Lexington School Board candidates talk opportunity for the future

There are two contested races out of four available seats for Lexington City Schools Board of Education in the upcoming municipal election in November.   

Incumbent Lisa Hathaway is being challenged by newcomer Patricia Miller as the elected official for Ward 4. Current school board member Lewie Phillips is facing challenger Cheryl Leverette-Lide in Ward 6. 

 {Contributed Photos: Left to Right Lisa Hathaway, Patricia Miller, Lewie Phillips, Cheryl Leverette-Lide}

Hathaway has served on the school board for two years. She was appointed as the representative for Ward 4 after John Burke was elected to the Lexington City Council. 

She said she wants to continue serving the district and to be an advocate for its students, employees and parents. One of the areas she would like to see is more programming for mental health support, in which she is currently pursuing her doctorate degree. She said she also wants to support building a new high school, continuing academic growth and helping teacher retention. 

 “So much has already been done, but I would like to still feel like I could make an impact,” said Hathaway. “I just want to do whatever I can to move the pendulum forward and be a voice of support to make the best version of Lexington City Schools we can have." 

Miller said has a lot of experience and has a background in working on community programs for children with disabilities and as a guardian ad-litem for the court system. She said she decided to run for Lexington City School Board because she can bring a fresh perspective to ensure every child receives the best education.  

Some areas she is interested in addressing are making sure the schools are fully staffed with qualified teachers, improving nutritional programs, increasing skilled programs at the high school and fiscal responsibility. 

“I have a lot of experience working with children with compassion,” said Miller. “My motto is listening, learning and leading to advocate with interest for all children. No child should be left behind no matter their ability. 

Phillips said he hopes to continue to focus on school improvements, guided by the district’s strategic plan. He said some of his top priorities are the physical and mental well-being of students and staff; overcoming achievement gaps, ensuring diverse and innovative experiences for students and an emphasis on integrity and fiscal responsibility. 

Some specific goals include completing a facility needs study to update the capital project plan; data-driven decision making; equitable resource allocation; school nutrition programs, academic performance; on-time bus arrival, and community involvement. 

"The future of the Lexington City Schools is bright.  Through consistent leadership and administration, hiring and retaining the best teachers, and following policy set forth by the Board of Education, the children in Lexington have to environment to be somebody,” said Phillips. 

Lide has a varied background in education, government, non-profit and business, as well as volunteering in the community. She said she decided to run for school board because she is committed to putting students first and ensuring that every child in Lexington has the opportunity to succeed. She said she has concerns about whether students are receiving the education they need to have the skills required for future employment. She said she also has an interest in promoting accountability, academic excellence, as well as fiscal responsibility. 

“I want to be part of the solution, not part of the problem,” said Lide. “I want to involve myself and to make sure these students are equipped and have opportunities to prepare themselves for the future.” 

She said there are several areas that need to be addressed including accountability to the community, transparency in decision making and creating an atmosphere of trust and welcome for parents, students and teachers to express their thoughts and concerns. She said she also wants to see improvements in the athletic program and more options centered around the arts. 

Incumbent Debra Verdell was the only person to file for the at-large seat on Lexington Board of Education, and current school board member Angela McDuffie filed for Ward 5. 

The municipal election is Nov. 4. Early voting begins on Oct. 16 and goes through Nov. 1 at the Davidson County Board of Elections and the Thomasville Library. 

The Lexington Area Chamber is partnering with Davidson Local, the Davidson County NAACP, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority to host a candidate forum for Lexington City Schools Board of Education and the Lexington City Council on Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. at Union Baptist church at 110 Lincoln Avenue in Lexington.