Ballotpeda - Michael T. Williams

The News & Observer - Michael T. Williams, candidate for Wake County Board of Education District 4

Mike is from Norfolk, Virginia. He earned a bachelor's degree from Virginia State University, a graduate degree from Norfolk State University, and a doctorate degree from Cambridge College.

Mike works as an education consultant for North Carolina Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. He has also worked as a special educator, school administrator, school counselor, and central office staff member.

Mike Williams ran for the Wake County Board of Education in 2022, but did not win.

Supports securing funding through grants, private funds, and corporate sponsorships.

- Supports securing funding through grants, private funds, and corporate sponsorships.

School Facilities & Resources

As of July 31, 2024, Mike Williams did not have a website or any information online.

Access to Education

Teachers

Supports addressing book bans through polling the community to assess the books' appropriateness.

- Supports addressing book bans through polling the community to assess the books' appropriateness.

School Curriculum

Wants to ensure student access to qualified instruction and resources.

Said, "Bolster school safety by immersing all students into the school culture, increasing mental health and aggressively encouraging see something, say something campaigns."

Supports the use of cameras, electric doors, and controlled access to campuses to enhance security.

- Wants to ensure student access to qualified instruction and resources.
- Said, "Bolster school safety by immersing all students into the school culture, increasing mental health and aggressively encouraging see something, say something campaigns."
- Supports the use of cameras, electric doors, and controlled access to campuses to enhance security.

Student Wellbeing

Mike Williams

Mike Williams ran for the board of education in Wake County in 2022, but did not win.

Ballotpedia, Robert Morales Vergara

As of September 7, 2024, Robert Morales Vergara’s website did not contain information on this issue.

As of July 31, 2024, Robert Morales Vergara’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Advocates for increased support and resources for special education programs.

Advocates for more support and resources for special education programs.

Believes in the "fair and equitable distribution of resources" to provide all students access to quality education, regardless of background or location.

Believes in the "fair and equitable distribution of resources..." so all students have access to a strong education, regardless of background or location.

Supports initiatives to retain teachers with competitive salaries, professional development, and a supportive working environment.

Wants initiatives to support and retain teachers through competitive pay, professional development, and a supportive workplace. 

Aims to enhance STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs to prepare students for future job markets.

Wants to improve science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs to provide students with skills to prepare for future job markets. 

Supports vocational training and career readiness programs to prepare students for the workforce.

Supports vocational training and career readiness programs to help with workforce preparation. 

Supports enhanced school security measures to protect students and staff.

Advocates to improve school security measures to ensure student and staff safety and well-being. 

Supports improving mental health resources and support systems in schools.

Plans to improve school support systems and mental health resources in schools. 

Plans to boost community involvement in schools by partnering with educators, parents, and local organizations.

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

Robert Morales Vergara

Robert is from Puerto Rico. He holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Inter American University of Puerto Rico. He lives in Raleigh. 

Robert works as a human services manager for the City of Raleigh's Municipal Government. He previously worked as a senior city grants and city office manager for the City of Durham and as a special assistant to the governor and internship program director at La Fortaleza de Puerto Rico. 

Robert Morales Vergara ran for US Representative in Congressional District 2 in 2024, but he did not win. 

- Advocates for more support and resources for special education programs.
- Believes in the "fair and equitable distribution of resources..." so all students have access to a strong education, regardless of background or location.

- Wants initiatives to support and retain teachers through competitive pay, professional development, and a supportive workplace. 

- Wants to improve science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs to provide students with skills to prepare for future job markets. 
- Supports vocational training and career readiness programs to help with workforce preparation. 

- Advocates to improve school security measures to ensure student and staff safety and well-being. 
- Plans to improve school support systems and mental health resources in schools. 
- Plans to boost community involvement in schools by partnering with educators, parents, and local organizations.
- Advocates for more support and resources for special education programs.

Robert is from Puerto Rico and currently resides in Raleigh. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Inter American University of Puerto Rico.

Robert Morales Vergara served as an advisor to the Secretary of Education from 2014 to 2016 and as Special Assistant to the Governor from 2017 to 2021.

Robert Morales Vergara previously ran for Congress in District 2.

- Advocates for increased support and resources for special education programs.
- Believes in the "fair and equitable distribution of resources" to provide all students access to quality education, regardless of background or location.
- Supports Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways.

- Supports initiatives to retain teachers with competitive salaries, professional development, and a supportive working environment.
- Supports a 4-day school week pilot program for teachers and staff.

- Aims to enhance science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs to prepare students for future job markets.
- Supports integrating arts into the curriculum to enhance creativity and critical thinking.
- Supports bilingual education and cultural exchange programs.
- Supports providing soft skills development workshops.
- Supports vocational training and career readiness programs to prepare students for the workforce.

- Supports enhanced school security measures to protect students and staff.
- Supports improving mental health resources and support systems in schools.
- Plans to boost community involvement in schools by partnering with educators, parents, and local organizations.
- Believes in improving child wellbeing through affordable housing initiatives.

Robert Morales Vergara was born and raised in Puerto Rico and currently resides in Raleigh. He attended Papa Juan XXIII Public School for high school and earned a BA in Political Science from Inter American University of Puerto Rico. He was raised by his African American great-grandparents.

Robert Morales Vergara previously ran for Congress in District 2, garnering over 7,700 votes. He served as an advisor to the Secretary of Education from 2014 to 2016 and as Special Assistant to the Governor from 2017 to 2021.

As a school board member, led planning and execution of $52 million in recovery funds to improve school facilities.

Supports special education programs in public schools.

Supports integrating soft skills training into the curriculum to prepare students for modern workplace challenges.

Supports parental involvement in children's education.

Believes in addressing critical issues to improve the education system.

Supports Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways.

Supports a 4-day school week pilot program for teachers and staff.

Supports integrating arts into the curriculum to enhance creativity and critical thinking.

Supports bilingual education and cultural exchange programs.

Supports providing soft skills development workshops.

Believes in improving child wellbeing through affordable housing initiatives.

Ballotpedia, Sean Callan

Sean earned a bachelor's degree in political science and government from SUNY Brockport and a master's degree in public administration from North Carolina State University.

Sean currently works as a research and policy associate for the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts.

Sean Callan's campaign for the Wake County Board of Education is his first run for public office.

As of July 31, 2024, Sean Callan did not have a website.

Sean Callan

Sean Callan currently works as a research and policy associate for the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts.

As of August 2, 2024, Sean Callan did not have a website and did not complete our questionnaire.

As of July 31, 2024, Sean Callan did not have a website or any information online.

Ballotpedia, Toshiba Rice

Toshiba has children. She volunteered at a community church and her children’s schools, 

Toshiba is the CEO of JoKhyKi, LLC, and works as the executive director of Track My Steps. She worked as a mental health trainer. 

Toshiba Rice currently serves as a member of the Wake County Board of Education in District 4. She was appointed to this position in 2024. She served as the chairperson of Chair of the District 1 BAC. 

As of July 31, 2024, Toshiba Rice’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Candidate website

Believes in increasing access to advanced coursework and extracurricular activities to challenge and engage all students.

Wants to expand access to advanced coursework and extracurricular activities that are challenging and engaging for students.

Believes in creating an inclusive educational environment to ensure all students have the opportunity to succeed.

Believes in fostering an empowering and inclusive educational environment where all students have the opportunity to succeed. 

Believes all students should have access to high-quality education and resources, regardless of background.

Wants to ensure all students should have access to a strong education and necessary resources regardless of their background or situation. 

Plans to implement policies that address disparities in education, with a focus on mental health, special education, and inclusive practices.

Supports policies that aim to address educational disparities, with a focus on mental health, special education, and inclusive practices.

Aims to develop and implement policies that close achievement gaps for marginalized and underserved student populations.

Wants to create and implement policies that bridge achievement gaps, especially for marginalized and underserved student populations.

Supports increasing cultural competency training for staff to address the needs of a diverse student body.

Wants more cultural competency training for staff so they have a better understanding of how to meet the needs of a diverse student body. 

Believes in encouraging student leadership and civic engagement by promoting clubs, student government, and community service opportunities.

Encourages student leadership and civic engagement opportunities by partaking in clubs, student government, and community service. 

- Wants to expand access to advanced coursework and extracurricular activities that are challenging and engaging for students.
- Believes in fostering an empowering and inclusive educational environment where all students have the opportunity to succeed. 
- Wants to ensure all students should have access to a strong education and necessary resources regardless of their background or situation. 
- Supports policies that aim to address educational disparities, with a focus on mental health, special education, and inclusive practices.
- Wants to create and implement policies that bridge achievement gaps, especially for marginalized and underserved student populations.
- Wants more cultural competency training for staff so they have a better understanding of how to meet the needs of a diverse student body. 
- Encourages student leadership and civic engagement opportunities by partaking in clubs, student government, and community service. 

Supports offering competitive salaries and benefits to attract and retain quality teachers.

Advocates for competitive salaries and benefits to help attract and retain quality teachers.

Supports providing continuous professional development opportunities tailored to teachers' needs.

Plans to provide many professional development opportunities tailored to teachers' needs.

Aims to foster a supportive work environment for teachers by providing mental health resources and reducing administrative tasks.

Wants to foster a supportive work environment for teachers by providing mental health resources and reducing administrative burdens. 

- Advocates for competitive salaries and benefits to help attract and retain quality teachers.
- Plans to provide many professional development opportunities tailored to teachers' needs.
- Wants to foster a supportive work environment for teachers by providing mental health resources and reducing administrative burdens. 

Supports using evidence-based instructional strategies and innovative programs to address diverse learning styles.

Wants to install evidence-based instructional strategies and innovative programs to accommodate students' diverse learning styles.

Supports establishing regular assessments and interventions to ensure students meet academic milestones.

Plans to implement regular assessments and interventions to help students meet academic milestones.

Believes in implementing rigorous curricula, using data-driven instruction, and providing resources and support for students and educators.

Plans to install a rigorous curriculum, use data-driven instruction, and provide resources and support for students and teachers. 

- Wants to install evidence-based instructional strategies and innovative programs to accommodate students' diverse learning styles.
- Plans to implement regular assessments and interventions to help students meet academic milestones.
- Plans to install a rigorous curriculum, use data-driven instruction, and provide resources and support for students and teachers. 

Supports child wellbeing by developing and enforcing anti-bullying policies, providing education and training on bullying prevention, and establishing support systems for victims.

Plans to create and enforce anti-bullying policies, provide education and training for bullying prevention, and develop support systems for victims.

Supports establishing regular communication and feedback platforms between schools and families to promote transparency and collaboration.

Wants to provide a platform that allows for regular communication and feedback between schools and student's families to promote transparency and collaboration.

Aims to partner with local organizations and businesses to support students and families.

Wants to partner with local organizations and businesses to develop a supporting network for students and families.

Supports expanding access to mental health services, counseling, and social-emotional learning programs in schools.

Wants to expand access to mental health services, counseling, and social-emotional learning programs in schools.

Supports promoting child physical well-being by enhancing physical education programs and ensuring access to nutritious meals.

Plans to improve physical education programs and access to nutritious meals to help promote student's physical well-being. 

Believes in creating a respectful and inclusive school culture to ensure students can learn without fear of bullying or discrimination.

Wants to foster a respectful and inclusive school where students can learn without fear of bullying or discrimination.

Believes in enhancing child wellbeing by integrating social-emotional learning, mental health support, physical education, and extracurricular activities into the school experience.

Want social-emotional learning, mental health support, physical education, and extracurricular activities to be a part of the school experience.

Believes in fostering strong partnerships with families and encouraging active participation in their children's education.

Wants to develop strong partnerships with families and encourage them to actively participate in their children's education.

Promises to prioritize the physical, emotional, and psychological safety of all students, staff, and community members.

Plans to prioritize the physical, emotional, and psychological safety of all students, staff, and community members.

- Plans to create and enforce anti-bullying policies, provide education and training for bullying prevention, and develop support systems for victims.
- Wants to provide a platform that allows for regular communication and feedback between schools and student's families to promote transparency and collaboration.
- Wants to partner with local organizations and businesses to develop a supporting network for students and families.
- Wants to expand access to mental health services, counseling, and social-emotional learning programs in schools.
- Plans to improve physical education programs and access to nutritious meals to help promote student's physical well-being. 
- Wants to foster a respectful and inclusive school where students can learn without fear of bullying or discrimination.
- Want social-emotional learning, mental health support, physical education, and extracurricular activities to be a part of the school experience.
- Wants to develop strong partnerships with families and encourage them to actively participate in their children's education.
- Plans to prioritize the physical, emotional, and psychological safety of all students, staff, and community members.

Toshiba Rice

As of August 21, 2024, Toshiba Rice’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Has worked as a mental health trainer, child advocate, and public education advocate.

- Believes in increasing access to advanced coursework and extracurricular activities to challenge and engage all students.
- Believes in providing all students with access to a high-quality education.
- Aims to transform the educational landscape to nurture young minds and foster inclusive communities.
- Believes in creating an inclusive educational environment to ensure all students have the opportunity to succeed.
- Believes all students should have access to high-quality education and resources, regardless of background.
- Plans to implement policies that address disparities in education, with a focus on mental health, special education, and inclusive practices.
- Aims to develop and implement policies that close achievement gaps for marginalized and underserved student populations.
- Supports increasing cultural competency training for staff to address the needs of a diverse student body.
- Believes in encouraging student leadership and civic engagement by promoting clubs, student government, and community service opportunities.

- Supports offering competitive salaries and benefits to attract and retain quality teachers.
- Supports providing continuous professional development opportunities tailored to teachers' needs.
- Aims to foster a supportive work environment for teachers by providing mental health resources and reducing administrative tasks.

- Supports using evidence-based instructional strategies and innovative programs to address diverse learning styles.
- Supports establishing regular assessments and interventions to ensure students meet academic milestones.
- Believes in implementing rigorous curricula, using data-driven instruction, and providing resources and support for students and educators.

- Supports child wellbeing by developing and enforcing anti-bullying policies, providing education and training on bullying prevention, and establishing support systems for victims.
- Supports establishing regular communication and feedback platforms between schools and families to promote transparency and collaboration.
- Aims to partner with local organizations and businesses to support students and families.
- Supports expanding access to mental health services, counseling, and social-emotional learning programs in schools.
- Supports promoting child physical well-being by enhancing physical education programs and ensuring access to nutritious meals.
- Believes in creating a respectful and inclusive school culture to ensure students can learn without fear of bullying or discrimination.
- Believes in enhancing child wellbeing by integrating social-emotional learning, mental health support, physical education, and extracurricular activities into the school experience.
- Believes in fostering strong partnerships with families and encouraging active participation in their children's education.
- Promises to prioritize the physical, emotional, and psychological safety of all students, staff, and community members.

Toshiba Rice is a member of the Wake County Board of Education for District 4. She has over twenty years of experience helping families access community and social services, with extensive experience working with special populations including intellectually disabled children and adults. She has also served as Chair of the District 1 BAC.

Believes all school facilities and programs should be accessible to students with disabilities and from diverse backgrounds.

Believes in providing all students with access to a high-quality education.

Wants to transform the educational landscape to nurture young minds and foster inclusive communities.

Supports enhancing teacher support and retention.

Supports the professional growth and well-being of teachers.

Supports investing in professional development, mental health support, collaboration, and reducing administrative tasks for teachers.

Believes teachers will feel "valued, respected, and motivated," resulting in "enhanced teaching effectiveness, higher job satisfaction, and improved student outcomes."

Supports professional development, competitive pay, and a supportive work environment for teachers.

Supports establishing regular assessments and interventions to ensure students meet academic standards.

Believes in organizing community events and workshops to engage parents and provide tools to support their children's learning.

Believes in nurturing the "total child" by addressing academic, social, emotional, and physical development.

Believes in fostering well-rounded students who are confident, resilient, and ready to contribute positively to society.

Believes in supporting child well-being through community involvement, including volunteering in local schools and serving as Chair of the District 1 BAC.

Supports prioritizing child well-being and success by fostering a safe and supportive school community.

Supports initiatives that connect schools with local communities to foster support, growth, and opportunity for children.

- The Board of Education runs the public school system. They create policies that establish standards, accountability and evaluation of essential operations of the school system.
- The Board of Education member hires a superintendent and can remove them when necessary. The superintendent assists the Board of Education in implementing the board’s policies. 
- The Board of Education is charged with deciding the school budget. This means they decide how to allocate money between different services, such as teacher pay, repairing school facilities, or access to technology.
- Board of Education members are elected every four years. 

Wake County Board of Education Member, District 4

Candidates (4)

Compare candidates

School Facilities & Resources

Access to Education

Teachers

School Curriculum

Student Wellbeing