Click on the appropriate tab below to see the responses from the NC General Assembly candidates or the judicial candidates.
NC General Assembly Candidates Survey
NCHE asked candidates for NC House of Representatives and NC Senate three questions. We had email addresses to send the survey to 380 of the 409 candidates. The responses to our survey are listed below. They are ordered by NC House of Representatives district numbers and NC Senate district numbers.
Follow this link to find out what districts you are in, Representation – North Carolina General Assembly (ncleg.gov).
NC House of Representatives Candidates
NC House of Representatives District 5
Candidate: Bill Ward Political Party: Republican
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: All parents should have the right to determine the choice and source of their children’s education.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: I have found that homeschooled students are better prepared for further education, i.e. college or universities and are more prepared to enter the work force than those of our public education system. Those students that I am familiar with have outscored their peers in all standardized testing that is required under the current law.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: No, the current law is sufficient to outline the requirements for homeschooling and meets the basic requirements for establishment and operation of a homeschool.
NC House of Representatives District 5
Candidate: Donald Kirkland Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: https://electdonaldkirkland.com
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: I believe every parent and grandparent has the constitutional right to educate their child/grandchild as they see fit. I say grandchild as many children today are being raised by grandparents. I will forever fight to defend parents and grandparents right to choose where and how their children are educated.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: I home schooled my daughter for a brief time and was treated badly by the public school system. Again, every parent/grandparent has the right to educate their child as they see fit. If these last 2 years have taught us anything, public school has failed our children and the indoctrination and sexual deviancy in teaching has pressed homeschooling to the forefront. I feel every homeschool should receive the same support, materially and financially as other schools do, including the tax dollars.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: Yes I do. First, legislation needs to be crafted to protect parents who decide to homeschool their kids from mistreatment by the public education system. and such treatment needs to be made a crime. Secondly, tax dollars need to follow all homeschool children that would have gone to public education systems. Educational material and support needs to be made available to homeschools. I also believe a constitutional amendment is in order to enshrine homeschool in our state as a constitutionally protected right in NC.
NC House of Representatives District 19
Candidate: Charlie Miller Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: https://charliemillernc.com
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: 100% Support. If the last year of at-home learning has taught us anything, it’s that parents have a significant interest in their children’s education. Why shouldn’t parents have a say in the education choices available to their children? Education is not one-size-fits-all. School choice is all about empowering families to seek out the learning environment that leads to the greatest success in their child’s educational performance and outcomes.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: 100% Support. I would like to support home school families through legislation that encourages choice and supports families with the resources needed to educate their children. There’s no reason why a family should be paying taxes towards a school system that their children do not attend. Home school families should be able to retain these resources for the education of their own children.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: We need to take a serious look into implementing money-follow-the-child programs, as have been implemented with great success in Kansas. This may look like a tax credit for parents that homeschool or pursue online learning programs for their students, or public funds transferred between jurisdictions of public education. Ensuring that money follows the child simply means that per-student spending moves with the student, regardless of their education outlet of choice. I also believe that home school students should have more opportunity to participate in school district athletic programs.
NC House of Representatives District 21
Candidate: Gerard Falzon Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: https://gerardfalzon.com
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: LOVE IT! It lowers cost for the state and for the family. It raised competition, service, and quality for all.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: It’s great for some and horrible for others. The COVID-19 pandemic helped to identify both camps.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: No. It seems adequate to me at this time.
NC House of Representatives District 24
Candidate: Kenneth Fontenot Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: HTTPS://www.fontenotforhouse.com
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: 100% pro school choice. I’d eventually love to see the money follow the child.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: We homeschool!!!
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: I don’t know the homeschool laws, but will do whatever it takes to protect the parents right to educate their child the way they see fit with tax dollars.
NC House of Representatives District 25
Candidate: Yvonne McLeod Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: https://MCLEOD4NC25.COM
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: I am strongly in favor of school choice. As a parent who has utilized public, private and homeschooling options in educating my children, I am a huge advocate for parents being the drivers in determining the best options for their children. Rather than impeding parents in their effort to best support their children, the government should encourage greater opportunities for family involvement.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: I hold homeschooling in very high regard. My family homeschooled for eight years, and proudly graduated one of our children from our Solid Rock Homeschool Academy. As parents, my husband and I were able to ensure the worldview, values, and morals we hold dear were structured into very aspect of our children’s lives. We were able to address as we thought best, the different learning styles of our children, by trying a variety of teaching forums, curriculums, and schedules.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: I do not think any changes need to be made to the NC homeschool law. The current law gives families the freedom to do what they believe is best for their children, and to meet their individual needs without being impeded by unnecessary government intrusion. I strongly believe that parents, should be integral players in determining the scope and sequence for their children’s education. The law as it stands allows for that.
NC House of Representatives District 25
Candidate: Alsey Heth Hopkins Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: https://www.alseyhopkins.com/
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: School choice is important for the education of our children and is a right of the parents.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: Home education is highly important to me. While homeschooling must still be held to certain standards strictly it is my belief that is should be in many ways the primary source of learning. Far too many people treat schools as baby sitting centers for their children and never take the time to raise their kids and teach them what they know.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: From my reading of the law I haven’t noticed any changes to be made at the moment. However, I do believe in the right to homeschool children and in providing more resources to parents wishing to take this path. This will be the intent of my office once elected.
NC House of Representatives District 26
Candidate: Donna MCDowell White Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: https://wew.donnawhitenc26.com
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: I am in favor of parents being able to choose the type of school that their children attend.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: I believe that home education produces very confident and mature students.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: No, I do not believe that changes need to be made. I have not seen any evidence that the home school model is not producing educated and qualified graduates of the secondary system.
NC House of Representatives District 28
Candidate: Wendy Ella May Political Party: Democratic
Campaign Website: HTTP://WWW.WENDYELLAMAY.COM
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: I support the right of free choice. Proponents argue that school choice programs improve educational outcomes by expanding opportunity and access for historically disadvantaged students
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: I think homeschool works for some students
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: This law really needs to be reviewed because the wording that was added by former governor Pat McCrory, and the state house and senate restrictions , I feel that homeschooling laws does not support the right of families to teach their children as they see fit. I think many get confused by the following words, School choice is a term for pre-college public education options that describes an array of programs offering students and their families voluntary alternatives to publicly provided schools, to which students are generally assigned by the location of their family residence. School vouchers are certificates of government funding. It allows a student to attend a school that is chosen by their family instead of being required to go to an assigned public school.
NC House of Representatives District 28
Candidate: Jim Davenport Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: https://www.davenportfornc28.com
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: School choice allows parents to tailor their kids’ education to their individual needs which is a great idea, as long as transportation is worked out as well as how this is covered in finances and subsidies. West Virginia passed a law that allowed the subsidies to follow the student to a charter school or to be homeschooled.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: The few people that I have known that did homeschool their kids felt their kids’ education was at a higher level than schools could provide. They knew where their kids were, what they were doing and how they were doing. So, if a parent can meet the criteria, then I believe they should be allowed to do it. I do not know of any statistics as to how homeschooled kids fared vs. kids in other types of schools. One thing that I am concerned with is whether these kids are getting enough exercise.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: I would want to sit down and engage in a discussion with homeschool parents and ask what obstacles they face and/or what they believe needs to be legislated/changed. I do not know about this from personal knowledge or experience and would need to know more before I could make an educated suggestion.
NC House of Representatives District 31
Candidate: Sean Haugh Political Party: Libertarian
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: Parents and students should have as much school choice as possible. I am for expanding school choice in every direction.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: Home education is a choice parents should be able to make freely and without state restriction. As an educational option, home education is as legitimate as any other kind of school.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: Many changes should be made to free parents from state restrictions that serve no purpose beyond maintaining state control of education. More than two families should be free to pool their resources to provide all the academic instruction to their children as they desire. The certification requirements for teachers should be eliminated. The recordkeeping and administrative requirements should be simply limited to informing the state of the students receiving home education. Scheduling, testing, and curriculum should be entirely up to parents. Beyond amending the Homeschool Law, state education funding should be oriented towards students, not systems.
NC House of Representatives District 32
Candidate: John Franklin Sossamon Political Party: Republican
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: I think it’s a parents right to chose what school or type of educational system or style is best for their child/children. So I support school choice.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: I certainly think it has a place and some children that would have failed in public school excelled in home school education. There should be a realistic standard for home schooling to ensure a quality education. I support Article 39 of Chapter 115C along with Senate Bill 189 modifying the definition of homeschool in the law.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: As I understand it and from the conversations I’ve had with homeschoolers they aren’t pushing for any changes but I would be open to listening to anything that would improve what we have for the betterment of the children involved across the state.
NC House of Representatives District 36
Candidate: Kyle Ward Political Party: Libertarian
Campaign Website: http://wardfornc.org
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: I believe school choice is critical to improving education outcomes in our state. I have two young boys, and school choice is one of the primary reasons I’m running. Our current system traps too many children in failing schools that are often violent. Only people with means can afford school choice. I want to extend that choice to all North Carolinians by attaching education dollars to individual students.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: I support home education. Not only do I trust parents to educate their children, but I also do not recognize any right to tell them how to do it. Furthermore, if we are able to pass a school voucher program, I would fight to make sure homeschooling parents are able to use that cash to educate their children.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: I’m not an expert in this area and would be thrilled to learn more, but in general, I support drastically lowering the requirements to homeschool your children. You do not owe the state an explanation. Education is important, but so is feeding your children. We would not tolerate regular reporting on nutrition and health outcomes to the state. I trust parents.
NC House of Representatives District 37
Candidate: Elizabeth Parent Political Party: Democrat
Campaign Website: https://www.elizabethparent.com/
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: I support school choice. I was raised homeschooled and I homeschooled my children through the pandemic until they were vaccinated.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: I believe it’s a wonderful solution in many circumstances that families may find themselves in.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: Something that I encountered while homeschooling my children was that the Wake County Public School Board adopted a requirement beginning with the 2021-2022 school year that a registered/documented Kindergarten experience was required for every child enrolling into first grade. NCDPI does not require or even have the option to register a child for Kindergarten – this negatively affected my rising first-grader when we re-enrolled into the WCPSS beginning of 2022. As a childhood sexual abuse survivor, I believe that a comprehensive health education would have prevented much of the abuse I experienced. I would like to expand the educational subject requirements to include health and sciences.
NC House of Representatives District 41
Candidate: Travis Groo Political Party: Libertarian
Campaign Website: https://groofornc.org
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: As a parent, I am worried about the future of North Carolina’s primary schools and high schools. We have many dedicated teachers and administrators in the system, but it is important to increase parental involvement and responsibility, especially in rural communities. Unshackling the capacities of community groups to establish new choices for schools is the best and fastest way to work for educational reform. Allowing choice in education opens paths to academic success.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: I love and support home education and would advocate for it all day long. It’s one of the very important choices that all parents and kids should have.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: There is a better approach to cultivating opportunities for North Carolina’s students, families and educators. This better approach focuses on the freedom to access options for student success. Students and families need choices among diverse, robust approaches. They need choices that promote high quality and responsive educational environments. They need choices tailored to the needs of individual students and the future they face. With these choices, we can achieve outstanding education policy for a better NC. I do not support any regulations in homeschooling. Education methods should be left up to the parents who know their kids best.
NC House of Representatives District 48
Candidate: Melissa Swarbrick Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: https://www.swarbrickforhouse48.com
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: School choice gives children the opportunity to thrive and excel in the educational setting that their parents feel is best for them. School choice also allows parents to be more involved in the curriculum.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: Like school choice, it is one option that many parents feel is best for their child. I am all for allowing parents to make that decision. Not all children can thrive in the traditional school setting.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: The requirements look pretty clear and comprehensive.
NC House of Representatives District 49
Candidate: Michael Oakes Political Party: Libertarian
Campaign Website: https://www.oakesfornc.org
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: School choice is a fundamental right for parents. Nobody on Earth cares about a child’s education more than their parents.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: I believe that all education options should be available. Parents should have the right to choose education methods that work best for them.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: I believe that imposing family requirements, as well as immunization records for students, is government overreach. Homeschool law should not require these details, to allow micro-schools by trusted educators outside of the family (or families) and maintain medical privacy for children.
NC House of Representatives District 50
Candidate: Charles Lopez Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: https://www.lopezfornc.com
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: I have been a long-term advocate for school choice. I have been a Charter School Board President in Florida for an at-risk school. In North Carolina, I was elected as a Board Member at a local charter school in Hillsborough, NC before we chose to home school. As a participant in public, charter, and homeschool options, I can attest that the best opportunity came from the parent having choices.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: This question hits close to home. We have been homeschooling for about 2 years now. We love our homeschool community and have seen our grow exponentially in STEM projects, music and arts, and even more so enjoying learning to read about history, politics of today, and technology. This has also allowed us to be intentional about instilling the conservative values of fiscal, spiritual, and moral attributes that make us productive and empathetic citizens of society.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: I do not believe we should add any more government regulations towards what currently exists.
NC House of Representatives District 54
Candidate: Walter Petty Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: HTTPS://Electpetty.com
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: Parents should have a choice where their children attend school
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: I believe that should be an option. I also believe that our schools should provide a quality education and a safe environment that encourages parents to feel comfortable with public education as an option.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: I believe the tax dollars for a home schooled child should follow that child as with any school choice.
NC House of Representatives District 55
Candidate: Mark Brody Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: http://markbrody.com/
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: It is the best thing that can happen to education. Competition makes education better.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: Home education is one of many viable options that are available to parents in determining what is the best direction for their children. I am one of the members of the GA that produced the NC Homeschool Law so I feel it is very important.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: At this time the system is working well. One of the areas of concern is the vaccination requirement. The individual parent should determine the vaccines required for their children. I also believe the home school students should have access to extra activities that are currently provided to the traditional public schools and paid for by the tax dollars of the residents of the county where the home school ( and the students are residents of that same county ) is located such as sports or extracurricular activities not part of the regular school day. Home school parents should be required to pay the same fees charged to all students participating in those activities if a fee is required to participate.
NC House of Representatives District 63
Candidate: Peter Boykin Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: https://Boykin4NC.com
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: Every child deserves a sound education, and that’s only possible when families are able to choose the school environment that’s right for them. I support homeschooling, charter schools, and private schools as an alternative to public schooling, parents should be allowed to know what is going on in their children’s schools, I would ask for more involvement with parents and teachers, lesson plans should be given in advance to parents, and I would like to see cameras in the classrooms so both teach
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: I prefer people to homeschool their children, if they are not able to find private schooling or a charter school I personally do not have much faith in our public school system.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: I think you should be able to teach more than just a max of two families, in fact, if there are a few families where the children can be educated by each of the parents to all the parents to be able to take turns working and teaching in a group. That would allow for more flexibility. I think that if you are just teaching your own children then there is no need for the part about immunizations (although they may still be a good thing to get anyway). I think we need to add in there that electronic homeschooling if also homeschooling and should be counted as such.
NC House of Representatives District 64
Candidate: Dennis Riddell Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: https://www.riddell4nchouse64.com
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: Strongly support. Parents should at least have as much choice in where their children go to school as they do when selecting an ISP.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: Strongly support. My wife (and I to a lesser extent) have homeschooled all 8 of our children K-12 and up thru some online college.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: No changes. Leave well enough alone.
NC House of Representatives District 65
Candidate: Gary L. Smith Political Party: Democratic
Campaign Website: https://smith2022.com
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: I think school choice is a viable option to educate children.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: Home education can be beneficial for some children.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: In light of the school closings due to the coronavirus pandemic of 2020, I believe that the current law may need some amendments to incorporate any change(s) affecting graduation requirements in event of another public health crisis.
NC House of Representatives District 71
Candidate: Kanika Brown Political Party: Democrat
Campaign Website: https://www.facebook.com/kanika.brown.984
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: I believe school choice is an excellent opportunity for a lot of our youth. This gives our parents and students a choice in education so they can be exposed to more opportunities, safer environments, and an increase in their social skills.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: Home education is a great opportunity for a lot of our kids. We have so much bullying and violence in our schools. It’s a challenge for a lot of our youth to learn when they are fearful for their life and their friend’s life. With home education, our youth can learn at their own pace in which they’ll see improvement in their grades, become more creative, and can volunteer for community service for organizations.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: I believe at this time, according to research, there is no need for changes and everything is going according to the state guidelines. However, if the state changes or parents raise concerns about a particular issue we must have a conversation about how we can come up with a solution to the problem.
NC House of Representatives District 73
Candidate: Brian Echevarria Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: https://brianechevarria.com/
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: Schooling our children the way we choose is our right as parents. Above that, there is no way we should be paying for an education our children are not getting; the money must follow the student to whatever school the parent chooses. Including the cost associated with homeschooling.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: With the wide availability of high-quality curriculum that exceeds state standards, homeschooling has proven the most effective and heart protecting way to educate a child. While all family dynamics do not permit all families to homeschool, those who do should be able to without any interference from any government.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: Yes. Parents choosing to educate their children at home should NOT be expected to maintain or share attendance, immunization, or relocation with the state. As a student progresses, the transcript and testing will reflect all that needs to be known.
NC House of Representatives District 78
Candidate: Cory Bortree Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: Https://www.Corybortree.com
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: I grew up homeschooled in a small business. This is a policy that I’m extremely passionate about. I fully support school choice in all forms.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: Again this is a issue I’m very close to and very passionate about. Me and my siblings were homeschooled our whole lives.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: I believe there is always room for improvement. I think the schedule requirement is unnecessary as homeschools should be allowed to adjust to the child’s needs. The government should not be allowed to decide what is normal regarding a schedule. I would like to see a tax credit for homeschool households (like Bill 297) passed. The last I heard it had died in the rules committee but have not heard lately. My parents paid for an empty seat in the local public school while also paying for a better education for me; I want families to be rewarded for the sacrifices they make. I believe we should secure the right to home education for the foreseeable future. That may be through a constitutional amendment or simply expanding the rights of homeschoolers further.
NC House of Representatives District 79
Candidate: Ed Hege Political Party: Republican
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: I support school choice especially in areas where the current public school systems have failed completely. The attitude that throwing money at these failed systems must stop. The taxpayers and the students deserve better. Students must be much better prepared for secondary and advanced levels of education. Schools are no place for social engineering.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: I believe home education is perhaps the best alternative to public education. I have personally known students who were homeschooled and they were very good students that went on to secondary education and then became great members of their communities.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: Not at this time.
NC House of Representatives District 83
Candidate: Brad Jenkins Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: http://www.votebradjenkins.com
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: I believe that parents should have absolute autonomy over the educational choices of the children that God has entrusted them with. I firmly believe that parents are charged by God to bring up their children, not the nanny state. I intend to run a bill that further expands parental rights in this area. I also intend to run a bill that would allow for educational tax dollars to follow the student wherever the parent chooses, without strings attached from the government.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: I am for homeschooling and believe that homeschooling is what made America great. I sincerely believe that God has given the sole responsibility of education to the parents and believe that if parents choose to educate at home, the government should respect the rights of the parents. I intend to work closely with the homeschooling community to ensure more flexibility in education and advocacy in Raleigh.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: I think that the homeschool laws need to be crafted in such a way that the state aids the parents rather than gives permission for parents to educate the children God has given them. The law as it is written could lend itself to the wrong administration believing the state is giving permission to the parents to educate their children, when in fact the law should be clear that the state is to protect the rights of the parents to educate, that cannot be infringed upon no matter who may be in control politically. At the present, as the law reads, there seems to be too much ambiguity as to how far the government is able to reach into the educational process in the home. My intent would ensure that no undue governmental burden could be placed on families for having chosen homeschooling.
NC House of Representatives District 83
Candidate: Grayson Haff Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: https://www.graysonhaff.com
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: I support school choice for parents and students. I think private, charter, and homeschooling should be feasible options for parents and students if they prefer it over public schools. I think tax dollars should follow the student when comes to grants and vouchers for students who want to go to a charter school, private school, or be homeschooled.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: I think home school education should be protected. It is the right of parents to choose to homeschool. I like how assessments for home school students are based on achievement and focused on growth and development in areas that interest the student the most. Everyone learns differently and homeschooling is a great option for students to get specially tailored instruction based on their learning needs.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: No
NC House of Representatives District 89
Candidate: Benjamin Devine Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079194381301
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: I support increasing the voucher programs. Along with funding the
student over the system.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: As someone who was homeschooled. I think everyone who can homeschool, should.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: There has been lots of talk about increasing oversight and regulation in regards to homeschooling. I do not support the efforts of increasing regulations on homeschool families nor any increase in oversight.
NC House of Representatives District 90
Candidate: Sarah Stevens Political Party: Republican
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: Parents should have options. It is the parent’s duty to get the best education according to their child’s needs
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: Parents have a right to educate their children. Almost all of then do it for the right reason.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: There’s always room for improvement. Why only two households? Many people have the ability to share in knowledge.
NC House of Representatives District 105
Candidate: Joshua Niday Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: https://electniday.com
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: I fully support school choice. I believe a child’s educational options should not be limited to their zip code, and studies show students who are allowed to partake in school choice tend to have higher exam scores.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: I think every child learns differently, and for some children, homeschooling is best. Ultimately I believe it is up to the parents. Given the increased desire of some to indoctrinate our children and oversexualize education, I see homeschooling becoming more and more relevant.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: At this time I am not aware of any immediate changes that need to be made. However, I can say that when elected, I will oppose any proposed legislation that would require parents to teach topics such as critical race theory, leftist or communist indoctrination, and/ or age-inappropriate discussions within the classroom, and I will also oppose legislation that imposes undue burdens on parents wishing to homeschool.
NC House of Representatives District 109
Candidate: Donnie Loftis Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: https://www.donniefornc.com
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: Parents should have all educational options to provide their child high quality programs to receive a fully functioning education. Whether that may be through public school with options to move their child to a high performing school or through vouchers to assist in attending private, Christian, homeschool or Opportunity Scholarships. As a current member of the NC House, I voted to give Parents more educational choices including making masks optional.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: The quality of home education has improved greatly over the past ten years. And because of the one-on-one attention those students receive, the critical thinking skills has also improved as reflected through national testing. Institutions of higher learning have finally realized they were missing out on some high-quality students and now have begun to open their programs to those who completed a home education.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: Unless there are changes that have been identified by the home education network, current law is acceptable. I would be available to assisting home educators in the future if additional changes are identified.
NC House of Representatives District 114
Candidate: Everett D. Pittillo Political Party: Republican
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: I believe that parents should have a choice. I would actually like to write legislation that would have the money follow the student whether it be public education, private education, or home school. Parents that would like to spend more time with their children due to the excess of cost when homeschooling. So if the money follows the parent they will then have that choice. Covid has exposed a raw nerve and parents need the ability to make the choice they want for their children.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: I believe in home education if that suits the parents. Many parents have college degrees and have the ability to further their childrens’ education themselves. I believe every parent should be able to make the choice to insure their children get the education they deserve.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: I actually think the state should support the homeschool process more. Parents should have full participation in any extra curricular activities such as sports at no cost. The legislation needs to pass a bill to have the money follow the child wherever they choose to receive their education. Legislation must also distance themselves with the immunization records. Many individuals are choosing homeschool for freedom of medical choice also (Covid has exposed this). As far as the homeschool process, I am aquainted with this having many family members and friends choosing this route for their children. The State must support the parents freedom of choice with programs and financial aide and must become involved with this freedom of choice.
NC House of Representatives District 117
Candidate: Jennifer Capps Balkcom Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: https://VoteBalkcom.com
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: I support school choice 100%.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: If more children were homeschooled, I would not worry as much for our future.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: I believe that the current statutory requirements are appropriate and I appreciate NCHE’s position on cooperating with the law. I would always be open to entertaining changes to the law, however, should the regulations become too onerous or outmoded.
NC Senate Candidates
NC Senate District 10
Candidate: Matt Ansley Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: https://www.restoringthefoundationsnc.com/
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: I 100% support “school choice”! Let me be more clear on what i mean. I believe that parents should be able to divert their tax dollars to pay for tuition for education from the school system or institution of their choice. By this i mean a parent should be able to use their tax dollars to pay for homeschooling, private school (Christian or other), charter school or other. So why do i believe this? As a Christian, Jesus and Bible are not allowed in Public schools.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: My wife and i were home school parents for a number of years. Our kids now go to a private Christian School in Johnston County (Southside Christian School). We believe in this education choice because it aligns with what we believe is our Biblical mandate to raise our kids in the fear and the admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4 and Deuteronomy 6:4-9). So school choice would aid in our decision and help other parents make a similar choice using their tax dollars to help pay for tuition costs.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: I believe that the State should be legally required to explain to parents when enrolling in Public School that homeschooling thru the Office of Non-Public Education is an option. Furthermore, i believe that “school choice” needs to be passed to further protect homeschool rights which is a target by many in both parties in the 2023/2024 NCGA sessions. There are public school advocates that have been greatly alarmed at the number of parents who have pulled their kids from public schools in the past 2 years due to Covid and decided to homeschool. Some of the legislators are looking to restrict and reduce homeschooling thereby forcing kids back into a public school system dominated by Secular Humanism where both Jesus and the Bible are banned. If elected, i will protect home schooling!
NC Senate District 14
Candidate: Matthew Laszacs Political Party: Libertarian
Campaign Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079335191181
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: Parents, not politicians, should determine what type of schooling best meets the educational needs of their individual children. For that reason, I fully support expanding school choice options in NC through initiatives such as educational savings accounts, vouchers, and scholarships. I want to give NC parents their hard earned educational tax dollars and let them determine where to spend them, whether that’s a home school, public school, or even a micro school. Fund Students, not systems.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: I fully support the parental right to educate children at home and I will do everything I can to block any legislation or regulation that restricts parents’ freedom to educate their children in the manner that they see fit. The COVID pandemic exposed the inflexibility of our public education system in an extremely obvious and public manner. Home schooling showed consistency of educational outcomes where our public schools failed. I will fight hard to support home schooling parents.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: I would loosen two of the requirements and remove the two-household stipulation from the definition. First, why restrict home schooling to two households? It may be beneficial to move children between homeschools in a community for a number of reasons and this language may restrict that. Second, I see no reason for homeschooling parents to maintain immunization records. Not all parents feel that their children should receive all of the state mandated school-age immunizations and this seems to force them to even if they elect to home school. Lastly, I see no reason for homeschooled children to be forced to operate on a nine month schedule. If the kids can pass the standardized test and meet the learning requirements, it is irrelevant how long they are “in class.”
NC Senate District 16
Candidate: Dee Watson Political Party: Libertarian
Campaign Website: https://electdeewatson.org/
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: I am a proponent of funding students not systems. All money State, Federal and Local money should follow the child. In a homeschooling setting every student should be given a funded account where materials, curriculum, tutoring, classes etc. can be expensed. If the student does not utilize all the funds, the funds should rollover to the next year in a 529 plan. Funds that are not utilized during K-12 education should be available for collage.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: I homeschooled 2 of my children for a year, and I wish that I had quit working when Covid began and homeschooled my youngest. It is difficult if both parents work (my situation), so I think it isn’t feasible for all families, but I know many fantastic homeschool families. I think it is a wonderful option for many people.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: The regulations for homeschool families in NC are very reasonable. Right now, homeschool families are required to administer a standardized test once a year. The NC EOGs not accepted for this purpose since they are not a national test. I would like to make them an option and make them available to all homeschool and private schooled families. I do NOT think they should be required, but I do think they should be a free option.
NC Senate District 17
Candidate: Mark Cavaliero Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: https://markcavaliero.com/
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: Providing families with the opportunity to choose the school that best meets their family’s needs is the right thing to do. I’d like to see an expansion of the current opportunity scholarships so that more families can choose the option that works best for them. School choice is also good for public education as it introduces competition into the system. Charter, private, and home schools also act as innovation laboratories to try out strategies on a small scale that could later be expanded.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: Home education is another option for families that would like control over the curriculum and instruction of their children. I think home schools are a critical component of the educational system.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: I’m not aware of any changes that should be made.
NC Senate District 19
Candidate: Dennis Britt Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: https://dennisbritt.wixsite.com/dennis-britt-for-nc
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: I strongly support school choice. Education should function more as a Free Market service, competing for customers/clients based on quality. Education should not be a government-controlled monopoly with mandatory indoctrination that is detrimental to good citizenship. Schooling should provide the tools and wisdom that promotes Individual Prosperity.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: Education can be divided into Formal and Informal education. Home education is a fantastic merge of both types, blending the cultural support of the family and the Home Schooling Community into the process. The Public Education Establishment ignores the informal structures that produce good citizens and motivates outcomes and behaviors.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: Yes-Based solely on the information link provided, Home Schools should receive a stipend from NC to support the education provided and ancillary activities.
NC Senate District 20
Candidate: Alvin Reed Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: https://alvinreed.com
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: I have home schooled all off my children and have personal experience that it is a superior means of schooling. I am running on a platform of vouchers for all NC parents including home school parents.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: Home education allows the parents to fine tune their children’s education to specifically what makes their children the smartest. They are not just a number in a classroom.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: The law gives the parent the flexibility to run their school as they see fit. I do agree with the two requirements of attendance and yearly testing.
NC Senate District 22
Candidate: Larry Coleman Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: https://www.colemanforncsenate.com/
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: I believe that parents should be able to choose how to educate their children.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: I believe that home education is a great way to educate children if you desire and have resources available.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: No.
NC Senate District 27
Candidate: Richard Sessoms Political Party: Republican
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: I am very much for school choice which gives parents the option what school to send their children to.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: If a parent or parents chooses to home school their children then having that option is a good thing for families. I know more than a few families that went this route to help their children during tough times to ensure that their children get a sound education.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: No.
NC Senate District 30
Candidate: Steve Jarvis Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: Https://www.ElectJarvis.com
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: It should always be the Choice of the Parent.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: It should always be the Choice of the Parent.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: No
NC Senate District 34
Candidate: Paul Newton Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: https://Newton4Senate.com
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: I am a school choice advocate.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: My wife and I homeschooled all 4 of our children through high school. I have defended home educators against attacks from the state Democratic party alleging that home educators “are not educators”. (Reference my debate with Gladys Robinson on the Senate Floor).
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: I will defeat changes being suggested in the media by Democrats. I am not aware that NCHE is advocating for any changes.
NC Senate District 36
Candidate: Eddie Settle Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: HTTPS://Settleforsenate.com
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: I think every American should have a choice of school whether home , public , charter .
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: My children went to public education but with the environment today we would home educate.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: I believe tax dollars should follow the education with home school certification getting stronger.
NC Senate District 36
Candidate: Shirley B Randleman Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: https://www.shirleyrandlemanforncsenate.com
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: Parents should be able to choose schools for their children based on their educational priorities and moral values.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: Parents should have the home school option with the use of k-12 home school programming.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: The pandemic opened many parents eyes regarding education. Providing funding or tax credit to families that home school, scholarships and access to sports activities are what I hear the most.
NC Senate District 42
Candidate: Scott Stone Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: https://electscottstone.com/
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: I am strongly in favor of school choice. Parents need options in Mecklenburg County and throughout the state. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools leadership wrongly considers charters and home schooling as adversaries. CMS should embrace school choice options as much needed partners which serves different needs for families. I served in NC House K-12 Committee and was a consistent and leading voice for school choice legislation. I also continue to challenge publicly CMS when necessary.
Question: What is your view of home education? Answer: Home education is a great option for families. Parents might choose this option for a variety of reasons. Some students may need the environment of small / one-on-one instruction, while in other cases families may want to be able to more closely monitor and control the student curriculum. Helping each student reach their full potential should be the priority of our educational options. Home education is a valuable option for families based on their specific need.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer. Answer: Over the past decade the General Assembly has supported the homeschool community. I would be willing to consider legislation that strengthens or continues to support homeschooling in North Carolina. I would oppose legislation which could adversely impact homeschool families.
NC Senate District 46
Candidate: Billy S. Martin Political Party: Democrat
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: I am a retired public educator. However, I have no problem with parents choosing to educate their children at home or wherever else they feel best suits their child’s education.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: I feel if a parent feels equipped to instruct their child at home then that their choice.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: I don’t see any aspects of the laws I could disagree with.
NC Senate District 46
Candidate: Mark Crawford Political Party: Republican
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: It is an imminently important idea (school choice) which can, should, and will keep public schools accountable, through competition, in their efforts to educate our children and still allow parents to do the best things for their children, if that system is failing them.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: I have taught in public schools, private schools and within the University of North Carolina system. I found that many of my best students in the university, especially on a per capita basis, had a strong home education/homeschool background.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: With the amendments to this law, which took place under Governor McCrory’s tenure in office in 2013, I am generally accepting of it right now – within bounds. For example, I do not believe that any homeschooled children should be required to take more and/or different tests than those required of public school students, as this current law seems to indicate. Also, I am leery of allowing unelected “education bureaucrats” and/or similar officials into houses/homes of homeschool families, as the law seems to state currently.
NC Senate District 50
Candidate: Karen Burnette McCracken Political Party: Democrat
Campaign Website: https://twitter.com/ABB4WNC
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: Each child is unique. They have unique learning styles and abilities. Where one child thrives, another may flounder. Parents have a responsibility to decide what educational option is best for their children.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: My sisters-in-law homeschool their children. Both are capable teachers with resources and supports. Home schooling works with their lifestyles, and the children do well academically and socially. In some situations, home education is the best option.
Question: Do you believe any changes need to be made to the homeschool law in NC? Explain your answer.
Answer: There is always room for improvement. I am open to advice from those directly involved in home education.
NC Judicial Candidates Survey
NCHE asked candidates for NC Court of Appeals and NC Supreme Court three questions. We had the email addresses of all ten NC Court of Appeals candidates and all six of the NC Supreme Court candidates. The responses to our survey are listed below. They are ordered by NC Court of Appeals candidates with seat numbers and NC Supreme Court candidates with seat numbers.
NC Court of Appeals Candidates
NC COURT OF APPEALS JUDGE SEAT 08
Candidate: Julee Tate Flood Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: http://JuleeFlood.com
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: I believe parents have a fundamental right to control the upbringing of their children, including choosing educational options best suited for their children. School choice respects learning and social needs for each individual child. Parents are best equipped to identify which educational option best meets their child’s needs and nurtures their child’s potential.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: A mother of four now-adult sons who were homeschooled through high school, I unequivocally support education in which teaching and learning are entwined with family relationships and activities. Parental responsibility, a moral compass, educational excellence, citizenship, learning how to learn, and safety are key among countless benefits of home schooling–where home is life’s center. It was a blessing and joy to homeschool my sons; I support all who choose this path.
Question: What beliefs or ideals guide your decisions when you adjudicate a case that comes before you?
Answer: A Christian, constitutional conservative, I would adhere to an originalist, textualist judicial philosophy in adjudicating any case. Having drafted hundreds of judicial opinions for appellate jurists, my approach has not wavered: the law says what it says and means what it says and does not mean what it does not say. Adhering to stare decisis—the doctrine of honoring legal precedent—furthers predictability and stability. I apply analytical rigor in discerning nuanced distinctions. I oppose judicial activism and will not use the law to advance a political agenda; rather, I respect the separation of powers and believe the role of a judge is to follow the law. I will treat each person with dignity; for each, their case is the most important case before the Court.
NC COURT OF APPEALS JUDGE SEAT 09
Candidate: Donna Stroud Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: https://JudgeStroud.com
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: I believe parents should be free to choose the educational option that works best for their family and children. School is not one size fits all, and every parent who has more than one child knows that each child may have different needs. Parents must also consider the schools available in their area and whether those schools will provide what their children need. My own two sons, who are now ages 26 and 29, attended private Christian schools from kindergarten through high school graduation.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: I have known many home-schooled children and parents who home-school. My own experience has been that these children tend to excel, and they are generally more mature and better-behaved than most children in public schools and most private schools. For example, a few months ago, a group of home-school students visited the Court of Appeals, and those children – even the very young ones – asked such excellent questions!
Question: What beliefs or ideals guide your decisions when you adjudicate a case that comes before you.
Answer: I believe each case must be considered fully, fairly, and impartially and in accord with the controlling law. Every case is important and deserves full consideration of the evidence and arguments presented. The Court of Appeals is an error-correcting court, and it does not make law. We must decide according to the law as it has been set out by the General Assembly or any controlling cases, particularly from the Supreme Court of North Carolina. Next, since judges on the Court of Appeals must write opinions explaining the decision on cases presented to the Court based on an appeal of a trial court’s judgment or order, I write opinions clearly explaining the ruling and the rationale in a way that will be helpful for the parties, lawyers, and the public.
NC COURT OF APPEALS JUDGE SEAT 09
Candidate: Beth Freshwater Smith Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: https://votefreshwatersmith.com
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: I believe it is up to the parent to determine what is best for their child. There is not a “one size fits all” for everyone. As a parent of a child with learning challenges, I know first hand the necessity of options.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: I have a positive view of home education. There are many benefits but also challenges. If parents are able to provide what is needed for their child, it should be their decision.
Question: What beliefs or ideals guide your decisions when you adjudicate a case that comes before you?
Answer: Above all I believe it is imperative to be fair and impartial in making my decisions. I am guided by my Christian conservative beliefs and my adherence to the Constitution. In order for there to be justice for everyone, the law must be followed as written. It is not the judiciary’s mission to legislate from the bench. There is a separation of powers for a reason. Our forefathers knew that there was a need for “checks and balances”. It is the job of the elected legislators to determine the laws and for the judiciary to be sure those laws are applied correctly.
NC COURT OF APPEALS JUDGE SEAT 10
Candidate: John M. Tyson Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: https://www.judgejohntyson.com/
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: Parental choices & options to educate their children are a necessary & needed part of educational systems. I upheld students’ & parental rights to school choice from legal challenges to Charter Schools and Home Schools. The Pandemic forced many parents and family members to become more involved as teachers and exposed many shortcomings of government schools. There must be accountability and options in public education. My wife and I have both served on boards of private and religious schools.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: My wife and I obtained the certifications and homeschooled two of our children. I was educated and trained as a middle and high school English teacher. I have continued to teach students at Campbell Law School for the past 35 years. My daughter and son-in-law are homeschooling their children. My wife and I have been active in and supportive of local homeschooling parental groups.
Question: What beliefs or ideals guide your decisions when you adjudicate a case that comes before you?
Answer: My judicial philosophy is consistent with the mission & goals of North Carolina’s Judicial Branch, which requires Judges: “To protect and preserve the rights and liberties of all the people, as guaranteed by the Constitutions and laws of the United States and North Carolina, by providing a fair, independent and accessible forum for the just, timely and economical resolution of their legal affairs.” The Constitution “says what it means & means what it says.” I am seeking re-election as Judge of the North Carolina Court of Appeals. I served as Chair of the State Ethics Commission, 2013-4. I serve as Vice-Chair of the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission. NC State Bar Board Certified Specialist; AV Pre-Eminent peer-reviewed. Fairness and Impartiality are expected of all Judges.
NC COURT OF APPEALS JUDGE SEAT 11
Candidate: Charlton L. Allen Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: https://charltonallen.org
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: As a candidate for a judicial office, I cannot forecast how I would land on a specific issue. I support school choice and exercise it by sending my child to a charter school. My wife serves as a board member and treasurer of the N.C. Charter Educational Foundation. My opponent contributed money to the spouse (Allegra Collins) of the judge involved in the Kelly case. https://www.carolinajournal.com/news-article/more-court-documents-criticize-n-c-opportunity-scholarship-opponents-tactics/
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: I support it as this a right of parents to decide for their children. In fact, a number of my wife’s family were home-educated.
Question: What beliefs or ideals guide your decisions when you adjudicate a case that comes before you?
Answer: I am a textualist/originalist. I look to the language of the constitution and statute to determine the meaning. I am a constitutional conservative. My role model as an adjudicator is the late Justice Antonin Scalia. My opinions from my time at the NC Industrial Commission are available to the public for review to demonstrate my fidelity to these principles.
NC COURT OF APPEALS JUDGE SEAT 11
Candidate: Michael J. Stading Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: https://www.michaelstading.com
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: As a sitting judge and judicial candidate, a direct response could jeopardize my ability to sit and hear challenged law on this topic. However, from a personal perspective, over the years, my wife and I appreciate and value the school choice options available to us in North Carolina and currently chose to homeschool our children. This has proven to be a wonderful fit for our family as it is for many North Carolina families. This option has allowed us to individualize education.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: As a homeschool dad of 3 children, I believe home education is an excellent way to instruct. As a child’s most important teacher, I believe that all parents should be informed and actively engaged in the education of their children. Home education allows children to work at a pace & academic level that is appropriate for their age and developmental ability. Home education gives parents the opportunity to integrate faither and values into the education of their children & shape their world view?
Question: What beliefs or ideals guide your decisions when you adjudicate a case that comes before you?
Answer: My oath as a sitting judge to support and maintain the Constitution and laws of the United States and North Carolina. My judicial philosophy to adhere to textualism and original intent, that is to interpret the law as it was intended upon ratification. And I am certainly guided daily by my worldview and faith as a Christian.
NC Supreme Court Candidates
NC SUPREME COURT ASSOCIATE JUSTICE SEAT 03
Candidate: Richard Dietz Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: https://judgedietz.com
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: Every child is unique and students and their parents are in the best position to know what approach ensures they can enjoy the privilege of a quality education.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: I have partnered with homeschool groups on many programs in the courts, including a “moot court” field trip program to the Court of Appeals. Justice Phil Berger, Jr. and I also created the “North Carolina Constitutional Academy,” a series of online lectures about the Bill of Rights available to students on the court website. We created the program during the pandemic but, after feedback from homeschool groups, have plans to revamp and expand it as a permanent offering going forward.
Question: What beliefs or ideals guide your decisions when you adjudicate a case that comes before you?
Answer: I am a judicial conservative with a splash of law & economics. In constitutional interpretation, I focus on the key idea that “We the People” ratified our fundamental rights. I reject the notion of judges rewriting what the people ratified as part of so-called living constitutionalism. With laws enacted by the legislature, I am a textualist and follow the language chosen by lawmakers. In areas of common law, where judicial decisions create the law, I focus on how common law can create incentives to keep us safe, encourage people to peacefully resolve disputes, and help our society prosper.
NC SUPREME COURT ASSOCIATE JUSTICE SEAT 05
Candidate: April C. Wood Political Party: Republican
Campaign Website: https://www.judgewoodforjustice.com
Question: What is your opinion of school choice?
Answer: Parents should always have the option to choose what school their children attend. Under the NC Constitution, children have a right to an education; however, not all schools are equal or offer the same opportunities. My husband and I have been blessed to be able to send our children to a Christian school, but not all parents are able to afford private education. The public education funds should follow the students so that parents can send their children to schools that best fit their needs.
Question: What is your view of home education?
Answer: If there was not a quality Christian school in our area, I would have home schooled my children. As a child, I benefited from homeschooling on the Abeka curriculum for several years, and I was always at the top of my class when I returned to traditional private schools. I saw first-hand the benefits of one-on-one instruction with a quality curriculum. Most parents are in the best position to know the needs, including educational and religious, of their children and to meet those needs.
Question: What beliefs or ideals guide your decisions when you adjudicate a case that comes before you?
Answer: Judges are required to uphold the Constitution and to impartially apply the laws as they are written, not as they wish they were written. The Constitution, including its amendments, should be interpreted as it would have been originally understood at the time of enactment. Our founding fathers gave us a strong foundation upon which to base our government and to protect our freedoms. Activist judges who write into law their own personal views as to what the Constitution should mean fail to adhere to their oaths, by imposing their will on the cases before them. Such actions threaten both our freedoms and the integrity of the judicial process itself. As someone with twenty years of judicial experience, I can be trusted to exercise my duties in a fair, impartial, conservative, and equal way.
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