North Carolina

2026 North Carolina General Election

Lee Kirkman

- 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

Student Wellbeing

Public Safety

School Facilities & Resources

Access to Education

Teachers

School Curriculum

County Board of Education Member

Buket Urgen

Lee is currently a member of the Craven County Board of Education representing District 2. He was appointed to the seat in March 2025.

Craven County Schools, North Carolina - Ballotpedia

Elected Officials - Craven County Republican Party

Five file for Craven County Board of Education | New Bern's Local ...

Craven County Schools Superintendent Dr. Wendy Miller submits ...

Kirkman appointed to school board | News | newbernsj.com

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

Supports prioritizing teachers and staff.