We asked candidates for state and local office to tell us about their views on public education. Here are their answers.
Our Schools First sent a survey to every candidate for state legislature, Iredell County Commission, and Iredell-Statesville Schools Board of Education. OS1 does not endorse or recommend candidates in the 2018 Election–we simply wanted to provide the following information to help guide voters in their decision.
Richard Todd Carver
Republican
Qualifications and Experience
I have been an instructor with Mitchell Community College for more than 15 years. I have worked as an adjunct professor and an instructor in the continuing education department for many years teaching a wide range of subjects. I am also an adjunct professor with the University of North Carolina in Charlotte in the criminal justice department. UNCC is the college where I earned my master’s degree so it has always been a natural fit for me to work at the University.
Biography
I am writing this to introduce myself as a candidate for the Iredell-Statesville, District 7 School Board seat. My name is Richard Todd Carver. I have been a resident of Iredell County all of my life except for my enlistment in the US Air Force where I served as a Security Police Officer. When I returned home I attended Mitchell Community College and received the training to become a law enforcement officer. In 1995 I began working for the Mooresville Police Department, and in 2000 I transferred to the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office where I continue to work today.
During this time I have worked hard at the most important job I will ever have, that of being a father. My son and daughter have both attended Iredell-Statesville Schools. My daughter is still a student at Lake Norman High School. I have participated in their educational experience and worked to be supportive of them as students and the educators who have guided them along the way. I like to say I have skin in the game: meaning I am very much vested in the Iredell-Statesville School System. It is important to be vested as a parent and a community member.
OS1 Questions
1. Do you believe that all children in Iredell County, regardless of where they live, are entitled to the same quality of education?
Every child is deserving of a high quality educational experience.
2. Do you think that all children in Iredell County are currently receiving the same quality of education?
I believe all children are being exposed to the same level of opportunities within the Iredell Statesville School system. We have an award winning school system which we should all be proud of. Life does not provide the same opportunities for all children but I believe our schools are doing a good job of working hard for every student.
3. Do you think that the level of funding for public schools in North Carolina is adequate? If not, do you think it’s the County’s or the State’s responsibility to increase public education funding?
This is a shared responsibility. The State and the County are currently contributing to the expense of running our public schools.
4. Do you support the proposed Iredell County ¼ cent sales tax increase on the November 6, 2018 ballot?
I believe the sales tax increase is needed at this time.
5. If you do support the proposed sales tax increase, do you believe that the local School Boards are best equipped to decide how to use additional sales tax revenue for our schools? If not, who is best equipped to make these decisions?
This revenue like much of the money coming to the school system will come with stipulations. I believe there has been a public voice saying the money should be spent on safety and security. Collaboration will ensure the money is spent in the most prudent way possible.
6. Are you aware of the recent North Carolina School Report Card which graded all schools in the Iredell County?
Yes there has been a public school report card for several years. This is intended to allow parents to effectively compare schools from across the State.
7. Do you think that North Carolina School Report Card grades impact economic development in our County and the ability to attract employers that offer high-quality jobs?
Absolutely, I see education spending as an investment in the future employability of our citizens. If we do not give young people the skill set they need to fill higher paying jobs, employers will take those positions to other places.
8. Why do you think that some schools in the Iredell-Statesville School District have met academic growth expectations, while others show zero, or in some cases, even negative growth?
We need to replicate programs and practices which work in schools with positive growth. Leadership can play a key role in providing expectations for growth.