Get to know Kannapolis Schools Board of Education Candidate Brenda McCombs
An eight-year Kannapolis school board member and former educator, McCombs points to campus expansions, teacher retention and student-centered budgeting as priorities.
Brenda McCombs 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 served on the Kannapolis Board of Education for eight years. I have a Master’s degree in Education (also Instructional Technology and Curriculum and Instruction).
I was a certified teacher for 27+ years. I taught elementary school (3rd and 4th grades), taught teachers as a technology facilitator at the school level, worked as an Educator on Loan for the Department of Public Instruction (linking resources to the standard course of study on the DPI website), and finished my educational career as the Technology Director for Kannapolis City Schools, providing technology and instructional support to all staff.
2. What has KCS accomplished during your time serving on the board?
• Built two school expansions - one at McKnight Head Start and the other at Fred L. Wilson Elementary School.
• Facilitated and Survived remote learning during the Covid months.
• Expanded Magnet programs so that we have opportunities for elementary students to experience A+ arts, science, and Global studies and dual language programs. Middle school students now may continue their dual language studies that they began in kindergarten.
• Hired two superintendents.
• Set policies, including cell phone, dress code, and school safety, among others.
• Monthly recognized/honored various students, staff members, and volunteers, including presenting longevity pins to all staff members that have served a minimum of 5 years.
• Approved school improvement plans, safety plans, faculty, parent, and student handbooks.
• Approved and monitored annual budget.
• Conducted personnel hearings, when required.
• Conducted monthly school visits.
• Approved a joint use facility agreement with the City of Kannapolis.
3. What qualifications, skills, or experiences do you believe best prepare you to serve another term as a school board member?
Providing fair and open-minded decisions, keeping what is best for the majority of students and staff in mind.
4. Is there a specific issue or set of concerns within public education that most motivates you to seek another term?
Advocating to find and keep qualified teachers and having an adequate budget from the State of NC.
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?
Equity and inclusivity means providing whatever resources are needed to each individual student so that they can succeed. I support in-school coaching for teachers, tutoring for students, and using technology as a teaching tool whenever needed and appropriate.
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?
The Kannapolis BOE encourages parent input through the Parent Council, the Parent Portal, or directly to us via email.
7. In your view, what are the most significant issues currently impacting students and parents in Kannapolis City Schools, and why?
• With so much additional housing being built in the KCS school district area, a critical need is to have additional space for new students that move to Kannapolis. We added space onto Fred L. Wilson Elementary last year, but A. L. Brown High School and Jackson Park Elementary still need immediate expansion.
• We have several certified positions that need qualified teachers, including media coordinators.
• We are considering ways to improve testing scores in reading, math, and science. Our new strategic plan includes excellent strategies for this.
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?
Remove the cap on Exceptional Children (EC) funding. We have many students that qualify for these services but we are WAY under funded by the state.
Since the EC plans are mandated, we have to use local funds to make up the cost difference. If this change were to happen, our typical instructional programs would be able to have access to those local funds, which would positively impact mainstream students.
9. How would you approach balancing academic performance, student well-being, and fiscal responsibility when making decisions as a school board member?
We do this every month. The bottom line for me with making decisions is, “What is best for the majority of our students?”
10. School board members often face disagreements on policy and priorities. How do you approach conflict resolution and collaboration among board members?
Our current Board of Education does a great job of collaborating. When there are disagreements, they are rarely difficult to solve. Each of us presents their thoughts and through discussion we are able to arrive at a decision that works for all of us. I believe it is important to hear all five perspectives before coming to a conclusion.
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?
I am a big picture thinker, I’m organized, and have the ability to proofread documents and find inconsistencies in text. I have been part of a collaborative team for many years and I have an educational background in both curriculum and technology. Those unique skills are part of my contribution to the effectiveness of the board.
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?
• Improved test scores
• Certified teachers in each Core classroom
• Adequate instructional space for all students
• Continued excellent relationship between the BOE, Superintendent, Staff, and Community