Elizabeth McDuffie, candidate for Wake County school board District 8, answers our questions
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Candidates for Wake County Board of Education District 8
Elizabeth McDuffie is running against incumbent Lindsay Mahaffey. District 8 includes parts of Apex, Holly Springs and Fuquay-Varina. Get to know the candidates with our 2024 NC Voter Guide.
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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: Elizabeth McDuffie
District/seat: Wake County Board of Education, District 8
Political party: Republican
Age as of Nov. 5, 2024: 44
Campaign website: mcduffie4schoolboard.org
Current occupation: Real Estate
Professional experience: I have nearly 20 years of professional teaching experience, 10 of which were spent teaching for WCPSS. As a K-12 English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher, I have taught at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.
Education: Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MAT TESOL). I am also a National Board Certified teacher,
Please list any notable government or civic involvement: This is my first run for an elected office.
What would be your top priority if elected?
My top priority is to ensure that schools are placed at the heart of each community. Schools should be a place where students and teachers want to be every day, demonstrate success in scholastic achievement, and prepare young people for life after school. We can do better in all of these areas!
What specific strategies would you promote to improve academic achievement for Wake County students?
First, I would advocate for transparent curriculum with high quality textbooks and resources to address gaps in student learning. Secondly, I would hold students, parents and teachers accountable. Students must demonstrate achievement in the form of proficiency, not just participation. Secondly, we need to return to enforcing a student code of conduct. Students cannot learn in an unruly environment. Lastly, we must retain our teachers. Many brilliant educators are leaving the field.
How should Wake County respond to the Biden administration’s new Title IX rules involving transgender students?
While all students should be cared for, treated with respect and made a part of the school community, biological males should not share private spaces such as locker rooms with biological females or participate in their sports.
Do you think the legislature should fund about $500 million for private school vouchers through the Opportunity Scholarship program? Why or why not?
Yes, I do. Students who would benefit from an alternative school setting should be able to attend one, no matter the parent’s socioeconomic status. The wealthy already have that option for their children. Furthermore, the public schools should work to improve their competitive edge so that they are the most competitive option. If that were the case, the Opportunity Scholarship Program wouldn’t be so popular. Therefore, let’s improve our public school system!
What is your view on installing weapons detectors at every school as a security measure?
I believe that they are a critical component to creating school safety and security. School shootings and weapons at school are far too common not to be proactive at prevention.
