Three incumbent Roanoke Rapids Graded District Board of Trustees are up for re-election this year and face off in Tuesday’s municipal election.

Incumbents Cathy Keeter, Steven Ellis, and Jeff Kloss are being challenged by Jim Whitmire and Carlton Ansley.

The following are Keeter’s answers to campaign questions:

Why I am running for a seat on the board of education

My motivation for seeking a seat on the board of education is straightforward: I am deeply committed to ensuring that our students and their families receive the highest quality education possible. I firmly believe that our dedicated staff members deserve not only high expectations from both the board and the public, but also genuine appreciation for their ongoing efforts and achievements. While there is much to celebrate within our schools, I have chosen to run for re-election because I recognize that significant work remains to be done.

Previous service on the board

I am currently completing my second six-year term on the board of education, which has provided me with valuable experience and insight into the needs of our school system.

Relevant experience

My career in education began in 1978. Over the span of 21 years, I taught English and History at the middle and high school levels at Gumberry HS, Chaloner Middle, and Roanoke Rapids HS. After completing my Master of Education degree in curriculum and administration, I was given the opportunity to serve as Director of Special Education, Federal Programs, and Preschool for Roanoke Rapids Graded Schools. In addition, I served as assistant principal at Chaloner Middle School.

Later, I transitioned to Pitt County, where I took on the roles of Director of Special Education and Principal of the Hospital School. After 34.5 years of credited service, I retired.  After my mandatory six-month separation from the state ended, I accepted an interim position with Halifax County Schools while the district searched for a Special Education Director. My experience includes working in both small city systems and the largest county system in northeastern North Carolina, managing budgets of varying sizes — some smaller and some larger than our current district’s — during both prosperous times and periods of scarcity.

For nearly eleven years, I have worked part-time for one of the top curriculum publishing companies in the United States. In this capacity, I support teachers, schools, and districts of all types and sizes in implementing curriculum with integrity and fidelity. My role involves traveling across the country to assist educators with analyzing data and state standards, helping struggling students find success, and supporting high-achieving students in reaching their full potential. I understand the challenges we face and know how to support both students and staff in achieving proficiency. Importantly, I also recognize and respect the need to maintain a clear distinction between my responsibilities and those of the educational leaders who are tasked with running classrooms, schools, or the district itself.

Biggest challenge facing our school system

The greatest challenge our school system is currently facing is a shrinking student population, which leads to a reduction in fiscal resources. Compounding this problem, we are now entering the fourth month without a new state budget and have no clear projection for when an approved annual budget will be available. Our federal resources also remain uncertain. While I cannot control the population decline, as a board member I can advocate for and monitor our spending, keep our fund balance healthy so we are prepared for unexpected expenses, and work cooperatively with our city, county, and state officials. My goal is to help manage our resources efficiently and ethically, ensuring that our district maintains financial stability.

Greatest strength of our school system

The greatest strength of our school system is our students and the caring, dedicated staff who work tirelessly to meet their needs. Our district has a long history of excellence, and I am confident that we have not lost sight of that distinguished tradition, even in the face of ever-changing academic expectations and shrinking resources. I am extremely proud of the hard work and dedication that have enabled our schools to continue improving. Our educators cannot achieve this without the strong support of our community. I applaud the many ways our community comes together to support students in the classroom, on the performance stage, and on the athletic field. Each year, I celebrate the achievements of our graduates and the bright futures that lie ahead for them. I am profoundly grateful that parents continue to entrust their most precious asset — their children — to our district.

The role of a board member in district operations

Upon election, every board member is required to complete ethics training and to receive twelve hours of in-service training every two years. These trainings cover not only the conduct of official meetings but also the laws governing board operations. One example shared during training is that board members should act like a helicopter hovering 30,000 feet above the district, watching out for potential dangers from that vantage point. While board members maintain this broader perspective, educational leaders are on the ground, handling the daily challenges and protecting the district from potential harm. Board members are not responsible for the "weeding of the garden." Instead, we set policy, establish expectations for governance, ask important questions, and remain alert to issues that can be identified from a high-level perspective.