Get to know Kannapolis Schools Board of Education Candidate Kristina Cook
A Kannapolis native and board member since 2019, Cook emphasizes student pathways, mental health support and workforce readiness.
Kristina Cook is one of two incumbent candidates running in the March nonpartisan election for two seats on the Kannapolis City Schools Board of Education. Here are her answers to questions from The Cabarrus Compass.
1. Please tell us about your background and how long you have served on the board.
I have been on the board since 2019. As a mom of 2 KCS students at the time, I thought it was important to have a mom’s voice on the board. As a lifelong Kannapolis resident, I love this town and know that a successful school district is a key to the our community’s continued growth and sustainability.
2. What has KCS accomplished during your time serving on the board?
Since coming on the board we have worked to update our systems and processes for the district by way of the district policies and hired 2 superintendents along with appointing an interim superintendent between them.
Hiring a superintendent is one of the big roles the board has and it is definitely not something I have taken lightly. Our most recent hire in this role is Dr Sara Newell.
3. What qualifications, skills, or experiences do you believe best prepare you to serve another term as a school board member?
I always listen and ask questions with an open mind when it comes to decisions we must make. Decisions that affect our students, staff, and community are oftentimes the hardest because they are so important.
My ability to decipher the data and listen for the why is what makes me a good board member. My experience as a new board member learning all the rules and guidelines during a time when we were mostly remote or sitting in empty board rooms helped me learn so much about our district and the heart we all share for our school community.
My background in insurance brings another view to the table in many circumstances - helping talk through scenarios and circumstances with a different lens.
4. Is there a specific issue or set of concerns within public education that most motivates you to seek another term?
I would not categorize it as a concern or issue but what I would say motivates me is the ability to see students succeed beyond their childhood dreams. We have students exploring pathways as young as elementary years. This gives them the opportunity to “try on” roles that help them see what they could accomplish in a career.
I am not an “everyone needs a degree” kind of person. As a matter of fact, I am a HUGE supporter of certificates and trade schools. Our district does a great job for students to find their future path - be that college, a trade, or a certificate program.
I think we can offer more in this category and help support our local community with “growing our own” to be plumbers, brick masons, electricians, and so much more.
My dream is to be able to offer more trades to our students in our small one high school than many larger districts with many high schools and I believe we can do it!
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 one’s voice should be heard - period. Having opportunities within clubs, pathways and open doors for our students to share is important for all students to be heard. It is important to have opportunities for all students to learn in a way that best supports their success.
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 Kannapolis City Schools?
In Kannapolis we have a very strong Parent Council that helps give feedback, insight, and shares ideas. This is a great group of parents from schools across the district that represent our student population in every way.
In addition to that we have parents involved in our school and district strategic plans who play a key role in helping our district succeed and set plans in motion.
7. In your view, what are the most significant issues currently impacting students and parents in Kannapolis City Schools, and why?
Mental health and student well-being has been an ongoing concern for several years. Student anxiety is at an all new high and it affects them at home and at school.
Having student mental health counselors available would greatly assist in this ongoing issue. Student anxiety can also lead to depression, lack of motivation, behavior issues, and other altering behaviors.
This is not a quick fix, but I am thankful for a district that cares enough to put in processes to help identify and help guide students struggling with mental health situations.
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?
Teacher Recruitment and Retention are widespread issues across the country. From burnout to shortages, this is not just impacting our school district.
If I could immediately change this for our district, it would be a certified teacher in every classroom and in turn would help ease the minds of our parents and students.
9. How would you approach balancing academic performance, student well-being, and fiscal responsibility when making decisions as a school board member?
Working with our current policy to continue to build on our foundation to ensure we have systems in place to help guide the road to success no matter where the student is beginning and help them envision their goals.
This includes gathering and analyzing data, using our resources for the needs most in need, and being transparent about what we want to do vs what budget allows us to do. Sometimes this means being creative until we can afford to do more.
10. School board members often face disagreements on policy and priorities. How do you approach conflict resolution and collaboration among board members?
During my time on the board, these disagreements have been far and few between and I am grateful for that. When a disagreement happens we talk through it with respect and order.
Just because someone disagrees doesn’t mean they are wrong - having a different opinion often means they are just looking at it from a different perspective and a respectful discussion can lead to understanding each other’s perspectives.
11. Individual board members have no independent authority, as decisions are made collectively. What personal traits or skills have allowed you to contribute effectively to the board as a whole?
Bringing my Insurance and business owner background along with my parent view has allowed me to bring that perspective for decisions and discussions.
12. After your next term in office, what outcomes or benchmarks would you point to as evidence that you have made a meaningful impact on Kannapolis City Schools?
I would like to see us offer additional pathways for students and update/reimagine some of our campuses to fit the growth in our community. The aforementioned would help us in growing our students academically and set them on paths to strengthen our community for years to come.