Belinda Bryant and Thomas Jones have filed for the District 1 seat currently held by Clayton Evans. Bryant filed Wednesday afternoon. Jones filed Tuesday.
Evans, who is serving his first term on the board, said Thursday that he is not seeking re-election.
“I am not going to run, because I want to spend and devote more time to my family,” he said. “I appreciate the opportunity I’ve had to serve that the voters gave to me. I tried to make sound decisions based solely on what’s best for the children in our schools.”
The District 1 seat now has three candidates. Lorna Clack, a retired teacher and administrator with the Moore County school system, filed last week after announcing her candidacy in February.
With three candidates, that sets up a July 20 primary. The general election will be held Nov. 2.
Jones, a self-employed native of Moore County, said Thursday that he believes the teachers in Moore County need more support.
“I have a unequivocal belief in the value of an excellent public education system,” he said. “The No. 1 reason I decided to run is because of my belief that the teachers are neglected in our school system.
“The single most destructive thing in Moore County Schools the last 30 years is that the teachers are being asked to do more and more for their children with less and less financial support for their classrooms. I think it’s time that teachers be regarded as the most important asset in our schools, and we need to demonstrate it with financial support in the classrooms.”
Bryant issued a press release Thursday in which she said she “has a history of supporting education.”
A native of Moore County and graduate of the Moore County school system, Bryant said in her press release that she has experience as an involved parent and volunteer with the schools.
“I’m very excited to offer myself as a candidate for the school board to serve the teachers and students of Moore County schools,” Bryant said in her statement. “I have but one agenda and that is to listen to all facts surrounding an issue and make the best decision for the children of our community.”
Bryant said she would “serve the interests of students in all of Moore County.”
“Our students are entrusting us with their futures,” she said. “All students deserve the very best education they can possibly receive.”
Evans is endorsing Bryant.
“I’ve known her for a long time and respect her,” Evans said. “She has no agenda except to do what’s right for the kids.”
Four seats are up for grabs this fall.
As of Thursday, only one district is uncontested. Allan Beck, the incumbent in District 4 has not announced whether he would seek re-election. The Pilot could not reach Beck for comment Thursday.
Joe Vaughn, former chief finance officer with Moore County school system and a Moore County native, is the only candidate to file in District 4. He is seeking his first term on the school board.
Penny Hayes, chairwoman of the board, has filed for re-election in District 2. Kathy Farren has filed to oppose her. Hayes is seeking a second term.
Board Vice Chairman Wiley Barrett, a retired teacher and administrator with the Moore County school system, will be running against Bruce Cunningham for the District 5 seat.
Barrett, who is seeking a second term, filed April 26. Cunningham, a Southern Pines lawyer, is seeking his first elected office.
