Barbara Buie

Candidate for Hoke County Board of Education

1. Please tell the public a little about yourself – your background, education, and relevant experience.

I have nearly ten years of experience as a Hoke County School Board Member during the system’s most unprecedented growth. Additionally, I have thirty years of administrative experience that included the responsibilities of teaching and training. Having held leadership roles at the local, regional and state level strengthened my skills, making me a more effective school board member. Currently I am president of a local and a regional organization and hold membership in several others. I am a fourth generation member of McLauchlin Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church. My formal education is from Upchurch School (Raeford, NC) Boylan Haven-Mather Academy (Camden, SC) Tennessee State University (Nashville, Tenn.)

2. Why are you running for the Board of Education?

My primary reason is to serve the people of Hoke County. There are many major decisions that will be made in the very near future that will determine the direction of Hoke County Schools. I am running to bring a voice to “the table” that is too often unheard.

3. If elected (or re-elected), what do you hope to accomplish?

Hoke County Schools must continue to progress fiscally and physically. Emphasizes must always be on student growth, ensuring that students are college, career and life ready. I will work to accomplish the above.

4. Do you think Hoke County needs a new high school? Why or why not? Would you support building a new high school, and if so, where should it go?

I would welcome a new high school. However, before that becomes a reality other avenues must be explored. One issue is North Carolina General Assembly’s position on k-3 class size. Added to the cost of a new high school must be the cost of making the two schools equal. The advantages and disadvantages of adding to the current high school must also be discussed along with any increase in local taxes. The location of any new school should follow the students.

5. What are your thoughts on other school facilities needs (elementary, middle, etc.)

Current schools are nearly recovered from many years of neglect. The good news is that much work/updating has been done in recent years. All Hoke County Schools are safe for students and employees.

6. What efforts would you support to help make Hoke County Schools safe for students and staff?

Safety is my number one priority, and I will support updating/upgrading equipment and procedures as available and as evidence dictates the need to do so. Currently, Hoke County Schools has RAVE, cameras in all buildings, radios and cameras on all buses, and safety drills. The “See Something, Say Something” campaign is also an important part of Hoke County School’s comprehensive safety program.

7. What are your thoughts on charter schools?

I support parental choice in education. However, North Carolina has a PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM paid for by public dollars. The problems in public schools should be fixed instead of creating another system to under-educate more students.

8. Are there any areas of education or school system administration in Hoke County Schools that are of particular concern for you?

My biggest concern is that we will lose a member of our very talented team. This team works well together, cares about our staff and students and deserves our collective applauds for the many awards and recognitions that they have been the catalyst for or brought to this school system.

9. What would you do to help the school system recruit and retain qualified teachers?

A recent teacher work survey revealed that most teachers hold Hoke County Schools in high regard. Our teacher recruitment program is more than adequate. A less than desirable retention rate is the result of many factors that include military spouses, not born in Hoke County or North Carolina, Hoke County’s limited social activities and a desire for new adventures. In place is a mentoring program for beginning teachers, an apartment complex built for teachers and experts in Human Resources. I will continue to seek ways to ensure that highly qualified teachers are hired and pray that they will stay.

10. What efforts would you support to improve the high school graduation rate and test scores across all grade levels?

I will support any evidence based program that increases graduation rate or test scores. I will also pay close attention to growth in our elementary and middle schools as this can be a strong indicator of later graduation rates.

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