both significant challenges for Cumberland County Schools. What’s your fix for both?
We should seek to restructure the opportunity vouchers. As a community, we are responsible for ensuring our students understand and embrace the value and importance of education. They must want it for themselves. Additionally, we must address the mental and social concerns facing our students. In doing so, declining enrollment and increasing absenteeism will eventually correct themselves.
5. Cumberland County Sheriff Ennis Wright surprised officials this spring when he suddenly announced plans to pull school resource officers and traffic control officers from most public schools. What’s your take on his decision, and how would you approach a relationship with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office moving forward? And has the SRO issue been resolved to your satisfaction?
It was never an SRO issue; but instead, an issue of providing a safe environment where there is a harmonious atmosphere to teach, learn and share ideas. A place where parents know that their loved ones are secure. The problem did not suddenly appear. Nor should it have been a surprise to the Board of Education. I would propose an open and continuous dialogue between all vested parties, including parents, community leaders and students. School safety is found in the respect, understanding and appreciation of ALL who enter the premises.