(NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC) — New Hanover County voted blue, and now the school board is about to welcome three new democratic members. So how will this affect educators and students?
“I’m discouraged that I didn’t make it, but I really hope the very best for everyone who did,” said Janice Cavenaugh, who lost her seat on the Board of Education after 27 years of service.
Cavenaugh and fellow republicans Don Hayes, Bruce Shell, and Ed Higgins, who lost his bid during the primary, will be replaced by three democrats and one republican.
While republicans still hold a 4 to 3 majority, Cavenaugh worries that democrats will push through redistricting.
“The new candidates, all they talk about was diversity,” said Cavenaugh. “Diversity equals forced busing, and it’s the end of neighborhood schools as we know it.”
But newcomer Judy Justice says there can be a compromise.
“We have wonderful computer programs out there that you can hook things in so you don’t have to have kids moving more than five or ten minutes from their house,” said Justice.
Justice taught at Laney High, and had kids and now grand kids in the school system. She says she wants the best for students and educators.
“I believe in economic integration, that has been proven,” said Justice. “Some of the most successful school districts, in fact, the most successful school district in the state, wake county has used it.”
Stefanie Adams, another newly elected board member, believes people were ready for change.
“I think that we need to look at each school as an individual, what is the culture, what is the current administration, what are the leadership policies, what is the community it serves,” said Adams. “We’ve got to look at the data, and we’ve got to see what’s going to be best for our kids.”
Although Cavenaugh may not agree with some of their ideas, she wishes the future board the best.
“I hope they will continue the legacy that we’ve developed,” she said.
Stefanie Adams says another big issue for her is school safety.
Cavenaugh hinted at a possible future run, but would not say for sure.