In an October 2024 candidate Q&A, Kelly introduced himself by writing: “As a lifelong resident of Lee County and a proud graduate of Lee County High School, I have always felt a deep connection to our community. After earning my degrees in Political Science and Public Administration from Western Carolina University, I returned to Sanford.”

Candidate Q&A: Lee County Board of Education – THE RANT

In an October 2024 candidate Q&A, Kelly wrote: “As a lifelong resident of Lee County and a proud graduate of Lee County High School, I have always felt a deep connection to our community. After earning my degrees in Political Science and Public Administration from Western Carolina University, I returned to Sanford, where I’ve served our community through roles with Lee County Schools, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and my small business and farm.”

In an October 2024 candidate Q&A, Kelly wrote: “Having already served two years on the Lee County School Board, I am running for reelection to continue ensuring that every student in our county receives the education they deserve. This include my own children who attend Lee County Schools and the others who will in the future.”

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Patrick Kelly is originally from Lee County. He received his bachelor's degree in Political Science and Public Administration from Western Carolina University. 

Patrick Kelly previously served as a member of the Lee County School Board. 

2026 North Carolina General Election

Supports an assessment of planned projects to "prioritize them based on urgency, impact on students and staff, and available funding"

Supports developing a long-term capital improvement plan to prevent delaying projects.

- Supports an assessment of planned projects to "prioritize them based on urgency, impact on students and staff, and available funding"
- Supports developing a long-term capital improvement plan to prevent delaying projects.

School Facilities & Resources

Supports creating programs to offer additional resources to students struggling academically.

- Supports creating programs to offer additional resources to students struggling academically.

Access to Education

Supports increasing resources for teachers such as updated instruction materials and professional development. 

- Supports increasing resources for teachers such as updated instruction materials and professional development. 

Teachers

In an October 2024 candidate Q&A, Kelly said Lee County offers “diverse opportunities for our students, from specialized academies to apprenticeships.” He added that these programs give students practical, hands-on learning opportunities and said: “As a member of the school board, I advocate for this holistic approach to education, which values diverse learning styles and recognizes that every student has unique strengths.”

Advocates for a holistic approach to education that accommodates diverse learning styles and recognizes students' individual strengths.

- Advocates for a holistic approach to education that accommodates diverse learning styles and recognizes students' individual strengths.

School Curriculum

As of September 2, 2026, Patrick Kelly’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Student Wellbeing

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Patrick Kelly

In Lee County Schools’ 2024 “Take 5” Q&A, Kelly was asked which board action he was most proud of. He answered: “It is hard to choose just one. I am proud of all our schools and the success they have in the classroom and outside the classroom. The one action I am most proud of is the reopening W.B. Wicker. That school has so much rich history with our community, and now we will continue to make that history and provide a unique opportunity to those who attend it by offering our STEAM curriculum.”

School Board Appreciation Month 2024 | Get to Know Your Lee County Board of Education

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- Advocates for a holistic approach to education that accommodates diverse learning styles and recognizes students' individual strengths.

Asked in an October 2024 candidate Q&A how he would address delayed capital-improvement projects, Kelly said: “Addressing delayed capital improvement projects requires a proactive and strategic approach. Here are several steps I would consider: 1. Prioritization and Assessment: I would conduct a thorough assessment of all pending projects to prioritize them based on urgency, impact on students and staff, and available funding.”

In an October 2024 candidate Q&A on delayed capital projects, Kelly proposed transparent timelines, collaboration with county commissioners to secure funding, regular project-status updates, and said: “7. Long-Term Planning: Finally, developing a long-term capital improvement plan that outlines future needs and funding strategies can help avoid similar delays in the future. By taking these steps, we can ensure that essential capital improvement projects positively impact our schools.”

Asked in an October 2024 candidate Q&A how he would improve relations between the school board and county commissioners amid funding disputes, Kelly said he would pursue collaboration, regular joint meetings, clearer communication about educational goals, and community involvement. He said: “4. Community Engagement: I would encourage greater community involvement in these discussions, ensuring that the voices of parents, teachers, and residents are heard. Demonstrating the community’s support for education can strengthen our case for adequate funding.”

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In an October 2024 candidate Q&A, Kelly responded to a question about student test-score recovery by saying: “Test scores can provide useful insights, but they shouldn’t define a child’s capabilities or a school’s effectiveness. Instead, we should focus on creating inclusive programs that support students who may struggle academically, offering additional resources and individualized attention where needed.”

Asked in an October 2024 candidate Q&A about school-board members’ role in improving student achievement, Kelly said: “Advocate for Resources: An individual board member should advocate for necessary resources, including professional development for teachers, updated instructional materials, and support services. Ensuring that educators have what they need is crucial for continuing to improve student outcomes.”

- Advocates for a holistic approach to education that accommodates diverse learning styles and recognizes students' individual strengths.
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In an October 2024 candidate Q&A, Kelly said that post-pandemic test-score gains were encouraging but were only one measure of student success: “A child’s potential, creativity, and ability to thrive cannot be encapsulated by a single test result. Schools should be seen as vibrant learning environments that foster growth in various dimensions—social, emotional, and academic.”

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- 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