Chariel Dye
What is/are the most pressing issue(s) facing your district specifically or Rowan-Salisbury Schools overall, and how would you address it/them if elected?
One of the most pressing issues facing Rowan-Salisbury Schools is ensuring every child receives the quality education and support needed to succeed. We have students struggling academically, educators who need support, families who want to be heard and declining enrollment affecting our schools.
If elected, I will focus on strong foundations in reading, writing, math and critical thinking. We must identify students who are falling behind early and provide intervention, tutoring, individualized support and strong family partnerships.
We must also listen to parents and understand why families are choosing other educational options. Strengthening public education means safe schools, supported educators, and opportunities in career and technical education, college preparation and entrepreneurship. With more than 30 years of experience working with children and families, I believe we must meet students where they are and give every child the tools and opportunities to become an “Architect of Their Future.”
If you are an incumbent, what about your record supports re-election? If a challenger, what about you makes you deserving of holding elected office?
As a challenger, I bring a fresh perspective, more than 30 years of experience in education and childcare, and a strong commitment to serving students, educators and families. As an educator, director and founder of Great Women and Men United, Inc., I have dedicated my career to educating, mentoring and empowering young people.
I bring both professional and lived experience to the school board. I understand the importance of children having someone who believes in them, supports them and gives them opportunities to succeed. I want every student to feel seen, heard, supported and prepared for their future.
If elected, I will listen to teachers, parents, students and community members and make decisions with our children at the center. My priorities include quality education, supporting educators, safe schools, transparency, accountability and preparing students for college, careers, entrepreneurship and life.
What is Rowan-Salisbury School’s greatest strength, and how could you enhance or improve upon it?
I believe Rowan-Salisbury Schools’ greatest strength is its people — our students, educators, families and community partners. We have dedicated educators who show up every day because they believe in our children, and we have students with tremendous potential, talents and ideas. Our community also has businesses, colleges, nonprofits and organizations that can help strengthen opportunities for students.
If elected, I would build upon this strength by creating stronger partnerships between our schools, families and community. I want educators to feel supported and valued, parents to know their voices matter and students to have opportunities that prepare them for college, careers, entrepreneurship and life.
I also believe we must listen to our students and allow them to have a voice in their education. When we bring everyone to the table and work together, we can create stronger schools and give every child the tools to become an “Architect of Their Future.”
Jacqui Smith Watson
What is/are the most pressing issue(s) facing your district specifically or Rowan-Salisbury Schools overall, and how would you address it/them if elected?
The most pressing issues facing Rowan-Salisbury Schools are a fundamental education, accountability, discipline, and parental and community involvement. As a substitute teacher throughout our county, I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges facing our classrooms. Students need strong foundations in reading, writing, math, critical thinking, communication and practical life skills. Technology should supplement, not replace, traditional instruction and human interaction. As a Renewal School District, we have extraordinary flexibility to shape curriculum, staffing, scheduling and resources to meet students’ needs. There is no reason we shouldn’t strive to provide an education as effective as any private or Montessori school. It takes focus, dedication, strong teachers and high expectations. If elected, I will advocate for using that flexibility to strengthen fundamental instruction, enforce consistent discipline, support teachers, engage parents and demand measurable academic improvement. Every child deserves an education that prepares them for life. BACK TO BASICS — A FUNDAMENTAL EDUCATION.
If you are an incumbent, what about your record supports re-election? If a challenger, what about you makes you deserving of holding elected office?
For more than 20 years, I’ve been a familiar face on North Rowan’s sidelines, volunteering my photography, celebrating student achievements and listening to families. In 2022, the Town of Spencer honored that service with a mayoral proclamation recognizing my contributions to the community. I graduated from Catawba College, raised two North Rowan graduates, and have spent the past year substitute teaching, gaining a new perspective from inside our classrooms. I’ve seen the pride of our students, the dedication of our educators and the concerns of parents. My commitment didn’t begin with a campaign. I’ve shown up, rain or shine, for decades. If elected, I’ll bring that same dedication, willingness to listen and firsthand understanding to decisions affecting every child in Rowan-Salisbury Schools.
What is Rowan-Salisbury School’s greatest strength, and how could you enhance or improve upon it?
Rowan-Salisbury Schools’ greatest strength is our people: dedicated educators, students and families whose ties to our schools’ span generations. At North Rowan, I’ve watched grandparents, parents and children cheer from the same sidelines. Those legacy families are part of our schools’ history, and we should celebrate them. But our stands and auditoriums should be fuller. I’d encourage family and alumni nights, recognition of multi-generational school families, better publicity for athletic events, concerts, plays and awards ceremonies, and stronger partnerships with local businesses and community organizations. We should make it easier for grandparents, neighbors and alumni to attend, volunteer and mentor. A child’s education isn’t limited to a classroom. When an entire community shows up, students see that their hard work matters and that people believe in their future.
