Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

I am a native of Asheville, NC. I graduated from A.C. Reynolds High School and attended Sandhills Community College and received an Associate Degree in Horticulture. I am married to Gail V. Mitchell for 24 years and we have one son, Palmer. Palmer is also a graduate of A.C. Reynolds High School. I am active in a local Christian church and also have experience in many civic and community organizations: Chairman of Mecklenburg Crime Prevention; Chairman of Asheville Tree and Greenway Commission; President of the Asheville Neighborhood Association; Advisory Council A. C. Reynolds Middle School, Greater Asheville Optimist and Fairview Mountain Lions Club. I have operated or managed several small businesses in the Charlotte and Asheville area. For many years I have worked in the school system (substituted for 8 years). I have seen areas where we can improve the quality of education for our children.

I think that new ideas and fresh leadership for Buncombe County Schools. I have no set agenda, my only agenda is for the children. I believe my work with community groups, civic organizations and the school system has provided me with insight on the issues facing us in the school system today.

The School Board must find ways to reduce waste and provide cost saving measures. There are too many positions in the administrative office that could be shaved off completely or be made part-time positions. There is a discrepancy with the administrative salaries and teacher salaries. Even with the a teacher salary they are still required to provide "out of pocket" to purchase needed items that the school can't provide.

Our county is unique in that it can snow in the northern part and the sun can be shining in the southern part of the county. Children that attend school in the warmer section should not be made to stay home from school due to the bad weather in other areas. Parents also need better communications from the school system as to what they are doing during weather related conditions. Parents are unsure as to whether the children are attending school until the child is already at school.

Most of our schools are bulging at the seams. A lot of the newer schools are teaching in trailers. The teacher/child ratio is too large for teachers to adequately provide the required curriculum. Teachers are made to teach children to pass tests rather than teaching children to learn.

I support our children and these changes need to be made in order that our children can compete for college entry. I also know with my conservative ideas we will make some cost saving changes. I am "for our children, for our future."