Shannan Harrison seeks election to Lenoir County Board of Education
Shannan Harrison, a lifelong resident of Lenoir County and a graduate of Lenoir County Public Schools, is running for an at-large seat on the Board of Education. With over 20 years of experience as a business owner and extensive involvement in local schools, Harrison aims to bring a parent’s perspective to the board. Her opponent for one of the two at-large seats are incumbents Bruce Hill and Merwyn Smith, and Jonathan Britt.
Harrison's commitment to education is evident in her long-standing volunteer work within the school system. "Through the years of volunteering in our county schools, I have witnessed the needs of our students, parents, teachers, and administrators," she said. As a current parent of three children enrolled in local schools, Harrison believes it is essential to have more board members who actively engage with students and the educational system.
Having served in various roles, including President of the Frink PTA and Vice President of the North Lenoir High School PTO, she understands the importance of parent involvement. Harrison asserts that "those making decisions about the future of education in our county should be ones that have students in the system." Her firsthand experience as a parent equips her to advocate for effective changes in the school district.
In addressing the challenges facing local schools, Harrison identified three primary concerns: student and staff safety, increased parent involvement, and mental health. She emphasized the need for accountability among all stakeholders to effectively tackle these issues. "I feel if all parties involved are held accountable for their actions we would see a significant decrease in many of the issues that our schools are facing today," Harrison stated.
Harrison's approach to ensuring transparency and accountability involves active community engagement. She plans to frequently visit schools to stay informed about the conditions students and teachers face. "I will be a board member that takes the job seriously and visits our schools on many occasions to see what is going on in the building during the school days," she said. Her commitment extends to timely communication, promising to respond to emails promptly and be approachable for educators who have concerns.
Recognizing the importance of collaboration, Harrison believes effective governance requires teamwork across party lines and diverse stakeholders. "Building a strong team that is willing to work together and collaborate their ideas across party lines... is absolutely essential for the effective governance of our schools," she remarked. Her focus on hiring qualified educators is part of a larger strategy to improve educational outcomes in Lenoir County.
Harrison is also aware of the impact of mental health issues on students, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. She plans to enhance resources for mental health support in schools, advocating for parents to play an active role in these discussions. "Parent involvement and support are a large part of addressing the mental health related issues," she noted, highlighting the need for a collaborative effort between families and schools.
To engage with the community's diverse voices, Harrison emphasizes the importance of listening and building relationships. She intends to be present at school events and community gatherings, welcoming feedback from all citizens of Lenoir County. "I will be available to talk and listen to the concerns of all citizens," she assured.
In her vision for the future, Harrison aims to create sustainable growth and development for Lenoir County schools. She advocates for establishing long-term goals while setting short-term milestones to track progress. This balanced approach will ensure that the educational needs of students are met effectively.
As the election approaches, Harrison reflects on her goals for the role. "It is my goal to see that our students have the best tools and opportunities, and the highest standards in the classroom today, so that they can be successful citizens of our community in the future," she stated, emphasizing her dedication to fostering a supportive and enriching educational environment.
Shannan Harrison’s candidacy highlights the vital role of parental involvement and community engagement in shaping the future of Lenoir County’s educational system. Her focus on accountability, transparency, and collaboration reflects a commitment to addressing the pressing issues within the schools, aiming for a brighter future for students and families in the area.
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.
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