As a lifelong resident of Cherokee County, I have a deep commitment to our community and its future. I am running for the School Board because I believe in the power of education to transform lives and create opportunities for all students.

Joy Stein for School Board

My experience as a teacher and a parent has given me a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing our schools.

Joy Stein is a lifelong resident of Cherokee County. She is a parent.

Joy Stein for School Board - Cherokee County Democratic Party

2026 North Carolina General Election

I am dedicated to ensuring that every child in our district has access to a high-quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances. This means advocating for adequate funding, supporting our teachers, and fostering strong partnerships between schools and families.

School Facilities & Resources

Advocates for every child to have access to a high-quality education regardless of background or circumstances.

- Advocates for every child to have access to a high-quality education regardless of background or circumstances.

Access to Education

Teachers

As of January 5, 2026, Joy Stein’s website did not contain information on this issue.

School Curriculum

My experience as a teacher and a parent has given me a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing our schools. I understand the importance of providing a safe and supportive environment for our children, as well as the need for innovative programs that meet the diverse needs of our students.

Supports providing students with safe and supportive school environments.

- Supports providing students with safe and supportive school environments.

Student Wellbeing

Joy Stein

Joy Stein is a lifelong resident of Cherokee County.

Committed to ensuring every child has access to a high-quality education regardless of background or circumstances.

Supports safe, supportive school environments and innovative programs that meet students' diverse needs.

Joy Stein has lived in Cherokee County throughout her life.

Advocates for access to high-quality education for every child, regardless of background or circumstances.

- Advocates for access to high-quality education for every child, regardless of background or circumstances.

Said schools should provide safe, supportive environments and innovative programs that meet students' diverse needs.

- Said schools should provide safe, supportive environments and innovative programs that meet students' diverse needs.

Advocates for every student to have access to a high-quality education regardless of background or circumstances.

Said innovative programs should meet the diverse needs of students.

- Advocates for every student to have access to a high-quality education regardless of background or circumstances.
- Said innovative programs should meet the diverse needs of students.

Said providing children with safe and supportive school environments is important.

- Said providing children with safe and supportive school environments is important.

As a lifelong resident of Cherokee County, I have a deep commitment to our community and its future.

Advocates for adequate school funding and partnerships between schools and families.

Advocates ensuring every child has access to a high-quality education regardless of background or circumstances.

Said schools should provide safe and supportive environments and innovative programs that meet students' diverse needs.

CHEROKEE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION DISTRICT III
STEIN, JOY L Joy Stein DEM 12/16/2025 1161 OAK GROVE RD MURPHY, NC 28906
RAPER, SHANNON DUTSCH Shannon D. Raper REP 12/15/2025 515 TABBY LN MURPHY, NC 28906
MURPHY, JASON RYAN Jason Murphy REP 12/19/2025 91 VIOLET CHURCH RD MURPHY, NC 28906
GARLAND, CARMEN OWENS Carmen Owens Garland UNA 02/24/2026 847 SHADY GROVE RD MURPHY, NC 28906

CANDIDATE LIST GROUPED BY CONTEST (2026 general candidate list by contest)

Alejandra Gracias

Buket Urgen

David Ricks

- 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