During this local election season, 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro spoke with candidates for each of the races in Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough. Each answered the same set of questions regarding their decision to run for elected office, their background in the community and what they wish for residents to think of when voting this fall. Their answers 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.

For the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education race, six new candidates are running for three open seats. Three board members have recently left due to terms expiring or new appointments to other county positions.

Listen to their responses below, with candidates shared in alphabetical order by last name.

Candidates for CHCCS Board of Education

(3 seats available)

George Griffin

Ryan Jackson

Photo via the News & Observer.

Ryan Jackson could not be reached for comment by 97.9 The Hill/Chapelboro.com. Jackson’s name will still be on the ballot.

Riza Jenkins

Meredith Pruitt

Mike Sharp

Timothy Sookram

Photo via Indy Week.

Early voting in Orange County begins on Thursday, October 14, and will run through Saturday, October 30. Election Day will be Tuesday, November 2. For more election coverage and candidate introductions, visit Chapelboro’s Local Election Coverage page.

Lead photo via Town of Chapel Hill. Candidate photos are taken from their campaign website, unless credited otherwise.

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.

‹

'We're in Crisis': CHCCS Board of Education Approves Plan to Limit Classroom Screen Time

When it comes to screen time, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools is trying to have better guardrails in the classroom.

With Closure Decision Made, CHCCS Leaders and Glenwood Elementary Community Try to Move Forward

Thursday’s vote by the CHCCS Board of Education ended months of speculation of which of three elementary schools may be discontinued.

Here's What CHCCS Board Members Said About Decision to Close Glenwood Elementary

Most CHCCS Board of Education members shared comments about their reasoning for the conclusion and unanimous vote to close Glenwood.

CHCCS Board of Education Votes to Close Glenwood Elementary School, Protect Magnet Programs

Glenwood Elementary School will close in the fall of 2027, after the CHCCS Board of Education voted unanimously on Thursday night.

CHCCS Board of Education Weighs Closing 2 Elementary Schools Amid Enrollment, Funding Declines

The CHCCS Board of Education began its latest round of feedback on Feb. 5 about how to approach closing at least one elementary school in the face of waning enrollment and funding challenges.

N.C. House Committee Grills CHCCS Leaders Over 'Parents' Bill of Rights' Policies; District Maintains Compliance

CHCCS leaders appeared in Raleigh to testify to lawmakers about whether the district is following the Parents' Bill of Rights law.

CHCCS Board Holds Preliminary Conversation for Hypothetical Elementary School Closure

The Board of Education for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools recently met to hear a presentation about closing one of its elementary schools.

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.

CHCCS Narrows Focus for Bond Plan; Estes Hills, Carrboro, and FPG Elementary Schools Prioritized

The CHCCS school board narrowed its focus to a facilities plan for three new elementary schools, if the $300 million bond referendum passes.

Campaign for Southern Equality Files Federal Complaint Over NC's LGBTQ Instruction Law

A North Carolina-based advocacy group filed a federal complaint on Tuesday, claiming the "Parents' Bill of Rights" law violates Title IX.

›