Joe Sims

Believes every child deserves access to quality education, which requires adequate funding for schools, support for teachers, and necessary classroom resources.

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

Believes the recent bill to increase teacher salaries is a positive step, but more needs to be done to attract and retain quality educators in the district.

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Buket Urgen

Joe Sims's campaign for Caldwell County Board of Education Member, Republican Primary is his first entry into politics.

School Facilities & Resources

Access to Education

Teachers

School Curriculum

Student Wellbeing

Brandon L. Cornett

As of January 2, 2026, Brandon L. Cornett’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Lesa Bolick Widener

Dr. Lesa Bolick Widener ran for Caldwell County Board of Education member in 2026.

Candidates file for 2026 partisan elections

As of January 2, 2026, Lesa Bolick Widener’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Mark Gerson

Meredith Jane Wilson

As of January 2, 2026, Meredith Jane Wilson’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Teresa Branch

Teresa Branch is from Hudson, North Carolina.

Caldwell County Schools, North Carolina, elections - Ballotpedia

Caldwell commissioner and school board races heat up

Teresa is currently a member of the Caldwell County Board of Education.

Caldwell school board and commissioner races intensify | News ...

Candidate Information | Caldwell County, NC

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

For Candidate Teresa Branch on Issue education-access: Running for reelection as a school board member.

William (BJ) Fore

For Candidate William (BJ) Fore on Issue school-services-resources: Emphasizes the importance of fiscal responsibility and accountability in budget decisions to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.

As of January 2, 2026, William (BJ) Fore’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Supports improving student outcomes by ensuring schools are safe and providing teachers with the necessary resources to succeed.

Believes in improving student outcomes and ensuring safe, conducive learning environments by supporting teachers with necessary resources.

- 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. 