Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

JACKSON – During a special called meeting here Monday, members of the Northampton County Board of Education interviewed candidates seeking to fill the board’s vacant seat, left open after the April death of Lucy Edwards.

However, the board was unable to reach an agreement yet on which candidate would be best to serve out the remainder of Edwards’ term.

The four candidates – who first submitted letters of interest for the position last month – were Theresa Cade, Gregory Edwards, Catherine Moody, and Shakila Spruill. They were interviewed one by one on Monday and were given a total of 30 minutes to answer the six questions posed by board members.

Those questions focused on topics such as their future vision for the district, the responsibilities of a board member, strengths and challenges of the school district, budget priorities, the candidate’s experience, and how to boost parental engagement.

“I am willing to have a seat at the table to be able to continue to advocate for our students, teachers, and staff,” Cade stated during her interview. “I am dedicated to education and passionate about our student success.”

Cade recently completed one term on the school board, but lost her reelection bid earlier this year. She noted in her interview that her prior experience on the board – such as serving on the finance and facilities committee and undergoing training courses – meant that she would be qualified to continue in that position.

She told the board her vision for the district is to have “an innovative, inclusive, and high-performing school district where students can thrive and be successful academically.” She also stated that priorities should be student-centered learning, teacher recruitment and retention, and school safety.

Gregory Edwards is an educator who grew up in Northampton County and has worked in nearby districts, such as Weldon City Schools. He told the board that he worked as a finance officer and is very familiar with how to deal with budgets.

During his interview, he emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for students to gain knowledge, mentioning how his own education growing up in Northampton County Schools prepared him for the future.

“This position is going to have a lot of dealings with the community,” he also acknowledged. “We will accomplish more in the long run by having everyone participate.”

A former Northampton County school board member, Moody emphasized the focus on educating children in her interview.

“Our students are our greatest resources,” she said. “When your budgets are thin, you put your resources where they’re needed. And children are at the top of that.”

Moody also noted her experience as a former school board chair as well as serving on other boards in Northampton County.

“I was the voice of those who could not speak for themselves,” she stated.

She also told the board that she’d like to reestablish a Parent-Teacher Association and a more non-traditional curriculum to promote student success.

“My vision for Northampton County Schools is that, in the near future, we’ll be in the top 20 in North Carolina,” Moody said.

Spruill is a parent of students in the school district, and recently ran as a candidate for the Board of Education. She narrowly lost her bid for a seat earlier this year by a margin of only 15 votes.

“I am a hard worker. I am a team player,” Spruill said, also adding that she learned a lot from speaking with the community during her election campaign.

“Our parents will be more engaged when they feel like there’s change,” she said about boosting parental involvement. “If they know that they’re being heard and we show up for them, then they will show up, not just for sports, but for their children’s academic progress.”

Spruill said the current board brings diverse talents and knowledge to the table, and that she’s willing to work together and learn as much as she can. She also stated that academic achievements, safety, and teacher retention are priorities to focus on as they work to grow the district.

Following the four interviews, the board discussed which candidates they wanted to support before holding a vote.

Rhonda Taylor and Dr. Marjorie Edwards both said they supported Cade since she was most recently serving on the board, and would not need to be caught up to speed with the board’s current projects.

Clinton Williams said he thought Spruill had the most passion for the job, and noted that she attends almost every Board of Education meeting.

Board Chair Barbara Stephenson also said she supported Spruill because she had been the closest to being elected, and they should consider the will of the people who voted.

Tony Burnette spoke in favor of Moody, noting that her prior experience and “tenacity” would be an asset.

Garry Elliott opted not to make any comments during the discussion.

The results of the vote were split evenly, with two votes for Cade (from Taylor and Dr. Edwards), two votes for Spruill (from Williams and Stephenson), and two votes for Moody (from Burnette and Elliott).

In order for a candidate to be appointed to the board, they must receive a majority of the vote.

Instead of voting again, the board decided to table the item until their next regular meeting which is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 12.

Whoever is ultimately selected for the seat will serve out the remainder of Lucy Edwards term, which ends on June 30, 2026.