Name: Marcia Lynnette Allen
Candidate For: Vance County Board of Education – District 7
Age: 52
Town of Residence: Henderson
Previous position(s) held: Department of Social Services Board of Directors
Degrees/Certifications Earned: Bachelor of Arts – Psychology
What motivates you to want to become a Vance County Board of Education member?
I am running for office because I believe in education and the importance of ensuring that every student is allowed the opportunity to obtain the necessary tools that will enable him/her to successfully move into the next phase of life.
Running for this office allows me the opportunity to give back to the community and school system I grew up in and present myself as a mentor and role model for our most important onlookers, the student.
What do you see as the Board’s primary roles and responsibilities?
The Board’s primary roles and responsibilities are to ensure that every student is afforded the opportunity to receive an education. In receiving an education the students should be provided an environment that is safe and conducive to learning.
Additionally, the Board should include opportunities to prepare students for higher education and preparation for the workforce if not pursuing a college degree. Ideally, students in Vance County should be able to compete globally with their peers nationally and internationally.
What is your vision for the future of education in this community?
My vision for education is that every child succeeds in school. I believe there must be an aggressive action plan to improve school’s state performance grades so that each school is equipped to provide the curriculum for success readiness.
What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing the Vance County Board of Education?
The biggest challenge is safety. The goal is to provide every student with an atmosphere that is safe and conducive to learning.
I believe that success is contingent upon the cooperation and unity of three factions of every student; parents/guardians, school and community. It is my belief that each of these areas is critical to the firm foundation-building of each student.
How would you handle the request of individuals and special interest groups?
I would acknowledge the request and, if appropriate, refer them to the Superintendent, full Board or Community Public Affairs Specialist for a formal response, especially if it involves private information pertaining to a student, family or school personnel.
(WIZS News will be publishing a series of candidate question-and-answer articles in the days leading up to the May 8th primary here on WIZS.com. Significant portions will be broadcast on WIZS Radio with equal time allotted for each candidate.)