Lynn Edmonds, candidate for Wake County school board District 5, answers our questions
READ MORE
Candidates for Wake County Board of Education District 5
Ted Hills is running against incumbent Lynn Edmonds. District 5 includes parts of west Raleigh running to Holly Springs. Get to know the candidates with our 2024 NC Voter Guide.
Expand All
To help inform voters in the Nov. 5, 2024, election, this candidate questionnaire is available to be republished by local publications in North Carolina without any cost. Please consider subscribing to The News & Observer to help make this coverage possible.
Name: Lynn Edmonds
District/seat: Wake County Board of Education, District 5
Political party: Democrat
Age as of Nov. 5, 2024: 53
Campaign website: lynnforwake.com
Current occupation: Outreach Director, Public Schools First NC
Professional experience: Volunteer and former staff, WakeUp Wake County and Great Schools in Wake (2012-2015)
Education: Associate’s Degree, Peace College, 1992 (now William Peace University)
Please list any notable government or civic involvement:. PTA Volunteer and Leadership at four WCPSS schools; Member, District 4 Board Advisory Council (BAC) under Rosa Gill; Member and Leadership, District 5 BAC under Jim Martin; Member at-large, Wake Co. Library Commission (2016-current)
What would be your top priority if elected?
Recruiting and retaining high quality staff at all levels: bus drivers, classroom teachers, support staff such as counselors, social workers, etc.
What specific strategies would you promote to improve academic achievement for Wake County students?
I voted in favor of the district’s 2023-28 Strategic Plan because I believe in and will promote the goals and aims outlined in that plan. I’ll focus on attendance, student supports (academic and student well-being), strengthening community supports (WakeTogether tutoring program and through our new Community Engagement Committee), and support for educators (better pay, professional development, more support staff in buildings).
How should Wake County respond to the Biden administration’s new Title IX rules involving transgender students?
We’ve responded with a recent policy revision to reflect what the Biden administration moved forward. If further revisions are necessary in response to new court rulings, our staff and legal counsel will advise us to do so. I will comply with federal law while simultaneously doing all I can to respect the dignity and rights of LGBTQ+ students and staff within WCPSS.
Do you think the legislature should fund about $500 million for private school vouchers through the Opportunity Scholarship program? Why or why not?
Absolutely not. Public dollars should be used to fund public goods and services, including public schools. The vast majority of NC’s children and Wake County’s children are educated within our public schools. Our state dollars should be used to fully fund our public schools, not subsidize private school tuition for the rich. NC’s voucher scheme has zero accountability to taxpayers including whether or not voucher students are learning.
What is your view on installing weapons detectors at every school as a security measure?
I do not support weapons detection systems in schools. I believe these give a false sense of security. Our district has and continues to implement building safety measures recommended to us by professionals in the field, as outlined following a safety audit in 2019. I do support the use of weapons detection systems at sporting events on our campuses. School safety must include advocating for common sense gun laws.
This story was originally published October 17, 2024 at 11:03 AM.
