Carrie McClain

WHY I'M RUNNING

I am running for the Watauga County Board of Education to support the dedicated administrators, teachers, and staff who serve our students every day.

As a parent, I know it truly takes a village to raise a child, and I am deeply grateful for the educators who helped shape my children. I will never forget the sacrifices our educators made during COVID, when they adapted overnight to support students and families under extraordinary circumstances. I was equally proud of how our schools and broader community responded during Hurricane Helene, coming together with compassion, resilience, and care. These moments reinforced how fortunate we are to live in a community that values its schools and the people who serve them.

I am excited to serve my community in a way that utilizes my strengths—engaging in high-level strategic discussions, helping provide sound leadership, and offering thoughtful guidance and perspective. Serving on the Board of Education is a meaningful way for me to support the educators who serve our students and to give back to a school system that has given so much to my family, helping ensure Watauga County Schools remain strong for future generations.

PRIORITIES

Supporting Educators

Our teachers, administrators, and school staff are the foundation of strong schools. Watauga County has long benefited from talented educators who are deeply committed to our students, but rising housing costs, post-COVID burnout, and increasing demands on educators have made recruitment and retention more challenging.

I believe the school board plays an important role in supporting policies and partnerships that help attract and retain excellent educators, while also listening carefully to those already in our schools. Valuing experience, encouraging professional growth, and creating a supportive environment where educators feel heard and respected are essential to maintaining strong schools.

Students First

Every decision should be made with students’ learning, well-being, and long-term success at the center.

My goal is for all students—at every level and with diverse needs—to receive the support they need to succeed academically and personally. When educators feel supported and schools are well led, students benefit most. I want Watauga County Schools to remain responsive and open to new ideas and opportunities that strengthen outcomes for students while also building on the strengths that have long defined Watauga County Schools.

A Strong Community School System

Strong schools strengthen our entire community. Watauga County Schools reflect the values, priorities, and commitment of the people who live here.

I believe in thoughtful, steady leadership that respects local voices, understands the role of the school board, and encourages collaboration among schools, families, and community partners. By focusing on long-term planning, sound decision-making, and creative problem-solving, we can help keep Watauga County Schools among the strongest in North Carolina—now and for future generations.

BIGGEST CHALLENGES FACING WATAUGA COUNTY SCHOOLS

My understanding of the challenges facing Watauga County Schools comes primarily from my experience as a parent and as a member of the Watauga Education Foundation, as well as conversations with teachers, staff, administrators, and community members. I fully expect to learn much more as a school board member.

One of the most significant challenges is recruitment and retention of teachers and staff. Historically, Watauga County Schools had strong applicant pools, but rising housing costs, post-COVID burnout, and increasing demands on educators have made it harder to attract and retain the qualified workforce needed to fully staff our schools.

The district has explored workforce housing, but solutions are complex and require collaboration among the school board, county leaders, municipalities, nonprofits, and the broader community. I believe the board can help encourage cooperation, support creative problem-solving, and advocate for educators—while also listening closely to teachers and staff so their day-to-day realities inform decision-making.

WHAT QUALIFIES ME TO SERVE

My professional background includes serving on boards and operating multiple businesses—experiences that have required practical decision-making, thoughtful leadership, and collaboration across differences.

A good leader—and a good business owner—does not try to do every job themselves, but instead builds strong teams, trusts their expertise, and gives them the tools, support, and accountability needed to flourish. I bring that same mindset to board governance.

I also understand the role of a local school board: much of education policy is set at the state level, and the board’s responsibility is not to manage day-to-day operations, but to provide oversight, direction, and support. That includes supporting strong administrators, teachers, and staff; making careful decisions as challenges arise; encouraging creative thinking; and asking difficult questions when necessary.

MY VISION FOR THE NEXT 3-5 YEARS

My vision for Watauga County Schools over the next three to five years is a system built on strong leadership, supported educators, and students who are given every opportunity to succeed.

That starts with a capable administrative team guided by a clear, long-term plan. It includes experienced teachers who feel supported, whose expertise is valued and utilized, and who remain energized by their work and committed to continued learning. It also means welcoming new teachers who are excited to teach and who receive the mentorship, guidance, and professional support needed to thrive.

When educators feel supported and empowered, students benefit most. I want all students—at every level and with diverse needs—to receive the support necessary to succeed academically and personally. Watauga County Schools should remain open to new ideas, programs, and partnerships that support educators, strengthen outcomes, and reflect the values of our community.

MY 3 GOALS IF ELECTED

If elected to the Watauga County Board of Education, my goals will be grounded in practical, responsible leadership:

1. Listen. Begin by listening to current and past board members, administrators, teachers, staff, parents, students, and community members—especially those closest to the day-to-day work of our schools.

2. Learn. Understand the board’s role and limitations, what is governed by state policy, where local discretion exists, and where the greatest constraints and opportunities are.

3. Lead thoughtfully. Use that foundation to provide steady, sound leadership—supporting effective solutions, asking the right questions, and making difficult decisions when necessary, always focused on what best serves students and educators.

ABOUT CARRIE

Carrie McClain is a parent, community member, and advocate for public education. She has lived in Watauga County for many years and is committed to supporting the educators, students, and families who make our schools strong.

📧 Email: mcclainfornc@gmail.com