Name as it appears on the ballot: Terra B. Jordan
Party affiliation: Unaffiliated (Note: This is a nonpartisan race.)
Previous elected offices held: N/A
Age as of Election Day: 52
Immediate family members: Bryan Jordan (husband), Bryan Jordan Jr. (son), Teaira Ussery (daughter), Taylor Ussery (son-in-law)
Occupation (employer, where you work, what you do): Educator/teacher at Fort Liberty, employed by Department of Defense Education Activity
Website and campaign social media: tbjordan24.wixsite.com/terra-jordan-2024, Terra Jordan for School Board District 6
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?
As a school board member, my assessment of the state of public education in our state is that while we have made strides in some areas, we still face significant challenges, particularly in ensuring equitable access to quality education for all students. My guiding principle will be: “If a child can’t learn the way they are taught, then we must teach them in the way that they can learn.”
To implement this principle effectively, we need to provide teachers with the necessary resources and professional development to enhance their teaching practices. Additionally, we must address the notable achievement gaps among different student demographics. By thoroughly examining each school’s data, we can highlight areas of success, identify challenges and address disparities in educational outcomes among various racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups.
I will also focus on updating school programs and curricula to better prepare our students for the challenges of the digital age. Our slogan, “We Are Better Together,” reflects our commitment to overcoming the challenges facing our schools today. By working together, we can strive toward a future where every student has the opportunity to thrive.
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?
As a member of the school board responsible for controlling the budget for Cumberland County and its school district, I will focus on balancing fiscal responsibility with the needs of teachers and students. Resource allocation remains a critical issue in our schools. Schools in more affluent areas often have access to better resources compared to those in less affluent regions. As a board member, I will ensure that underserved communities receive the necessary resources to close these achievement gaps.
I will prioritize essential services by allocating the budget to critical areas such as instructional services. To enhance the effectiveness of our spending, I will work to reduce administrative costs by streamlining administrative expenses, thereby freeing up more funds for direct educational purposes. In addition, I will advocate for competitive salary increases for teachers. This will help our district attract and retain high-quality educators while aligning with state-mandated salary adjustments. I will also allocate funds for ongoing professional development to ensure that teachers remain updated with the latest educational practices and technologies.
Investing in programs and curricula that address learning loss and accelerate academic progress — especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic — will be a priority. Finally, maintaining transparency with the community about budget decisions and financial health is crucial. We will implement regular feedback mechanisms to understand and address the needs and priorities of teachers, students and parents. By focusing on these areas, we can create a balanced approach that preserves our fund balance while effectively serving the educational community.
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 discussion around constructing a new campus for E.E. Smith High School has been ongoing, with several potential solutions being considered. As a school board member, my key points and a possible solution would first secure funding for the new campus of E.E. Smith High School. I would explore different possible funding avenues, including general obligation bonds, limited obligation bonds, and state and federal grants. I will engage the community in fundraising efforts and seek private donations will allow us to bridge the funding gap. The next discussion is the location. My solution as a school board member is to explore all possibilities for the new state-of-the-art facility. As we look into possible areas, we need to ensure that it enhances the learning experience, while attracting more students and families to the district. Last, I do not disagree that a new school is needed, but more town hall meetings and forums are also needed to gather input from the community. This will ensure that the new campus meets the needs and expectations of the community, students, parents and staff.
4. Declining enrollment and increasing absenteeism are both significant challenges for Cumberland County Schools. What’s your fix for both?
Addressing declining enrollment and increasing absenteeism in Cumberland County Schools requires a multifaceted approach. The school board needs to implement various strategies to tackle these significant challenges facing our district.
One effective strategy is to establish community partnerships. By collaborating with local businesses and community organizations, we can develop programs that support both students and their families. Additionally, enhancing parental involvement is crucial. This can be achieved through regular communication, workshops and school events designed to engage parents in their children’s education.
Enhancing academic programs is another key strategy. By offering innovative curricula, such as STEM programs, arts, and vocational training, we can attract and retain students. Expanding extracurricular activities to cater to a variety of interests can also keep students engaged with school. Providing access to mental health resources and counseling services can address underlying issues contributing to absenteeism.
Utilizing data analytics is important for tracking attendance patterns and identifying trends. This allows for proactive measures to address absenteeism. Early identification of students at risk of chronic absenteeism and offering targeted interventions and personalized support plans can further help mitigate this issue.
Marketing campaigns should be launched to highlight the strengths and unique offerings of Cumberland County Schools. Additionally, regularly sharing success stories within the district can help build a positive image and attract new families.
By implementing these strategies, Cumberland County Schools can create a more engaging and supportive environment that encourages regular attendance and attracts new students.
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?
The recent decision to withdraw School Resource Officers (SROs) and traffic control officers from Cumberland County Schools was unexpected. Sheriff Ennis Wright’s decision to reallocate these resources to ensure adequate coverage for other essential services is understandable from a resource management perspective. However, it has raised concerns within our district regarding the safety and security of students and staff in the affected schools.
SROs play a crucial role in maintaining a safe school environment. They foster positive relationships with students, develop strategies to resolve issues affecting our schools and youth and provide essential protection, enabling students to reach their fullest potential. The absence of SROs and traffic control officers could also increase the strain on local police departments and potentially compromise school safety.
As the school board moves forward, it will be essential to foster a collaborative relationship with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office. As a school board member, we need to explore opportunities for resource sharing or joint initiatives to help mitigate the impact of staff shortages and engage the community in discussions about school safety to gather input on alternative safety measures.
Currently, the issue of SROs and traffic control officers has not been fully resolved. Cumberland County Schools and local police departments are working to address the gaps left by their withdrawal. This includes hiring additional SROs and traffic control officers to provide necessary coverage.
In conclusion, this situation remains ongoing. As a school board member, my goal is to ensure that every effort is made to keep Cumberland County Schools safe and to maintain a healthy learning environment for all students.
