Merwyn K. Smith, an incumbent candidate for the Lenoir County Board of Education At-Large position, is running for re-election in the upcoming 2024 elections. Smith, who has served on the Board since 2012, cites a commitment to enhancing educational resources and fostering a positive perception of Lenoir County Public Schools as central to his campaign. Smith’s opponents for the two At-Large seats are current board chair Bruce Hill, Jonathan Britt and Shannan Harrison.

With over a decade of experience on the Board, Smith brings a wealth of qualifications to the table. He has served as a pastor for 16 years and is currently an Assistant District Elder, overseeing six churches. His involvement extends to the Lenoir County Parks & Recreation Commission and the State Employees' Advisory Board. An Army veteran, Smith emphasizes a strong sense of community and public service in his candidacy.

“My initial motivation to run for office stemmed from a genuine concern for the education and well-being of the children in Lenoir County,” Smith said. “I want to ensure we have the best resources available to connect our students to a prosperous future.”

Addressing the most pressing issues facing the community, Smith identifies three key areas: teacher retention, public perception of schools, and the importance of school choice. He acknowledges that while parents have options for their children's education, it is critical to focus on attracting and retaining high-quality teachers to foster a conducive learning environment.

“Teacher turnover is a pressing issue because some are leaving the profession,” Smith noted. “I want to ensure we are doing what we can as a local Board to incentivize our teachers to stay.”

Smith also highlights the importance of enhancing public perception regarding the positive developments in local schools. He advocates for better communication and outreach efforts to inform the community about the successes and initiatives occurring within the school district.

In discussing his commitment to transparency and accountability, Smith explained that public meetings are held regularly and are live-streamed for community members who cannot attend in person. He stated, “The transparency piece is through our public meetings which are in person and live-streamed. The public also has the ability to look at the recording if they could not see it live.” He emphasizes that reports and presentations during these meetings keep the community informed about the district's performance and financial standing.

Smith also acknowledges the importance of engaging with diverse voices in the community. He encourages public participation in meetings and welcomes parental input via email. “I encourage parents to let us know any concerns they may have,” he said.

A proponent of bipartisan cooperation, Smith believes that effective governance transcends party lines. He mentioned the annual Legislative Breakfast, an event where elected officials from various parties discuss the needs and progress of Lenoir County Public Schools. “I don't believe there should be party lines when it comes to doing what's in the best interest of our children and staff,” he emphasized.

Regarding the balance of short-term and long-term goals, Smith stated that the Board discusses and prioritizes goals presented by the administration to ensure sustainable growth in the community. This approach allows for both immediate improvements and future planning.

Smith expressed excitement about recent developments, including a $52 million grant awarded for the construction of a new Frink Middle School. He also highlighted the district's recognition as a leader in digital learning and its impressive graduation and dropout rates. “Our graduation rate is at an all-time high and our dropout rate is at an all-time low!” he stated.

In closing, Smith reiterated his dedication to the role and the importance of continuity in leadership. “I have not missed a School Board meeting in 12 years. If I was not able to be there in person, I was on a conference call or virtual, even once while being admitted to the hospital,” he said. “I ask that you keep the current Board intact by re-electing Merwyn K. Smith for Lenoir County School Board At-Large, so we can continue to progress our school district.”

As election day approaches, Smith's focus remains clear: fostering a thriving educational environment in Lenoir County that serves the needs of all students and families.

North Carolina will hold its general election on Nov. 5th with in-person early voting beginning on October 17th. Neuse News will live stream the 2024 Election Results on Facebook starting at 7:15 pm.