Avery Wagoner

Avery Wagoner

• Candidate Biography

  Full name: Avery Harris Wagoner

  Education: Elkin High School 1986. Appalachian State university BSBA 1991

  Occupation/place of employment: Vice President of Sales. Campbell Oil Company

  Spouse: (name and years of marriage): Rebecca Wagoner, 27 years

  Children: Ingle Wagoner, Ian Wagoner

  Religion/church affiliation: First Presbyterian Church Burlington

  Organizations: Life Elder First Presbyterian Church.  Former Board Member and Co-Chair of Positive Attitude Youth Center.   Former volunteer Special Olympics Alamance County.  Youth Advisor and former youth coach.

• What motivated you to run for ABSS Board of Education?

  I want to help improve the lives of all of our children and families in Alamance County.  We as a community have a great opportunity moving forward with the growth around us.

• What are your three highest priorities for the county school system?

  Safety first and foremost.  Transparency.   Collaboration within the community including other organizations in the community. 

• What strategies would you implement to ensure that all Alamance County students have access to a high-quality education that prepares them for their future?

  First, we have to listen to our community.  I will be involved with local PTO's and schools to ensure every student, parent and teacher has an opportunity to voice concerns.  Be an advocate for all.  Work with county commissioners in ensuring we are adequately funding our schools for the correct reasons.

• How would you approach issues of budget, prioritization, and resource allocation?

  With my business background, I am confident in assisting in these areas.  We must be good stewards of our tax payers money and ensure that we are utilizing every dollar to move our community forward.   We cannot compete with some of the counties around us so we must be creative in utilizing what we are provided.

• What is required for an effective relationship between the ABSS Board of Education and Alamance County Commissioners, and how will you work toward that as an elected official?

  Transparency and honesty.   It is imperative to improve this relationship and continue to earn the trust of our community leaders and members. 

• How will you ensure that the voice of students, families, and the broader community are heard in the decision-making related to the county school system?

  Listen, listen and listen some more.   Be involved.   Be available.

• How do you plan to address the long-term needs of the district, such as facilities maintenance, growth management, and future planning?

  Work with state and local officials to ensure we are staying up to date with trends within the area.    We must be prepared for the growth not only from an educational standpoint but also from an infrastructure standpoint as well.  Ensure our facilities are up to date and performing well for students, staff and families.

• Please share a specific leadership experience that illustrates how you will be effective as a leader for Alamance County.

  From a business perspective, I understand how to make difficult decisions that may not be popular but is the best of all of our community members.