Who will you listen to if elected to office?

In the coming weeks, I'll post common questions I receive and my responses to them. This week, a couple folks asked who I would listen to when making decisions as a Board member? Good question! Here's my response...

Everyone--equally! Education is a community effort. As a Board member, I would welcome
dialogue with all community members who are interested in improving education. I would
listen to everyone; one person's voice would never be more important than another's.

Why are you running?

Over the past week, several folks have asked me, "Why are you running?" And I respond that I'm running for several reasons, listed here:

• Education is the heart of our society. Through education, we learn how to think, how to relate to others, and how to contribute to the greater good. The Board of Education must provide a 21st century education as the world changes.
• I received a great public education in Greenbrier County, and I want to do all I can to ensure excellent educations for future generations of students throughout the whole county. As a pastor and a community volunteer, I've built relationships with our students, and they are fine young women and men who deserve our very best.
• We learn by asking questions. I want to know: How can we cultivate excellence at every level in schools--students, administrators, teachers, and extracurricular activities? Where is our system strong? Where is it weak? How do we empower the student who is struggling to embrace education as their ticket to success? What can we do to affirm those who thrive in the classroom?

Education is an ongoing, community effort, so I firmly believe we are in this together. Always feel free to be in touch with your comments, questions, and suggestions! 

Announcement of Candidacy

Friends, 

Last week on January 23, 2012, I filed the necessary paperwork to run for the Board of Education here in Greenbrier County. After talking with my family, my church, and community leaders, I felt this was the right time to enter public service and do all I can to support the students of Greenbrier County. 

Many of you have shown tremendous support, and I thank you! I am honored to have Paul Grist serving as the Treasurer of the campaign. In the coming days and weeks, we'll be rolling out this webpage, our Facebook page, and the campaign for excellence in education. Stay tuned...

Always feel free to be in touch. We're in this together!

Peace, Stephen