Why I Seek Your Vote

Anyone reading the North Carolina State Laws governing the roles and responsibilities of School Boards understands that much is required of them. That means that, as a member of the Caldwell County Board of Education, I will focus my efforts on what is required of School Boards and members by North Carolina state law.

We must avoid the culture wars that distract from the important, difficult work of ensuring our school system is focused on it’s mission – teaching children.

As the only Libertarian on the ballot, I have no primary. So, I am asking for you to vote for me on Nov. 5, 2024 (or during early voting) for the Caldwell County School Board (Board of Education). Our students, parents, educators and taxpayers deserve School Board members that are focused on their jobs as mandated by state law.

School Boards in North Carolina are:

1. Charged with providing a “Sound Basic Education” for every child. THIS REQUIRES COLLABORATION WITH ONE ANOTHER, STAFF AND THE COMMUNITY. THAT REQUIRES CIVILITY.
2. Empowered to accept and administer State, Federal and other funds to further the first objective. THIS IS AN ISSUE OF STEWARDSHIP
3. Required to provide SAFE schools and many, many other tasks.
4. Empowered to use local initiative – whether from the Board or in collaboration with community members – to provide students with alternatives to traditional educational methods.

I am committed to focusing on the many tasks required of School Board members.

In the mid 1990s, the N.C. General Assembly passed the so-called “ABCs” of education. “C” stood for local control. I will fight to ensure that we do all we can to buttress students, parents, teachers, staff and administrators from Raleigh mandates so that through the liberty of creativity, our students will experience even greater opportunities here in Caldwell County.

(Note: A in the law is for “accountability,” B for teaching the “basics.”). The ill-advised state-mandated testing is a disaster to assess those objectives, a topic which I will address in a future essay.

Most importantly, I know that students can’t learn if they don’t feel safe. So, ensuring the safety of every person in every school must be our first priority. One step towards accomplishing that is for School Board members to set the example of civility. Safety, Civility and Collaboration. That is what I offer to bring to the Caldwell County School Board.

Sarah and I intentionally chose Caldwell County as our home in 1992. Our children went through the Caldwell County schools and three of our grandchildren are now students in the system. They are an every day reminder of just one reason why I wish to bring my experience to the School Board.

Thank you for your consideration.

© Committee to Elect Michael Barrick, 2023. Contact: michaelbarrick56@gmail.com