During this local election season, 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro spoke with candidates for races representing Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough and Pittsboro. Each answered the same set of questions regarding their decision to run for elected office, their thoughts on pressing community issues and what they wish for residents to think of when voting this fall. Their answers (lightly edited for clarity and brevity) are shared here, as well as links to their respective campaign websites or pages. If a candidate did not respond or chose not to speak with 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro, it will be designated with no audio. The order of candidates below is in the alphabetical order of their last names.
As the Orange County Schools district grapples with many of the same challenges other public schools are in North Carolina — like waning state funding, aging facilities and shifting needs among its communities — four seats on the Board of Education are up for grabs in 2026. Three incumbents – Will Atherton, Anne Purcell and Sarah Smylie – are running for re-election alongside three challengers in Brian Edwards, Lori Russell and Saru Salvi. The race is one of the few non-partisan elections on the ballot this spring, meaning the four winners will be determined on Mar. 3 and sworn into their four-year terms before the start of the 2026-27 academic year.
97.9 The Hill spoke with each candidate, asking these questions that are reflected in the recorded responses:
Why were you inspired to join this race?
What are the top three issues your campaign is built on?
What do you believe sets you apart from the other candidates in this election?
What is one challenging decision the Board of Education made in recent years that you’re proud of / agreed with? What is another issue or topic you believe needs more scrutiny or discussion?
In a time of uncertainty – and as families also face affordability challenges – what is your philosophy around the role public schools play in helping students and families? What are examples?
When voters see your name on the ballot, what do you want them to think of?
Orange County Schools Board of Education (4 seats)
Early voting in Orange County for the 2026 primary election runs from Thursday, Feb. 12 to Saturday, Feb. 28 offering an additional to register to vote for anyone who misses the Feb. 9 deadline. Primary Election Day itself is Tuesday, March 3, while the general election will end on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
More of the 2026 Candidate Introductions for local elections can be found on Chapelboro’s Local Elections page as they are published.
Featured photo via Orange County Schools on Facebook.
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