Hunter: Reward teachers for success

Published 9:43 am Thursday, February 8, 2024

Following is a profile on one of six candidates for the Republican nomination for Davie County Board of Education. Voters will select four of the six in the March 5 primary, likely to be elected in November because no other party candidate filed.

Name

Michael Hunter

Age

47

Address

Magnolia Ave., Mocksville

Family

Wife, Lindsey Hunter; Children, Bryson Hunter,

Braxton Hunter, Harper Hunter, Riley White,

Logan White, & Cooper White

Education

Davie County High School,1995; NC State.1999, Landscaping & Horticulture degree

Occupation

President, Hunter Landscapes Inc.

In The Community

• Member, Farmington Baptist Church

• Past Master Advance Masonic Lodge

• Assistant wrestling coach, South Davie Middle School

• Weekly volunteer with wife with the backpack program at  local elementary school

Why did you decide to seek public office?

Hunter: I feel enormous pride in the fact that I grew up in Davie County, went to Davie County Schools, settled my family here & started my own business, Hunter Landscapes Inc. I’ve been exposed to & known some amazing people in Davie County. Hearing my grandfather & dad talk about the way things were, the way things changed, & their concerns about the future… specifically our schools. I’m a strong Christian with a deep-seeded faith in Jesus coupled with rich conservatism. With my history & current day issues, I felt a strong desire to preserve & enhance our school system in order to prepare our kids for an honest & successful future.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the school system, and how do you intend to address those challenges?

Hunter: The biggest challenges our schools face is the lack of school resources. Other than technology, teachers & staff must often purchase their own math manipulatives, books for classroom use, office & school supplies. Our staff should not have to drain their bank accounts in order to effectively teach our kids. We can’t attract or retain teachers if their income is depleted in order to do their job effectively. I also feel that an increase in support staff is necessary to benefit individualized learning especially in lower grades.

Should the school system increase incentives to recruit and retain teachers?

Hunter: Teachers have always & will always have an integral role in all our lives. It doesn’t matter what career you’re in, you wouldn’t be there if a teacher didn’t give you the necessary knowledge & skills. Exceptional teachers should be rewarded for their success.

Other Issues

Hunter: The board has a crucial role in the education of the children in this county,  the board is supposed to represent the views of the people it serves.

I’m a small business owner, so I understand the importance of strategic planning, budgeting, how to listen to a point of view that differs from my own, & how to navigate a myriad of sensitive personal issues. I have a practical, common sense approach to leadership & would like to put that skill set to use serving the children & people of Davie County. If elected I will commit to listening to concerns & ensuring the school system performs its civic & legal responsibilities to educate our children.