>>> GREENE COUNTY
A woman who hails from a long line of Greene County educators and whose mother is the namesake of a middle school is running for a seat on the Greene County Board of Education. Her seat is currently held by Steve Kilgore for District 1.
Shelia Carson-Drake’s mother is Anita White Carson, who served in the Greene County school system for over 30 years. Greene County’s middle school, Carson Middle, is named after her mother for the many years she taught in the school system and her long-standing community involvement, having often directed and co-sponsored many of the activities throughout the county. Her name is known throughout Greene County as an influencer in education throughout the 37 years she worked in the system.
“I had always wanted to become involved in the school system,” Carson-Drake said. “My mother has been instrumental in encouraging this run.”
Carson-Drake wants to ensure that the board becomes transparent with its plans and actions for the children of the county. She feels the board can do a better job in communicating key actions underway, citing the new elementary school planned for Meadow Crest Road in Greensboro. The new school will force the closing of the existing school in Union Point and will combine students from Union Point and Greensboro into a new facility.
“Our parents need to be better informed about their school system,” she said. “I believe we all have a responsibility to this community where we live and work to invest in our children’s education. We need to encourage unity within the district that will both listen and serve all children’s needs.”
She also feels there is a need to speak for those who serve the school system.
“We need to be able to stand up for our many good teachers and our support staff, including maintenance, transportation, and food services. All are contributors to the system and spend a lot of time with our children. We must show them how we value their place in our children’s life.”
Carson-Drake is a native of Greene County and attended Greene County High School. She has a BA in applied behavioral science from National Louis University.
She is active with “My Father’s House,” a food distribution charity, the United Way, and the local woman’s and children’s shelter.