Candidate Info - Sam Hershey - Wake County Democratic Party

Sam Hershey

Wake County School Board
District 06

Sam Hershey - Wake County School Board District 06

Candidate Statement:

I’m running for re-election because I believe in the importance of public education and more specifically, I believe that having access to high quality public education is critical to the success of our communities and our democracy. I’m proud of the work I’ve done on the board to support and advocate for our students, families and staff and I will continue to use my voice and my vote to push our school system to reach new heights academically. I’m also proud of the work I’ve done responding to District 6 families quickly, as I understand the importance of serving my constituents at a high level. I will continue to work with integrity and transparency to make Wake County Schools the best they can be for all our students, families and staff and I ask for your vote.

Importance of this Race:

We live in a rapidly-growing area, and the Wake School Board plays a vital role in allocating resources and managing growth. For years NC’s Republican-controlled legislature has deliberately underfunded our public schools. Now they are using NC’s voucher program to siphon off millions of dollars from the state budget directly into private school coffers, catering to the wealthiest among us while turning their backs on our public school kids. Intentionally undermining NC’s public schools and then blaming everyone else for the harmful consequences is not leadership. A strong public education system benefits us all, with a healthier community, lower rates of poverty and crime, and a well-prepared workforce to attract new businesses and higher paying jobs. If we’re serious about the promise to provide a sound education for every child, let’s start by electing serious leaders, who will deliver for every child and community, who will lift up and encourage teachers and staff, and who understand and embrace the benefits a strong public education system gives to us all.

Office Responsibilities:

The Wake County Board of Education is responsible for:

Creating and reviewing policies that govern the operation of schools within the district.
Ensuring that no matter our race or gender, all Wake Co students receive equitable educational opportunities and resources.
Managing the budget, allocating funds for every school across the county, including maintenance of school buildings, educational programs, salaries, and more.
Shaping policies designed to attract and support excellent teachers, which in turn affects student outcomes and the overall success of the district.
Addressing vital issues such as student safety, mental health, and inclusivity, so that every child feels welcomed, supported, and encouraged.

Issues:

Academics:

Teaching and learning are core functions of all our public schools. In 2023 we passed our new 5-year strategic plan that sets high academic targets for Wake Co, including 90% proficiency and a 98% graduation rate by 2028. These goals far exceed both where our district has been historically and current levels across the state. With our new Superintendent and Chief of Academics beginning to roll out changes, I will continue working to remove all barriers to academic success, increase advanced learning opportunities, and ensure our students are fully supported, along with families and staff, as part of the whole child approach to education.

Constituent Services:

I will continue to prioritize constituent services as your school board member. Families have often been surprised by how quickly I responded to an email or returned a phone call. I take a lot of pride in the work I do on behalf of the constituents of District 6 as well as families who may not live in District 6 but nevertheless have students in the schools I represent. I will continue to respond quickly to the concerns and questions of families and staff when they reach out, to advocate on your behalf.

Facilities Improvement:

We have some significant renovations coming to District 6 schools at Sanderson HS and Mt. Vernon Middle School. Brentwood Elementary will be getting a new school, but we also have other schools with needs. During the next school board term, it’s likely a bond will be presented to the county. I will work to make facility renovations the focal point of the new bond and work to improve the processes to get small but important projects completed at our schools.

External Candidate Links:

Sam Hershey's Website