Patricia (Pat) Edwards

Buket Urgen

School Facilities & Resources

Access to Education

Teachers

School Curriculum

Student Wellbeing

Coleman Bailey

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Coleman is an educator. He previously worked as the director of alternative and virtual education for Avery County Schools, where he created and ran Avery County Virtual Academy. He also served as an assistant principal at Charles D. Owen High School for two years. Before taking on administrative roles, he spent 29 years teaching science classes.

Welcome Dr. Bailey! | C.D. Owen Middle

Coleman is currently the Director of the Western Regional Science and Engineering Fair at Appalachian State University. He has 32 years of experience as a public school educator.

As of January 2, 2026, Coleman Bailey’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Jason Coleman

Lan Holtsclaw

Lan Holtsclaw is from Avery County, North Carolina.

Amid funding questions, Avery County school board cancels ...

Tim Phillips Elected as Avery County Board of Commissioners ...

Lan Holtsclaw's campaign for Avery County Board of Education member is his first time running for public office.

2026 primary election candidate list final as filing ends - Avery Journal

For Candidate Lan Holtsclaw on Issue School Facilities & Resources: Requests that the county designate specific funding for the school system's use.

As of January 2, 2026, Lan Holtsclaw’s website did not contain information on this issue.

For Candidate Lan Holtsclaw on Issue teachers: Believes teachers and librarians deserve more pay and advocates for increased taxpayer transparency in the school system’s budget.

Randy Singleton

Randy is currently a member of the Avery County Board of Education. He was elected in 2022 and is serving his first term.

School Superintendent Honors Avery Board of Education Members ...

Voted against the renewal of Superintendent Dr. Brigman’s contract.

As of January 2, 2026, Randy Singleton’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Trey Oakley

- 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. 