To help inform voters in the November 5, 2024 election, this candidate questionnaire may be republished at no cost by local publications in North Carolina. To help enable this reporting, please consider subscribing to The News & Observer.
Name: Lynn Edmonds
District/seat: Wake County Board of Education, District 5
Political party: Democrat
Age as of November 5, 2024: 53
Campaign website: lynnforwake.com
Current occupation: Outreach Director, Public Schools First NC
Professional experience: Volunteer and former staff, WakeUp Wake County and Great Schools in Wake (2012-2015)
Education: Associate’s Degree, Peace College, 1992 (now William Peace University)
Please include any notable government or community involvement:. PTA volunteer and leadership at four WCPSS schools; Member of the District 4 Board Advisory Council (BAC) under Rosa Gill; Member and leadership, District 5 BAC under Jim Martin; General Member, Wake Co. Library Commission (2016–present)
What would be your top priority if elected?
Recruit and retain high-quality staff at all levels: bus drivers, classroom teachers, support staff such as counselors, social workers, etc.
What specific strategies would you promote to improve the academic performance of Wake County students?
I voted in favor of the District’s 2023-2028 Strategic Plan because I believe in and will advance the goals set forth in that plan. I will focus on attendance, student support (academic and student well-being), strengthening community support (WakeTogether mentoring program and through our new Community Engagement Committee) and teacher support (better pay, professional development, more support staff in buildings).
How should Wake County respond to the Biden administration’s new Title IX rules regarding transgender students?
We responded with a recent policy review to reflect what else the Biden administration has done. If further revisions are necessary in response to new court rulings, our staff and legal advisors will advise us to do so. I will comply with federal law while doing everything I can to respect the dignity and rights of LGBTQ+ students and staff within WCPSS.
Do you think the Legislature should fund approximately $500 million for private school vouchers through the Opportunity Scholarship program? Why or why not?
Absolutely not. Public dollars should be used to fund public goods and services, including public schools. The vast majority of NC and Wake County children are educated in our public schools. Our state dollars should be used to fully fund our public schools, not to subsidize private education for the wealthy. NC’s voucher scheme has no responsibility to taxpayers, including whether or not voucher students learn.
What is your opinion on installing gun detectors in every school as a security measure?
I do not support gun detection systems in schools. I believe these give a false sense of security. Our district has implemented and continues to implement construction safety measures recommended to us by professionals in the field, as outlined following a 2019 safety audit. I support the use of weapon detection systems at sporting events on our campuses. School safety should also include advocating for common sense gun laws.
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