Sidney Briggs: County Commissioner Survey on Education
Davidson County schools are consistently ranked poorly. What is your view on supporting education for young people?
Dreher: My position: Prioritize educational outcomes, parental involvement, school accountability, and responsible funding. Education is essential to the future of Davidson County. While funding matters, I believe we must also look closely at how resources are used, the quality of instruction, and whether students are receiving the support they need. Recent 2025–2026 state accountability results reported improvements in academic growth and graduation rates in Davidson County Schools, although challenges remain.
As a commissioner, I would:
Demand accountability: Work with the school board to understand academic performance, identify struggling schools, and evaluate improvement plans.
Prioritize essential infrastructure: Address documented needs involving heating, air conditioning, building safety, and other essential facilities.
Examine education spending: Review school capital funding requests carefully and seek clear explanations of costs, priorities, and expected outcomes.
Encourage parental involvement: Support efforts that give parents meaningful opportunities to participate in decisions affecting their children's education.
Support educational options: Encourage discussion of vocational training, apprenticeships, career and technical education, and other pathways that prepare students for employment.
Promote transparency: Maintain open communication between county commissioners, the school board, educators, parents, and taxpayers.
The Board of Commissioners controls county appropriations, not classroom instruction or school curriculum. I would respect that distinction while holding the county accountable for its funding decisions. I believe education should equip young people with the knowledge, practical skills, and independence they need to build their own futures. Funding should be accompanied by accountability and a clear understanding of student needs.
Lanier: I strongly support K-12 education and feel we should do more to help our students, teachers, schools and support staff. Investing in our schools is investing in our future. It is a constitutional right to have access to a quality and equitable public education. We have to make sure that all schools in Davidson County are providing the very best public education.
Mizell: I studied education at Wake Forest University and taught for four years in a Title I public school. My father also taught here in Davidson County for more than thirty years. As such, I have always considered myself an advocate for strong public education. Based on my studies and experience, I believe the three most important factors for ensuring quality education are: (1) a strong, rigorous curriculum with timely support for students falling behind; (2) early-childhood support for students and families to help close socioeconomic gaps; and (3) dedicated and well-qualified teachers. I am hesitant, however, to reduce the assessment of our schools to a single ranking. It is likewise important to recognize that the Board of Commissioners does not set school curriculum, establish teacher salaries, or early-childhood programs. Our primary responsibilities are local operating support and school facilities. During my term, Davidson County has increased support for our three public-school systems, and approximately $43 million is currently included in our five-year capital improvement plan for school needs. Additionally, I supported the first increase in roughly twenty years for the local teacher supplement. Facility improvements may not get headlines, but students deserve safe schools they can take pride in, and teachers deserve suitable working conditions. I do not believe a child’s ZIP code should determine the quality of education available to them. My approach is pragmatic and informed by firsthand experience as a public- school teacher—and that is the perspective I will continue to bring to Davidson County.
Short: Davidson County Schools-I think we need better communication between the Board of Commissioners and our three school systems, so we better understand the needs of each. I am convinced we can do significantly better than where we are presently in providing an education for our children.
Slipetsky: I was also a schoolteacher for eight years where I taught electronics as a vocational course and I have come to realize how much strain is put on teachers. From preparing lessons, materials and such to grading papers each night, it makes one wonder if the career is worth the effort. This is especially true when it comes to the less disciplined students. Most teachers spend too much time on these troublesome students and when they seek help from the administration, they too often don’t get it. This adds to the stress. Teachers never get the pay they deserve in my opinion, and I would work to improve this situation. I would work for this as well as make each school more of a community center after school. Why can’t we utilize some of the resources to engage students and parents with after-school programs and possibly charge a small fee for the use? More volunteers could be used as monitors and substitute teachers. With the end of grade testing that has been implemented by the G. W. Bush administration, teachers have no incentive to add additional subject material to enhance their course but go over only the tested material over and over again if time allows because the test scores are what the teachers are judged on. Not critical thinking skills or additional material.
Tate: I do not think one phrase such as “ranked poorly” tells the full story of Davidson County Schools. The district’s 2025–2026 accountability results showed gains in student achievement, including improvement in districtwide and high school performance measures, while also showing that there is still work to do. As a County Commissioner, I would focus on the areas where county government has a direct role: funding decisions, school facilities, long-term capital needs, and partnerships that support students and families. I would ask questions about what schools need, how requests are prioritized, and how county dollars can be used responsibly. I support strong schools, teachers, and student support systems because education affects the future workforce, economic development, and quality of life across Davidson County. I also believe we should pay attention to the condition of school buildings and plan for facility needs instead of waiting until problems become emergencies. My background in human services has shown me that students do better when families have access to support outside the classroom as well. Transportation, healthcare, food security, and stable housing can all affect a child’s ability to learn.I would work collaboratively with school leaders, educators, parents, students, and community partners while keeping transparency and accountability at the center of county funding decisions.
