2024 NC General Election

Translyvania Times, County Democrats and Republicans put forward new candidates

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Claudia resides in Brevard with her family. She earned her bachelor's degree in business administration & accounting from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

Claudia is a certified public accountant. She previously worked as the chief financial officer of the Brevard Music Center, and a controller for Coye Consultants.

Claudia Hawkins' campaign for the Transylvania County Board of Education is her first run for public office.

Would like to involve the public in the school budgeting.

Wants to facilitate greater cooperation between the board of education and the board of commissioners.

- Would like to involve the public in the school budgeting.
- Wants to facilitate greater cooperation between the board of education and the board of commissioners.

School Facilities & Resources

As of July 31, 2024, Claudia Hawkins did not have a website or any information online.

Access to Education

Teachers

School Curriculum

Student Wellbeing

Claudia Hawkins

Translyvania Times

Claudia Hawkins resides in Brevard with her family. 

As of August 2, 2024, Claudia Hawkins did not have a website and did not complete our questionnaire.

- Would like to involve the public in the school budgeting.

Facebook

David is a resident of Brevard, North Carolina, where he moved with his family in 2019. He has 2 children. He earned his bachelor's degree in English language & literature from Bellarmine University, a master's degree in English language & literature from the University of Louisville, and a doctorate degree in English language & literature from the University of Miami.

David serves as the communications director for a nonprofit organization.

David Borman's campaign for the Transylvania County Board of Education is his first run for public office.

Candidate website

Believes it is "unacceptable" that Rosman Middle/High and Brevard High have not received meaningful upgrades in almost six years. Plans to "break through the roadblocks" to implement voter-supported improvements.

Believes it is "unacceptable" that Rosman Middle/High and Brevard High have not received meaningful upgrades in almost six years, and plans to "break through the roadblocks" to implement voter-supported improvements.

- Believes it is "unacceptable" that Rosman Middle/High and Brevard High have not received meaningful upgrades in almost six years, and plans to "break through the roadblocks" to implement voter-supported improvements.

As of June 14, 2024, David Borman’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Believes teachers are the "lifeblood of our school system" and should be celebrated, not slandered. Plans to give educators the dignity, respect, and attention they deserve.

Believes teachers are the "lifeblood of our school system" and should be celebrated, not slandered, and plans to give educators the dignity, respect, and attention they deserve.

The candidate's website says, "We need a school board that will focus on fixing our schools and recruiting teachers, not waging culture wars and playing politics."

Said, "We need a school board that will focus on fixing our schools and recruiting teachers, not waging culture wars and playing politics."

- Believes teachers are the "lifeblood of our school system" and should be celebrated, not slandered, and plans to give educators the dignity, respect, and attention they deserve.
- Said, "We need a school board that will focus on fixing our schools and recruiting teachers, not waging culture wars and playing politics."

David Borman

David Borman is a resident of Brevard, North Carolina, where he moved with his family in 2019 seeking a more meaningful and community-connected lifestyle. He is a proud parent of two students who attend Transylvania County Schools. Details about where he attended school, his church affiliation, and other aspects of his family life are not provided in the information given.

David Borman serves as the communications director for a nonprofit organization. Details about his previous employment are not provided in the information given.

As of July 8, 2024, David Borman’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Greg is a native of Transylvania County, where he has lived his entire life. He attended and graduated from the Transylvania County school system. He has a family, including 2 sons and a granddaughter.

Greg is a former substitute school teacher with the Transylvania County School system. He retired in 2015 after a 30-year career in law enforcement. He also served in the in the US Air Force for 20 years, which included 3 years of active duty and 17 years in the reserves.

Greg Cochran's campaign for the Transylvania County Board of Education is his first run for public office.

Believes the taxpayer-approved school bond was insufficient for new construction and supports using the funds to repair and enhance safety and comfort in existing schools.

Supports immediate repairs and improvements to school facilities, including addressing fire safety issues, replacing roofs, repairing HVAC systems, and preventing fuel tank spills.

- Believes the taxpayer-approved school bond was insufficient for new construction and supports using the funds to repair and enhance safety and comfort in existing schools.
- Supports immediate repairs and improvements to school facilities, including addressing fire safety issues, replacing roofs, repairing HVAC systems, and preventing fuel tank spills.

Believes not everyone is suited for college and supports increasing vocational training to benefit students and the community.

Believes many students leave county schools for charter, home, or other school systems and seeks solutions to bring them back.

- Believes not everyone is suited for college and supports increasing vocational training to benefit students and the community.
- Believes many students leave county schools for charter, home, or other school systems and seeks solutions to bring them back.

As of June 14, 2024, Greg Cochran’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Believes schools should perform better, noting that 6 out of 9 schools received a "C" grade from the state. Said, "We should be able to do better," highlighting Rosman High and Brevard High as exceptions.

Believes schools should perform better, noting that 6 out of 9 schools received a "C" grade from the state, saying, "We should be able to do better," highlighting Rosman High and Brevard High as exceptions.

- Believes schools should perform better, noting that 6 out of 9 schools received a "C" grade from the state, saying, "We should be able to do better," highlighting Rosman High and Brevard High as exceptions.

Believes school safety is crucial and plans to "increase the levels of security to protect our kids." Said, "We cannot be complacent" about the rising threats in communities.

Believes school safety is crucial and plans to "increase the levels of security to protect our kids," saying, "We cannot be complacent" about the rising threats in communities.

- Believes school safety is crucial and plans to "increase the levels of security to protect our kids," saying, "We cannot be complacent" about the rising threats in communities.

Greg Cochran

Greg Cochran is a native of Transylvania County, where he has lived his entire life. He attended and graduated from the TC school system. He has a family, including two sons who also graduated from TC schools and a granddaughter who is currently a student in the TC school system.

Greg Cochran is a former substitute school teacher with the Transylvania County School system. He retired in 2015 after a 30-year career in law enforcement and also retired in 2007 following a 20-year career in the US Air Force, which included three years of active duty and 17 years in the reserves.

As of July 8, 2024, Greg Cochran’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Believes in improving school performance to ensure student success and a better future, and plans to focus on raising the grades of schools currently rated C.

Transylvania Times

Ricky lives in Pisgah Forest. He received a bachelor's degree from Mars Hill College. He is married to Amanda Robinson Lambert and together they have a son.

Ricky currently works as an insurance agent with Chase Insurance Group. He previously worked for the Brevard Police Department

Ricky R. Lambert previously served as Transylvania County Magistrate.

As of June 14, 2024, Ricky R. Lambert did not have a website or any information online.

Started a Teacher of the Month program in Transylvania County schools.

- Started a Teacher of the Month program in Transylvania County schools.

Sponsors Players of the Week programs in multiple high schools in Transylvania County.

- Sponsors Players of the Week programs in multiple high schools in Transylvania County.

Ricky R. Lambert

Ruth lives with her husband, Mike, and their son. Ruth is involved in the children's ministry at Biltmore Church Brevard campus.

Ruth is a retired aerospace engineering manager and former school psychologist. She has experience in special education, technical training, and managing projects involving artificial intelligence. Additionally, she has expertise in proposal and grant writing. Ruth has also been involved in educational research.

Ruth Harris' campaign for the Transylvania County Board of Education is her first run for public office.

Believes "finger pointing" is unproductive and supports using the Education Safety and Capitol Needs Assessment report to plan and secure bond approval for school improvements. Advocates for project management best practices and preventive maintenance to protect investments in TCS facilities.

Believes "finger pointing" is unproductive and supports using the Education Safety and Capitol Needs Assessment report to plan and secure bond approval for school improvements.

Plans to ensure all resources are accessed by increasing volunteer recruitment and adopting a more aggressive grant acquisition process. Supports policies that empower parents, teachers, and students to engage in solving educational barriers.

Plans to ensure all resources are accessed by increasing volunteer recruitment and adopting a more aggressive grant acquisition process, and supports policies that empower parents, teachers, and students to engage in solving educational barriers.

Advocates for project management best practices and preventive maintenance to protect investments in TCS facilities.

- Believes "finger pointing" is unproductive and supports using the Education Safety and Capitol Needs Assessment report to plan and secure bond approval for school improvements.
- Plans to ensure all resources are accessed by increasing volunteer recruitment and adopting a more aggressive grant acquisition process, and supports policies that empower parents, teachers, and students to engage in solving educational barriers.
- Advocates for project management best practices and preventive maintenance to protect investments in TCS facilities.

Believes in preparing students for both college and career paths to ensure they are ready for the future workplace.

- Believes in preparing students for both college and career paths to ensure they are ready for the future workplace.

Believes addressing teacher shortages requires innovative solutions like scholarships and incentives. Supports training teachers to use AI tools to improve efficiency and reduce administrative tasks.

Believes addressing teacher shortages requires innovative solutions like scholarships and incentives, and supports training teachers to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to improve efficiency and reduce administrative tasks.

Supports establishing systems to attract and retain exceptional teachers, creating a culture where educators are incentivized to join and stay.

- Believes addressing teacher shortages requires innovative solutions like scholarships and incentives, and supports training teachers to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to improve efficiency and reduce administrative tasks.
- Supports establishing systems to attract and retain exceptional teachers, creating a culture where educators are incentivized to join and stay.

Believes students must be "thoroughly prepared" for a future workforce where AI will replace many jobs. Supports integrating AI education into school curriculums to ensure competitiveness.

Believes students must be "thoroughly prepared" for a future workforce where AI will replace many jobs, and supports integrating AI education into school curriculums to ensure competitiveness.

- Believes students must be "thoroughly prepared" for a future workforce where AI will replace many jobs, and supports integrating AI education into school curriculums to ensure competitiveness.

Believes the TC school safety program is a state model and supports ensuring resources to address future safety gaps.

Believes in preparing students for life's challenges rather than altering the environment to suit them. Supports school safety and counseling to enhance student wellbeing.

Believes in preparing students for life's challenges rather than altering the environment to suit them, and supports school safety and counseling to enhance student wellbeing.

- Believes the TC school safety program is a state model and supports ensuring resources to address future safety gaps.
- Believes in preparing students for life's challenges rather than altering the environment to suit them, and supports school safety and counseling to enhance student wellbeing.

Ruth Harris

Ruth Harris retired to Pisgah Forest in 2009 with her husband, Mike, and son, Matthew. Mike is a retired engineer who enjoys working on old cars and motorcycles. Their son, Matthew, is a Clemson University graduate and currently works as an Industrial Engineer in Greenville, SC. Ruth is involved in the children's ministry at Biltmore Church Brevard campus.

Ruth Harris is a retired aerospace engineering manager and former school psychologist. She has experience in special education, technical training, and managing projects involving artificial intelligence. Additionally, she has expertise in proposal and grant writing. Ruth has also been involved in educational research.

As of July 8, 2024, Ruth Harris’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Believes students need critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and life-long learning skills to thrive amid AI-driven social and economic changes.

Believes students must be prepared for the AI-infused workplace, whether they pursue college or career/technical training.

Believes in supporting each student's unique educational path, whether for college or career/technical training, and preparing them for future workforce challenges, including AI.

Sara holds an associate's degree from Blue Ridge Community College and a bachelor's degree in communications sciences and disorders from the Unviersity of Florida. She lives in Brevard with her husband, Tim, and their 3 children. 

Sara currently works as an accounts payable clerk at Food Matters Market and an account manager at Producing Sales. She previously worked as an art teacher at Mountain Sun Community School. 

Sara Green's campaign for member of the Transylvania County Board of Education is her first run for public office. 

Plans to be attentive to how the county spends tax funds.

Wants to improve the Board of Education's relationship with the Board of Commissioners.

- Plans to be attentive to how the county spends tax funds.
- Wants to improve the Board of Education's relationship with the Board of Commissioners.

Believes in educating taxpayers on how the education system benefits them and their children.

Wants to provide education on school system benefits for county residents and students.  

- Wants to provide education on school system benefits for county residents and students.  

Supports policies that provide teachers with necessary tools, fair pay, and comprehensive training to address teacher shortages and enhance student support.

Plans to advocate for policies that provide teachers with adequate resources for student instruction. 

Believes in empowering educators to teach future skills to benefit everyone. Supports policies addressing teacher pay, teacher shortages, and teacher training.

Plans to focus on policies that empower educators to teach important skills to students.

- Plans to advocate for policies that provide teachers with adequate resources for student instruction. 
- Plans to focus on policies that empower educators to teach important skills to students.

Supports initiatives that expand school curricula to include "financial literacy, digital literacy, and global awareness" beyond traditional subjects.

Supports initiatives that include practical topics in the school curriculum such as  "financial literacy, digital literacy, and global awareness..."

Supports teaching children to become contributing citizens in their communities.

Supports teaching children how to become "contributing citizens" in their communities.

- Supports initiatives that include practical topics in the school curriculum such as  "financial literacy, digital literacy, and global awareness..."
- Supports teaching children how to become "contributing citizens" in their communities.

Supports creating policies that prioritize student wellbeing over political posturing. Believes in collaboration among School Board Members to enhance school safety and counseling services.

Supports working with fellow board members to develop policies that "support students, not posturing for political points..."

Supports upholding transparency between schools and parents.

- Supports working with fellow board members to develop policies that "support students, not posturing for political points..."
- Supports upholding transparency between schools and parents.

Instagram

Sara Green

Sara Green is a resident of Brevard and a homeowner. She is a parent to three children who attend local schools in Transylvania County. Information about where she attended school and what church she attends is not provided. Sara, along with her spouse Tim and their children, enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and rock climbing.

Sara Green is a financial specialist currently working at Food Matters Market. She has a background in education, having been an educator with experience in American Sign Language interpretation, Algebra, Geometry, Special Education, and Project-Based Learning. Green has also worked as a creator and writer of interactive math lessons for a national textbook company and taught at Mountain Sun and Blue Ridge Community College.

As of July 8, 2024, Sara Green’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Supports addressing capital improvements for the entire physical school district.

Supports building collaborative and productive relationships with government entities to strengthen public schools.

Believes speaking up for public school integrity is essential to ensure "high-quality, relevant education for every student."

Believes in creating a culture that values education and recognizes the impact of public schools on community health.

- The Board of Education runs the public school system. They create policies that establish standards, accountability and evaluation of essential operations of the school system.
- The Board of Education member hires a superintendent and can remove them when necessary. The superintendent assists the Board of Education in implementing the board’s policies. 
- The Board of Education is charged with deciding the school budget. This means they decide how to allocate money between different services, such as teacher pay, repairing school facilities, or access to technology.
- Board of Education members are elected every four years. 

Member of the board that governs your county's public school system

Transylvania County Board of Education Member

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Transylvania County Board of Education Member

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Student Wellbeing

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