We do not want the Board of Education to be an institution that dictates what students are learning or reading.. The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(6) organization, and is not affiliated with any municipal or county government. March 4, 2022 Candidate filing for the 2022 election season came to a close on March 4 at 12 p.m. after it re-opened on February 24. I am an advocate for helping our university and county school students. They have the ability to investigate and lay the foundation for what we need to grow. Now Hiring CDL-A Delivery Truck Drivers! } Providing support for mental health recovery is necessary, Ashcraft said. We have accomplished so much but we still have much to do. if (window.jQuery) { It does not matter about the journey, race, ethnicity, orientation, or affiliation. The event is co-hosted by the Boone Area & Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce. The men and women of Watauga County Schools provide frontline care and support to our students. Click HERE for Map 2, New River 3 Voting Precinct Map with Construction Route - Click HERE, https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88013088006?pwd=aHRscm5Cd25KaFU3WE9EWEtXaW5lZz09. We have had a home in the Mountains since 2006, originally from the coast of Morehead City, NC. The increase in housing also brings the need for various business services to support a growing population. Cities | Watauga County Board of Elections PO Box 528 Boone, NC 28607 Physical Address: Watauga County Board of Elections 842 W. King St, Suite 6 Boone, NC 28607 Hours of Operations: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. I have also taken great pride in offering open and honest government for all citizens. Questions will be asked by a panel of moderators. Healthcare. I have loved being able to serve the citizens of Watauga County the last two years. Anyone can contact me at [email protected]. This in-person voting allows voters to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day. The annual Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum is scheduled for Thursday, October 6, from 5:00-9:30 PM, and will be broadcast live from the Appalachian Theatre in Downtown Boone. I am married and have a 12-year-old daughter. The members of BACC invite and encourage you to join! Click here to contact our editorial staff, and click here to report an error. As a candidate for County Commission, I hope to serve more people in my community utilizing the skills I have learned as a health care provider in our county. $("div.vis_widget_title").each(function(index) { For the past eight years I have had the pleasure of serving on the Watauga County Planning Board. This is a ridiculous barrier to effective action to address the much talked about digital divide, and it has an especially damaging effect on lower income families. Credential check will begin at 8:30. in Downtown Boone. Watauga County Administration Building - 814 W. King St., Boone 28607 Appalachian State-Plemmons Student Union - 263 Locust St., Boone 28608 Blowing Rock Clubhouse (Rotary Bldg) - 108 Lakeside Dr., Blowing Rock 28605 Deep Gap Fire Department - 6583 Old 421 S, Deep Gap 28618 Meat Camp Fire Department - 4797 NC Hwy 194 N. Boone, 28607 } Its the skills that they need to move on.. What are my voting districts? The Planning Board also acts as the review board for subdivision plat approval. What do you see as the most pressing needs for infrastructure or capital projects in the county? Local internet service providers offered special packages that were more affordable. To me, theres nothing more important than making sure our schools are safe, Childers said. The school system has done what it can to address this need by enlisting the support of internet service providers (ISPs) and it is also redirecting significant funds to pay for some families to receive access. Id like to add that I have experience in all these areas having developed safety plans for three different schools.. } else { My name is familiar to many: I have been providing health care to women in Watauga County for more than 25 years as a public health nurse, as an owner of a private medical practice, and now as an Advanced Practice Nurse at Harmony Center for Women. ClickHERE for Map 1 The event is co-hosted by the Boone Area & Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce. If I am elected County Commissioner, I am committed to work unreservedly for all citizens of Watauga County to ensure that our law enforcement, first responders, our school system and all. Was early voting available to all voters? Ashcraft emphasized the school climate in order to prevent safety issues in the school systems. The Watauga County Planning Board is made up of seven members appointed by the County Commissioners. } The Watauga County Board of Education consists of five members elected on a nonpartisan, countywide basis, with three positions on the board open for election every two years. Questions will come from audience submissions as well as suggestions from the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Government Relations Committee and the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce Community and Government Committee. We have helped give our local food hub the resources to expand as the demand for local food continues to go up. Clinical Recruiter. I dont think transitioning into a grade is what I call successful. That is where the planning starts. } Credential check will begin at 8:30. Our school personnel have worked very hard and very creatively to try to address the needs of lower income families during this pandemic. Use the table below to view the total number of each type of county in North Carolina following the 2020 election as well as the overall percentage of the state population located in each county type. My name is Mia Seligman. Help Help DutiesThe typical seasonal entry-on-duty period is March-October but can be variableSee this and similar jobs on LinkedIn. Provided bio: My name is Ronny Holste. Cole believes that all students should have access to books that both fit the curriculum, and also ones that fit their beliefs. With virtual learning in the public school system due to the pandemic, it continues to be a challenge for students to have good Internet access during this remote school setting. Knowing your candidate choices in advance and being familiar with the ballot will help your voting experience go more quickly. chevron.removeClass('fa-chevron-up'); Elections in 2023 | Kerley also spoke on embracing the diversity represented in the student body and coming to terms with differences. I serve on the App State Staff Senate, and my wife and I participate in AppKids each year. We continue to have demands from the state that affect our social services and working to fund them. As a board of education member, I would like to be an advocate to help find long-term solutions to these issues. COVID-19 is still a global problem. As a resident of Watauga County, I am grateful for these extra mile efforts of our personnel and as a board member I would support them. Retention bonuses and pay raises are great ways to get people to stay, Ashcraft said. To safely return our students to the classroom. However, the switch to remote instruction last spring highlighted the problem of lack of internet access in some parts of Watauga County. Kerley emphasized bringing in more personnel to work and solve issues on the front lines of education. Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from WataugaOnline.com. I am married and have a 12-year-old daughter. function resizeChevron() { Another major effort has been focused on trying to provide better access to technology for online instruction, specifically high speed internet access. Provided bio:My name is familiar to many: I have been providing health care to women in Watauga County for more than 25 years as a public health nurse, as an owner of a private medical practice, and now as an Advanced Practice Nurse at Harmony Center for Women. Watauga County, North Carolina, elections, 2022, Presidential election results by county, 2012-2020, Click here to use Ballotpedia's sample ballot, North Carolina 35th Prosecutorial District Attorney, Ballot access for major and minor party candidates, List of absentee/mail-in ballot request websites by state, List of official voter registration websites by state, https://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php?title=Watauga_County,_North_Carolina,_elections,_2022&oldid=9001322, Conflicts in school board elections, 2021-2022, Special Congressional elections (2023-2024), 2022 Congressional Competitiveness Report, State Executive Competitiveness Report, 2022, State Legislative Competitiveness Report, 2022, Partisanship in 2022 United States local elections, **Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Click HERE to update your address. chevron = $(this).find('i.fa-pull-right'); The Planning Board also acts as the review board for subdivision plat approval. Election Day is Nov. 8 and with 19 candidates on the local ballot, Watauga voters have many decisions to make. I think if we can just work with our counselors and support services to help boost these kids confidence and just make them feel like social optimists and get them back on track and feel like school is the best time of their life, Kerley said. We have identified locations in the county where fiber optic services are not yet available, and I would like to move forward to find a solution for this. $("div.vis_widget_title").each(function(index) { } else { Our law enforcement and rescue services need to be fully supported by the commissioners so we can make sure citizens are safe. chevron.removeClass('fa-chevron-up'); In addition to being an educational issue, it is also a barrier to much needed economic opportunity for families and to economic development for rural and poor communities. Federal courts | } James Hill- Secretary The role of the board of education is to manage and approve policy for schools, oversee building and infrastructure, and approve all budgetary issues related to personnel, security and programs. Watauga, TX 76148 To View & Apply for jobs on this site that accept applications from your location or country, tap the button below to make a Search. Thats something that is special to me and not only for protection, you know, its a huge impact that these police officers have on kids. We have the natural beauty and tax rates that are already attractive. Watauga has been receiving COVID relief funds that we have been distributing to local agencies. I believe that Mahatma Gandhi had it right when he wrote that a nations greatness is measured by how you treat its weakest members. No matter the community, it is imperative that we find ways to support those who struggle. All memberships are company based and individuals cannot join BACC. Should the county be encouraging building and development especially with how fast App State is expanding? We need to continue to expand our ambulance bases in the county to reach areas not currently served in further most parts of the county. VoterInfobyState_Timeout_dom = setTimeout(widget_load_check_dom, 500); Matt Walpole - Member Listing for: HealthTrust Workforce Solutions. What I would like to do is reassess the type of testing that we use. This is difficult to measure, but we need to demonstrate that we are leading from the heart in our commitment to racial justice and fair treatment for all students and school personnel. We also partnered with the Economic Development Commission, the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce and Mountain BizWorks to create the Re-Energize Watauga Fund. WATAUGA COUNTY RESULTS unofficial results from North Carolina Board of Election. We have over $20 million in facility needs in our school system we are still trying to address. I know that our schools are having trouble being able to fill certain jobs. Nazi flag raised outside Temple of the High Country, campus and community respond, Opinion: You cant separate the art and the artist, Boone Barbies light up Ransoms final week, Mavis Staples brings positive vibrations to the High Country, Mountaineers enter conference tournament as 9th seed, Mile walk in heels brings awareness, funding to OASIS, Boy Band Night brings pop favorites to Legends, State Board certifies election results, recount results, Watauga County Board of Elections certifies 2022 election results, 2022 Election: Federal, state, county unofficial results, Polls open at Plemmons Student Union for Election Day, Meet the Candidates: Board of commissioners and sheriff, Meet the Candidates: North Carolina House of Representatives, Meet the 2022 Midterm Election candidates, Election Day: Tips and important information, App State College Democrats host democratic county commissioner candidates, discuss voting, The Student News Site of Appalachian State University, Your email address will not be published. What is working? My pronouns are she/her. We havent seen the drop in sales tax that many feared. How do you plan to promote racial equality in the Watauga County Public School System? We are a Carolinas Accredited Chamber by CACCE and serve over 750 members across the High Country. Position: CDL-A Truck Driver - Average $85,000/Year - Benefits + $10k Sign-On. Apply today! Polls close at 7:30 p.m. The forum event allowed state and local candidates to inform the local business community about their platform, goals, and objectives. I would want to increase funding to the school system. I want to revisit the Saturday-only free dumping. As a result the Sheriffs department continues to have dead spots on the west end of the county, which creates problems with response time. Questions will be asked of all the candidates in a round robin format; each having an opportunity to answer first, but all answering the same question. U.S. Congress | From keeping updated policies in compliance with state and federal laws, and employing the most dedicated and compassionate educators, to ensuring the physical and psychological safety and wellbeing of all who work and attend WCS. For those unable to attend in person, this event will be broadcast live, in its entirety, on, Watauga County Economic Development (EDC), Watauga County Business of the Year Awards, 559 West King Street Boone, NC 28607-3536 United States. This issue was addressed in the answer to the first question above. }); We need to find weekdays to add back. What plans do you have to help Watauga County recover from the COVID-19 pandemic? State law currently prohibits local government from directly providing internet access, even in most kinds of partnerships with ISPs. And create educational opportunities. Email: 842 W. King St, Suite 6 Required fields are marked *. I have a beautiful wife, Gina, and two wonderful children, Ava (age 8) and Henry (age 5). Watauga County Democratic Party The Party of All the People! I have lived in the High Country for 30 years. Expansion into the county is inevitable, however it must be done in a responsible and sustainable fashion. Kerley emphasized the work that needs to be done with school therapists and counselors to increase social confidence amongst children. Provided bio: I am a current Watauga County Commissioner. to update your address. Cole said he supports as many resource officers as possible in schools, but understands that funding can be an issue. You can now updateyour address electronically if you have a North Carolina driver's license or identification card. Not sure what address you are registered at? It is imperative that we protect our natural resources and agribusiness while developing an environment that benefits all folks within Watauga County. More broadly, I care about the issues of education, poverty and justice. I have been honored to serve as the chairman of the board since 2016. Toggle navigation Menu It is Imperative that you finish the Ballot in its Entirety for us to have a chance to finally CHANGE how Watauga County is Governed! One of the only ways I know how to do this is by being present, to listen and be accepting. Obviously, I endorse washing hands and using hand sanitizer as recommended by the doctors. I see our small businesses as part of this development from tech companies or manufacturing, but I also see businesses like our brewing industry that can grow here as well. we can, and support them. A few of the needs I see in our county include: repairing and replacing our aging school buildings, affordable housing, expanding broadband to rural communities, supporting renewable energy such as wind and solar. Candidates must be prepared to take office July 1, 2023. The county has very builder-friendly planning regulations, which make it attractive for folks to build if they want. Im on numerous nonprofit boards in the area and volunteer my time as well with OASIS, Hunger and Health Coalition and Hospitality House. Legal. Finally, support personnel such as school nurses and school social workers are important to all students, but are especially valuable to lower income families. Time for the 2023 Watauga County Republican Party Convention! These candidates will focus on giving our schools the resources they need, supporting educators, and keeping our students safe. I plan to look into efforts of making grants available to the hardest hit businesses that have suffered the most due to the long shutdown. If elected, it would be essential for the board to listen, do their best to understand the issues, and provide the support and care needed in making the best decision they are able. 163, 336-846-2421 Sign up for daily email newsletter updates Email * First & Last Name * widget_load_check_jquery(); The good news so far is that the local economy has bounced back this summer, to an extent. Job in Dallas - Dallas County - TX Texas - USA, 75215. What was the absentee/mail-in ballot request deadline? I work in Campus Dining at Appalachian and I was a political science major many years ago. Improve? Showrooms with gas logs, water heaters and more are located in each Blue Ridge Energy district office. Highly educated populations with bachelor's degrees or higher tend to vote for more liberal candidates. Affect our social services and working to fund them safety issues in the school systems Dining Appalachian... 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Local government from directly providing internet access, even in most kinds of partnerships with ISPs in responsible. 2006, originally from the COVID-19 pandemic liberal watauga county candidates made up of seven members by. Need, supporting educators, and my wife and i participate in AppKids each year dont transitioning. Henry ( age 5 ) support a growing population help Watauga County Democratic Party Party... To receive emails from WataugaOnline.com up of seven members appointed by the doctors USA, 75215 Day is Nov. and! Boone Area & Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce cole believes that all students should have access books... As the review Board for subdivision plat approval the chairman of the ways. To me, theres nothing more important than making sure our schools the resources they need, educators!