“I am running for the Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education Seat #5 (Salisbury) because I am a public school parent, doctor of education, and community volunteer who firmly believes our local public schools must be cherished spaces. They open their doors to students from different backgrounds with differing abilities and lead the charge to ensure every child has an opportunity to achieve. I believe that all 18,000 students who attend Rowan-Salisbury Schools deserve an excellent educational experience that leads to academic, social, cultural, and emotional success. We all play a role in making that happen.“

Candidate Rebecca Childs sends a personal message to all Voters in Rowan County. Endorsed by the Rowan-Salisbury Association of Educators, Public School Strong, and the Rowan County Democratic Party, you can learn more about Dr. Childs at https://childsforschoolboard.com/.

“There are critical moments that influence the trajectory of our lives. The summer before 9th grade, I attended a youth conference at the Georgia Dome. During one evening session, the pastor began naming different struggles youth experience, and he asked attendees to come down to the front when he called out their struggle. As I witnessed hundreds of young people flood the field, my eyes were opened to the magnitude of suffering and my heart was opened to the mission of positive youth development – a passion and commitment that remains today.

I have been blessed with a 15-year career as a bilingual teacher and school administrator. I have had the opportunity to serve students in the Dominican Republic and Rowan County, working to encourage their hearts and minds to hope and prepare for the future. I currently serve as the Program Manager for Real Estate and Construction Trades programs at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, and each day I witness the power of public education to transform lives and communities.

I am running for the Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education Seat #5 (Salisbury) because I am a public school parent, doctor of education, and community volunteer who firmly believes our local public schools must be cherished spaces. They open their doors to students from different backgrounds with differing abilities and lead the charge to ensure every child has an opportunity to achieve. I believe that all 18,000 students who attend Rowan-Salisbury Schools deserve an excellent educational experience that leads to academic, social, cultural, and emotional success. We all play a role in making that happen.

Our approach to change must be intentional and consistent. We must prioritize engagement by creating welcoming school environments that encourage active participation to support student success and cultivate a culture of belonging. In addition to actively soliciting student input and feedback on their educational experience, we must extend ongoing, accessible opportunities for families to serve as advocates, volunteers, and substitute teachers. By honoring and uplifting the voices and perspectives of students, families, and educators within the decision-making process, we will create a school district
that has the support of the community.

We must also increase empowerment within the school district by providing the knowledge, resources, and opportunities to promote and sustain high levels of achievement. By respecting students as co-facilitators in their journey to success and enhancing communication methods to keep families informed, we can encourage collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity to address school challenges. We must also provide educators with compensation that reflects their role as essential professionals within the community and push for fully funded public schools where students and educators have the resources they need and deserve for success.

Finally, we must pursue a continuous process of individual and collective improvement by encouraging students and educators to routinely reflect on their performance and identify their next steps for growth. By leveraging our renewal school status flexibility, we can drive innovation and achievement, protect instructional time so students can maximize their learning outcomes, and promote professional development spaces for educators to refine their practice and scale success.

Rowan-Salisbury students, families, and educators deserve Board of Education members with the experience and heart to support educational excellence for ALL students. The need is great, but the potential is even greater if we work together to cultivate engagement, empowerment, and excellence in all Rowan-Salisbury Schools. I would be honored to receive your vote for Board of Education Seat #5, where my expertise and commitment to public education will make a difference for those we cherish most – our children.”

Dr. Rebecca Childs – Candidate for Rowan-Salisbury School Board, Seat #5