Get to know Cabarrus County Board of Education Republican Candidate Bubba Hartsell

With deep family ties to Cabarrus County Schools, Hartsell says his focus is safety, transparency and common-sense decision-making.

Bubba Hartsell. Photo courtesy of Bubba Hartsell.

Bubba Hartsell is one of five Republicans running in the primary for three seats on the Cabarrus County Schools Board of Education. Here are his answers to questions from The Cabarrus Compass.

1. Please tell us about your background and your connection to Cabarrus County Schools. Do you currently have, or have you previously had, children enrolled in the district?

I am a 4th generation attendee and graduate of CCS. (Northwest Cabarrus 2004) I have 2 children in CCS and my wife is a EC Teacher Assistant in CCS.

2. What motivated you to run for the Cabarrus County Schools Board of Education, and do you have any prior experience in elected office or public service?

I want CCS schools to be the best it can be for everyone. I have served as Chairman of the Cabarrus County Young Republicans, I am a member of a local Rotary club, and I have served on many school improvement teams and served on a Cabarrus County Schools Community Engagement Committee. I currently serve on the Cabarrus GOP Executive Committee.

3. What qualifications, skills, or experiences best prepare you to serve as a school board member?

I have been in education for over 12 years, I have worked in Maintenance, Exceptional Children's Instructional Assistant, Classroom Teacher, and Behavioral Specialist between CCS and Kannapolis City Schools.

I currently work as a Youth Education Assistant Team Leader with the Department of Public Safety in the National Guard division. I also was a head football and wrestling coach in CCS for 12 years.

4. Is there a specific issue or set of concerns within public education that most motivates you to seek a seat on the Board of Education?

I believe we need to get back to basics and make common sense decisions that will prepare students for the real world.

5. How do you define equity and inclusivity in public education, and what steps would you support to ensure all students have the opportunity to succeed?

Every student should always have the same opportunities.

6. What role should parents play in decision-making at the school and district level, and how would you work to improve communication and trust between families and Cabarrus County Schools?

I believe very strongly in parental rights, The school district needs to bridge that gap with parents by supporting them and be transparent. A strong community helps make for a strong school.

I would like to start a parent only engagement team to meet at least quarterly to talk through any issues and welcome feedback for the board.

7. In your view, what are the most significant issues currently impacting students and parents in Cabarrus County Schools, and why?

School safety is number 1! We have to protect our women's sports and locker rooms by not allowing men in them. We have overcrowded schools and we have to work with county commissioners to fund new ones.

We also have an out of control budget that needs a deep drive into where tax payers money is going.

8. If you could make one immediate change within the school system, what would it be and what impact would you expect it to have?

Ensure that men are not allowed in women's bathrooms and locker rooms. A policy needs to be implemented ASAP.

9. How would you approach balancing academic performance, student well-being, and fiscal responsibility when making decisions as a school board member?

We have to look at data and research that backs up the spending. We have to listen to teachers, support staff, and parents to get an overall input.

10. School board members often face disagreements on policy and priorities. How would you approach conflict resolution and collaboration among board members?

I respect everyone's opinion even if I disagree. I am a professional and role model and we must act accordingly.

11. Individual board members have no independent authority, as decisions are made collectively. What personal traits or skills would allow you to contribute effectively to the board as a whole?

I have great communication skills and I am a small business owner of a real estate firm, so negotiation is what I do.

12. After your first full year in office, what benchmarks or outcomes would you point to as evidence that you have made a meaningful impact?

Improved safety, with new policies. A balanced budget and educational growth.