Special to Iredell Free News

Natalie Reina Ramos has filed to run for the District 2 seat on the Iredell-Statesville Schools Board of Education.

A business owner, parent of two Iredell-Statesville Schools students and former substitute teacher, Ramos pledged to be an advocate for students and teachers if she is elected.

“I am someone who will solely focus on helping this new generation of students to be once again properly molded by the correct morals and standards into becoming better and stronger leaders, teachers and role models,” she said in her official campaign announcement.

Candidate filing began on Monday and ends on Friday, December 15.

The District 2, 4 and 6 seats will be on the ballot in the November 5, 2024, general election. A primary election is scheduled for March 5.

A native of Trinidad and Tobago, Ramos has lived in Iredell County for 18 years. She is running as a Democrat.

Ramos said her experience as the owner of a variety store in Troutman has enabled her to get to know the principals, teachers, and students at several district schools — along with the residents and elected officials.

In her capacity as a business owner, she has mentored students and truly believes no student should be left behind. She has contributed her time and talents as a substitute teacher, nutritionist and chairwoman of the I-Care Headstart Board.

A self-published author, she has also shared her love of poetry with adults and students through programming at the Iredell County Public Library.

Providing teens with an opportunity to express themselves through poetry, songs, music, acting and dance, Ramos said, can help them grow and reach their potential.

As a board member, Ramos said she would work to make sure district schools are a safe place for all students.

“I have learned the importance of communicating and letting your inside voice be heard so that things like suicides, bullying (because of different) gender, race, cultural backgrounds, religion, etc. that has been taking place in the school system for years can now openly be addressed in a safe professional environment with people who care,” she said.

School board members should be focused on supporting teachers and students by advocating for better pay, transportation, food service, curriculum and computers and necessary supplies.

“My goal, if elected for this School Board, is to help lead a unified productive team in District 2 because, my friends, we have lots of work to do and time is of the essence,” she said.