School board races are also shaping up. Democrat Mark Smith has filed for the Central District seat, where Republican incumbent Tiana Beachler is seeking another term. Republican incumbents Leslie Ritchie Taylor and Aaron Johnson have filed in the Eastern and Western districts, respectively.

New filings add challengers to Burke County 2026 election races as deadline closes

Leslie is an incumbent member of the Burke County Board of Education representing the Eastern District.

New filings add challengers to Burke County 2026 election races as ...

Leslie Ritchie Taylor is an incumbent member of the Burke County Board of Education representing the Eastern District.

2026 North Carolina General Election

MORGANTON, N.C. — Hallyburton Academy, Burke County’s alternative school, will move into Draughn High School beginning in the 2026–27 school year.
The Burke County Board of Education approved the move in a 4–3 vote last week. Board members Leslie Taylor, Sonya Rockett, and Reid Beck voted against the plan, each outlining concerns about relocating the program.
Members Tiana Beachler, Aaron Johnson, Brad Camp, and Jamey Wycoff voted in favor, noting how difficult the decision has been for the board, according to the Morganon News Herald .

Hallyburton Academy to save $400,000 per year with Draughn High School move – WSOC TV

Voted against relocating Hallyburton Academy, the county alternative school, to Draughn High School.

- Voted against relocating Hallyburton Academy, the county alternative school, to Draughn High School.

School Facilities & Resources

As of September 2, 2026, Leslie Ritchie Taylor did not have a website or any information online.

Access to Education

Teachers

After reading the resolution, Board Chair Tiana Beachler said she wants to make it clear the board is not anti-technology. She said it's good that the school system will start moving back toward paper and pencil instruction where it can and where appropriate.
Board Member Leslie Taylor said the choice and the management of when to use pen and paper or technology will be in the hands of teachers.
Beachler said Burke County will be the first system in the state to make the transition.

North Carolina School District Pivots Back to Pen and Paper

Said teachers will decide when to use pen and paper or technology.

- Said teachers will decide when to use pen and paper or technology.

School Curriculum

Student Wellbeing

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Leslie Ritchie Taylor

As of September 2, 2026, Leslie Ritchie Taylor’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Mauricio Mendez

Buket Urgen

- 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