Corrie Shepherd

Corrie Shepherd

• Candidate Biography

  My name is Corrie Shepherd, and I was born and raised in Alamance County, North Carolina. I married my high school sweetheart, and we have been married for over twenty-three years. We are blessed with two sons, aged twenty-one and eleven. I have an associate's degree in accounting and worked as an office administrator for a wonderful family-owned business for six years. I left that position to do the most important job I will ever do, being a stay-at-home Mom. During that time, I also had to learn to be an advocate for my son with special needs. I feel it is important to share my experience with other parents of special needs kids to help them navigate the complicated systems of school, therapies and insurance companies while also dealing with the extreme stress of a new diagnosis.

  I am currently the Operations Manager for The North Carolina Values Coalition, a major state public policy and grassroots organization that focuses on policy regarding life, family, and religious freedom. I love meeting new people and helping them learn to champion the issues they value. I believe families are central to God’s plan and I am passionate about giving families the tools and opportunities they need to be successful in society. My belief in Jesus Christ sustains me and I will follow wherever He leads me.

  I am running for Alamance Burlington School System Board of Education because I believe every child is a precious gift and it is our duty and responsibility to nurture and teach them well. I would like to see education return to the basics including Reading/Writing (in cursive), Mathematics, Science, Civics and History. I think we are currently holding teachers back with policies and standards that stifle their ability to do what they are called to do, which is TEACH! I am disheartened by how many children are graduating from high school without the basics to write well, perform simple math or have understanding of our form of government. I value equality over equity and think that DEI policies are harmful to all children. I believe biological girls should be protected in private spaces and in sports. Most importantly, I know Parents are the ones responsible and most qualified to handle the physical, emotional and mental wellbeing of their child. I believe my experience in public policy as well as my experience as a mother and advocate make me the best candidate for the Alamance-Burlington Board of Education.

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

  I decided to run for the Board of Education because I was becoming increasingly frustrated with the lack of questions being asked by current board members in difficult situations. I believe our board needs to be more transparent with the community about the circumstances and finances of our local schools. I believe school safety for students and staff and academic achievement should be the main focus with regard to all decisions.

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

  I believe the three highest priorities in our schools right now should be Accountability, Transparency and Academic Achievement. We must accept accountability and learn from mistakes moving forward. Transparency is paramount in restoring the trust between the public and board as well as ensuring that parents feel that their children are safe at school. Lastly, the main purpose of the board should be Academic Achievement. Education is the key to success and economic improvement. I am confident we can provide a better education to Alamance County students and in turn a better future.

• 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?

  I feel strongly that teachers are called to serve and we are inhibiting their gifts and talents with too much time spent on other tasks besides teaching. I am glad to see that we are moving back to phonics and would like to focus on having easy to follow curriculum based on phonics and knowledge building. Reading skills are fundamental for a life of learning and I would like to see us get back to a focus on writing as well.

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

  I have worked on creating budgets as well as making sure budgets are followed and assessed throughout a fiscal year. I would like to see more detailed budgets and ask questions of ABSS Administration to ensure that we are doing the best possible job to serve students and be good stewards of tax funds.

• 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?

  It is important that the ABSS Board of Education and Alamance County Commissioners are able to work together to serve the people of Alamance County. I believe that I can help restore that relationship. I think the Commissioners have been frustrated with the Board of Educations ability to answer important questions regarding finances and I understand that frustration. I plan to be honest, upfront and do my due diligence in order to answer questions the Commissioners may have. I have not interest in participating in political battles against our commissioners and hope to restore trust between the two.

• 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?

  I would encourage parents and students to reach out to me with any concerns they may have. I pledge to do my best in order to find answers to their questions and resolve matters in a transparent manner. I may not always be able to resolve an issue in a way that makes someone happy, but I believe it is important to listen to everyone.   

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

  I believe we have to anticipate future needs when planning and especially with budgeting. We need to have detailed maintenance schedules that are followed in order to maintain the facilities that we have now. That includes ensuring that filters are changed, equipment routinely checked and warranties followed. We have to be able to work with other county leaders to predict future growth and how that will effect our schools.

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

  I am a mother, a special needs advocate and I work at a grassroots level to influence state policy in a way that reflects traditional family values. I don't believe that I can pick one because all of these experiences have built upon one another. It is in my nature to try and learn everything that I can about an issue, educate others and then work with others to form a solution.