Longtime educator Jane Gabin has entered the crowded race for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education. Gabin told Chapelboro she is a former English teacher at Chapel Hill High School whose children both graduated from East Chapel Hill High.

“I had not planned to run for this post originally,” Gabin said, “But then I got an email saying that conservative groups such as Moms for Liberty had threatened to take over boards of education. Since I am a believer in free speech and am against censorship, this made me spring into action.”

Gabin said she is concerned with unfair pressure on students, and expressed interest in lessening the emphasis on class ranking and grade point average. While Gabin acknowledged this initiative would make college admissions personnel “work a little harder,” she said it wouldn’t completely change the process.

“I am an independent college counselor, and I know this after over 10 years of working at high schools in New York City,” Gabin said.

Gabin also expressed concern over the racial achievement gap in local high schools, referencing a study which placed North Carolina public schools 32nd in the country.

“Our children deserve better,” Gabin said. “Even though we have the top system in the state, it pains me that educations is such a low priority.”

There are four seats seats on the Board of Education up for grabs in this election cycle. Gabin is one of 19 candidates who have filed to run in the race.

Early voting for the fall local government elections begins on Thursday, October 19, while Election Day is Tuesday, November 7.

For a full list of races Chapelboro is covering this 2023 local election cycle, click here. Additional coverage on candidates can be found on the Local Elections page, as well as other updates in the races as the election cycle continues this fall.

 

Featured image via Jane Gabin


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