Harrison’s commitment to education is evidenced by her years of volunteer work within the school system. “Through my years of volunteering in county schools, I have seen first-hand the needs of students, parents, teachers, and administrators,” she said. Harrison, who is the parent of three children currently attending local schools, believes it is essential to have more board members actively engaged with students and the education system.
Having served in a variety of positions, including Frink PTA President and North Lenoir High School PTO Vice President, she understands the importance of parent involvement. “The educators who engage students in our education system should be the ones making decisions about the future of education in our county,” Harrison said. Her direct experience as a parent allows her to advocate for effective change in the school district.
Harrison cited three main concerns in addressing the challenges facing local schools: student and staff safety, increased parent involvement, and mental health. She emphasized the need for accountability among all stakeholders to effectively address these issues. “Many of the problems facing schools today would be greatly reduced if everyone involved took responsibility for their actions,” Harrison said.
Harrison’s approach to ensuring transparency and accountability includes active community engagement. She plans to visit schools frequently to obtain information about the situation faced by students and teachers. “I’m going to take this job seriously and be an officer who visits schools many times during my student years to see what’s going on in the buildings,” she said. Her commitment extends to timely communication, with a commitment to promptly replying to emails and reaching out to educators with concerns.
Mr. Harrison recognizes the importance of collaboration and believes effective governance requires teamwork across party lines and diverse stakeholders. “Building strong teams who are willing to work cross-party and collaborate on ideas is absolutely essential to the effective governance of our schools,” she said. Her focus on hiring qualified educators is part of a larger strategy to improve educational outcomes in Lenoir County.
Harrison also recognizes the impact mental health issues have on students, especially in the wake of the pandemic. She plans to strengthen resources for mental health support in schools and advocates for parents to take an active role in these discussions. “Parental involvement and support is a big part of addressing mental health-related issues,” she said, emphasizing the need for a collaborative effort between families and schools.
To respond to the diverse voices of the community, Harrison emphasizes the importance of listening and building relationships. She plans to attend school events and community meetings and welcome feedback from all Lenoir County residents. “I will always speak and listen to the concerns of all citizens,” she promised.
Harrison’s vision for the future is for sustainable growth and development for Lenoir County Schools. She advocates setting long-term goals while setting short-term milestones to track your progress. This balanced approach ensures that students’ educational needs are met effectively.
As the election approaches, Harrison reflects on his goals for his role. “My goal is to provide students with the best tools and opportunities in today’s classrooms and the highest standards so that they can become successful citizens in our communities in the future,” she said. , a supportive and enriching educational environment.
Shanann Harrison’s candidacy highlights the important role parent involvement and community involvement play in shaping the future of Lenoir County’s education system. Her focus on accountability, transparency, and collaboration reflects her commitment to addressing pressing issues within our schools for a brighter future for our region’s students and families.
The general election in North Carolina will be held on November 5th, with early voting beginning on October 17th. Neuse News will live stream the 2024 election results on Facebook starting at 7:15 p.m.
