About: I graduated from the original Benhaven High School in 1971 and continued my education at Central Carolina Community College and the North Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, earning a degree in corrections. I began my career with the North Carolina Department of Corrections in 1965 and proudly retired after 28.5 years of service. Following retirement, I successfully owned and operated four convenience stores.

Harnett County Board of Education - Members

As a lifelong resident and active member of the Harnett County community, I am the parent of four daughters and grandparent of four grandchildren—all graduates of Western Harnett schools. One of my granddaughters currently teaches at Benhaven Elementary School, continuing our family's deep connection to local education.

Don Godfrey is a lifelong resident of Harnett County. He continued his education at Central Carolina Community College and the North Carolina Criminal Justice Academy and earned a degree in corrections. He is the parent of four daughters and grandparent of four grandchildren.

I began my career with the North Carolina Department of Corrections in 1965 and proudly retired after 28.5 years of service. Following retirement, I successfully owned and operated four convenience stores.

As a lifelong resident and active member of the Harnett County community, I am the parent of four daughters and grandparent of four grandchildren—all graduates of Western Harnett schools.

Don owned and operated four convenience stores after retiring from the North Carolina Department of Corrections, where he served for 28.5 years.

Don owned and operated four convenience stores after retiring from the North Carolina Department of Corrections.

Harnett County Schools welcomes new Board of Education members: Mr. Brad Abate and Mrs. Sharon Gainey.
Mr. Abate, Mrs. Gainey, and returning member, Mr. Don Godfrey took the oath of office, at a ceremony held last night. 
Congratulations! We are grateful for your service.

Harnett County Schools Welcome New Board of Education Members

County Contest Choice Total Votes Election Day One Stop Abs Mail Provisional

HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION DISTRICT 03 Brad Abate REP 6,461 2,812 3,490 128 31
HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION DISTRICT 05 Don Godfrey REP 3,770 1,555 2,026 180 9
HARNETT COUNTY CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT Renee Whittenton REP 27,259 12,133 14,078 888 160

SKM_C250i22112913260 (Composite Abstract - November 2022 General Election)

Don was elected to the Harnett County Board of Education for District 5 in 2022 and took the oath of office as a returning board member.

Don was elected to the Harnett County Board of Education for District 5 in 2022.

2026 North Carolina General Election

As of January 5, 2026, Don Godfrey did not have a website or any information online.

School Facilities & Resources

I have served on the Advisory Boards for Benhaven, Johnsonville, and Western Harnett Middle Schools and held the position of PTO President at each. I believe in conservative values, equitable education for all children, and the importance of maintaining high standards for school employees. I advocate for competitive compensation for our teachers and staff, open communication with families and staff, and ensuring the safety of our schools.

### Review and Consider Approval of Expanding Year-Round School to include Grade 6

Mrs. Brookie Ferguson, Assistant Superintendent, will provide information on the survey results for expanding the grade level to include grade 6 at the Year-Round School.  |

  |  | Motion to approve expanding Year-Round School to include Grade 6 as presented	Moved by: Don Godfrey Seconded by: Sharon Gainey
Yea Joseph Powell, Bradley Abate, Sharon Gainey, Don Godfrey, and John Hairr
Motion Carried 5-0  |
5.

Article

Believes all children should have equitable education.

As a board member, moved to expand year-round schooling through Grade 6.

- Believes all children should have equitable education.
- As a board member, moved to expand year-round schooling through Grade 6.

Access to Education

Advocates for competitive compensation for teachers and staff.

- Advocates for competitive compensation for teachers and staff.

Teachers

School Curriculum

### Review and Consider Approval of Vape Detectors

Mr. Chris Pearson, Assistant Superintendent, will provide information regarding the recommendation for approval from the Board of Education.	

  |  | Motion to approve the purchase of Vape Detectors as presented	Moved by: Bradley Abate Seconded by: Don Godfrey
Yea Joseph Powell, Bradley Abate, Sharon Gainey, Don Godfrey, and John Hairr
Motion Carried 5-0  |
7.

As a board member, seconded and voted for purchasing vape detectors.

- Advocates for school safety.
- As a board member, seconded and voted for purchasing vape detectors.

Student Wellbeing

Don Godfrey

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

Regular Board Meeting - Apr 07 2025 - Minutes - Html

Twitter

Facebook

YouTube

I graduated from the original Benhaven High School in 1971 and continued my education at Central Carolina Community College and the North Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, earning a degree in corrections. I began my career with the North Carolina Department of Corrections in 1965 and proudly retired after 28.5 years of service. Following retirement, I successfully owned and operated four convenience stores. As a lifelong resident and active member of the Harnett County community, I am the parent of four daughters and grandparent of four grandchildren—all graduates of Western Harnett schools. One of my granddaughters currently teaches at Benhaven Elementary School, continuing our family's deep connection to local education. I have served on the Advisory Boards for Benhaven, Johnsonville, and Western Harnett Middle Schools and held the position of PTO President at each. I believe in conservative values, equitable education, and maintaining high standards for school employees. I advocate for competitive compensation for our teachers and staff, open communication with families and staff, and ensuring the safety of our schools. With decades of service and involvement, I understand Harnett County's needs and remain committed to supporting its students, educators, and families.

Don is retired. He previously worked for the North Carolina Department of Corrections for 28.5 years. After retiring, he owned and operated four convenience stores. 

Don is currently a member of the Harnett County Board of Education. He was first elected in 2022.

Don Godfrey (Harnett County Schools school board District 5, North ...

Alejandra Gracias

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