Campaign for Racial Equity in Our Schools Shares Endorsements for CHCCS Election

Endorsements in Orange County local elections continue to come in as voters begin to cast their ballots, with the Campaign for Racial Equity in Our Schools now sharing theirs.

The organization, also knows as CFRE, advocates for policies that would lead to race no longer being a determinant of access and outcomes in schools. On Thursday, it shared endorsements in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education election for the first time.

With three open seats to fill on the school board, CFRE endorsed George Griffin, Riza Jenkins and Mike Sharp in the crowded field, saying the trio “clearly rise to the top” in the crowded field.

“Griffin, Jenkins, and Sharp have all highlighted racial equity as an impetus for their candidacy, an issue that will be a central focus of their deliberations and leadership if elected,” shared the group in a release. “Impressively all three of these candidates have extensive experience in our schools, not only as parents, but as school leaders.”

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools is routinely ranked as the top school district in North Carolina, earning the title again from school and college website Niche.com for 2022. But it is also known for having a wide achievement gap between its students who are white and non-white. A 2018 study from Stanford University found CHCCS had the second-largest achievement gap between Black and white students in the country. While the district has implemented several equity and engagement policies to try and improve, the issue still remains.

“Because these three candidates have worked in the system,” wrote CFRE of its endorsed candidates, “they have knowledge of the dynamics and structures that maintain disparities in opportunity and outcome. More importantly they have concrete ideas about how to work with current leaders, students, parents, and our community to build a better system that creates a challenging and exciting educational environment for all our students.”

To read the full release from the Campaign for Racial Equity in Our Schools, click here. To learn more about all the candidates running for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education, click here.

Early voting in Orange County runs through Saturday, October 30, with Election Day set for Tuesday, November 2. For more election coverage and candidate introductions, visit Chapelboro’s Local Election Coverage page.

Photo via Matherly Collins/The Daily Tar Heel.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.

‹

With Local Election Season Underway, Who's Endorsing Whom?

Which Orange County candidates are receiving endorsements in this year's municipal election? Keep track of the full list here.

CHCCS Board of Education Hears Implementation Update on Upcoming Aligned High School Class Schedules

For Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, a new class schedule will soon go into effect for all of its high schools.

George Griffin, Chair of CHCCS Board of Education, Announces Re-Election Bid

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education member George Griffin announced his candidacy for re-election Wednesday. Griffin was first elected to the board in 2021. “My first term on the board has been gratifying,” Griffin said in his announcement. “It has been a steep learning curve in so many ways. I never thought I’d say […]

Orange County Commissioners Consider School Budget Requests Alongside Potential Federal Funding Cuts, Tax Increases

The Orange County Commissioners recently met with the CHCCS and OCS boards to review proposed budgets for the upcoming school year.

CHCCS Reviewing Applications, Community Survey Responses for Next Superintendent

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education is entering the next phase of its search for a new superintendent to succeed Nyah Hamlett, who will be leaving at the end of this academic year in June. During the application window, CHCCS received 37 applications coming from 14 different states for the superintendent position.  […]

CHCCS, Orange County Schools to Hold Remote Learning Friday As Region Thaws From Winter Weather

After several inches of snow fell Wednesday, many local schools are turning to remote learning options Thursday for their students and staff.

Orange County School Board Adopts Resolution Supporting Immigrant Families, Students

Orange County's school board passed a resolution in favor of helping its immigrant families and students, the latest act of local support.

Orange County Schools Closed, CHCCS Declares Remote Learning for Thursday As Cold Temps Keep Snow and Ice

Thanks to a light snow that fell Tuesday night, the Orange County community saw its schools cancel instruction on Wednesday.

Orange County Schools On 2-Hour Delay For Tuesday; Other Districts on Normal Schedule

Students in the Orange County Schools district will have no classes on Monday, Jan. 13 as a result of icy road conditions — while Chatham County Schools will operate on a two-hour delay.

Orange County Community Weathers Winter Storm; UNC Sets Move to Condition 1

Much of central North Carolina endured a winter storm on Friday evening into Saturday, with a mix of ice and snow falling.

›