FROM STAFF REPORTS

Iredell Free News asked candidates in the March 5 primary election to answer several questions about their desire to serve.

Troutman resident Jinaki “Jai” Peele is one of two candidates running in the Democratic primary for the District 6 seat on the Iredell-Statesville Schools Board of Education. Here are her answers:

IFN: Please evaluate the work of the I-SS Board during the previous 12 months. What does the board deserve to be applauded for? In what areas can it approve? 

PEELE: I believe the board should be recognized for 19 of our schools meeting and exceeding academic growth; however, there is room for improvement for helping the other 18 schools meet their performance goals by identifying all of the factors that are hindering them from meeting their goals. The board worked hard with Superintendent Jeff James and school personnel to address the staffing shortages by encouraging people within the community to apply and filling some of the teaching and other staff positions. The board also worked together and supported Dr. James with addressing the community’s concerns regarding instructional materials (policy 3210) that would allow parents to inspect instructional materials and approve plans to upgrade two of the five athletic stadiums along with other repairs needed to keep the children safe. Lastly, the board showed unquestionable interest in getting more funding for our district, approving budgets for a new elementary and high school to address the population growth and working with a Title 1 budget with more schools added and $212,407 less than 2022-2023. There is room for improvement when creating a constructive image for the community by keeping the teachers and students first and leaving their indifference about certain schools in the district at the door.

IFN: What is your assessment of Iredell-Statesville Schools? In what areas has the district distinguished itself in recent years? To what areas should the board/administration be directing more resources to bring about improvement? 

PEELE: I trust Dr. James is doing the best he can with the limited resources and budget that was allocated for the district to run Iredell-Statesville Schools efficiently. There has been growth in schools with overall academic performances and the district’s test scores increased. However, Iredell-Statesville Schools are in critical need of more state and local funding to improve academic performance in the18 low-performing schools. The district’s 13 Title 1 schools are operating on a budget allocated with $212,407 less than last year’s budget.The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund will expire in September 2024.Therefore, I would like to see the board/administration direct more resources and funding to help improve student achievement by addressing all of the factors that are hindering half of our student population from performing on or above grade level. Moreover, the district leaders must ensure that all students are getting a fair education and equal opportunities across the district despite their socioeconomic class. Lastly, the district should research options that will address the disparities in academic success and school suspensions for African American students, males and students with disabilities that will keep them in the classrooms

IFN: How are the individual schools performing in your district? If elected, how will you spend your time and energy to help the students in these schools reach their potential?

PEELE: More than half of the schools in District 6 have not met the school performance grade and school growth goal. Three of the schools are Title 1 schools. I believe all children should have access to the same education and resources to promote academic success regardless of their socioeconomic status and/or disability. As a parent of an I-SS student and special education advocate, I am aware of the challenges the students and teachers are faced with on a daily basis. That’s why I’m committed putting the students and teachers first. If elected, I will advocate for more funding to support increasing the teachers’ salaries, provide adequate training for teachers and staff, attract qualified teachers, work to get the resources to improve the low-performing schools, improve special education services, reduce suspension rates, and keep our children in the classrooms. Additionally, the district should consider replacing SROs with security guards. Schools should be a safe and nurturing environment that supports diverse learning styles, growth, mental health, social and emotional needs which are essential for life-long learners and academic success.

IFN: Current I-SS Board members have been sued for violating N.C. Open Meetings laws by meeting by text message. Will you commit to voters that you will only conduct the public’s business in public — unless the board votes to meet in closed session for the limited purposes allowed by law? Is this an issue the public should be concerned about?

PEELE: Open meetings should always be conducted according to NC Board Open Meetings laws. As an elected board member and one who adopts policies for the public school district, I will commit to the voters that I will only conduct the school district’s business in public, unless the board votes to meet in closed session for the limited purposes allowed by law. This will not be an issue the public would have to worry about.

IFN: Why are you the best candidate in the May 5 primary election?

PEELE: I hold a Bachelors of Arts Degree Social Science with a concentration in education, minors in child development and organizational management, and have 23 years of combined experience employed as an interim teacher, substitute teacher and the site director for the before and after school programs for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Mooresville Graded School District and Salisbury-Rowan Schools. I am a small business owner, executive director for a non-profit organization, a self-employed special education advocate and volunteered in my children schools. All of my roles were within the Early Childhood and Education field. My background in organizational management, leadership and advocacy for education make me the ideal candidate for the Iredell-Statesville Schools Board of Education. I am prepared to meet and exceed my community’s expectations. I need your vote on March 5, 2024, and November 5, 2024, to be the change and voice for the children in our community.