Educators For Bob

In order to provide a quality “21st Century” education we must continue to invest in our young people and provide our adults with job training.  This commitment is the foundation for creating jobs and economic prosperity.

We must continue to invest in our public schools, our community colleges and our university system if we are to compete in this globally competitive job market.

"I support Bob Etheridge and his plan to restore the commitment to excellence in public education for North Carolina"

For Immediate Release
Contact: Keith Mason
April 27, 2012
(252) 945-7156

"Educators for Bob Etheridge" Supporting
Former State Schools Superintendent for Governor

RALEIGH, N.C. – A group of more than 500 people representing a broad range of public education experience is supporting Bob Etheridge for the Democratic nomination for Governor in the May 8 primary.

Cecil S. Banks, three-term president of the N.C. Association of Educators (NCAE) is heading the effort.

“We have had an outpouring of support from current and retired education professionals and students preparing for a career in public education, and more are signing up every day,” Banks announced. 

“The common theme for why these educators support Bob Etheridge is that they know Bob stood up for public education as a county commissioner, a state legislator, as state superintendent of schools and in Congress,” Banks said, “and they know as Governor he will fight to invest in and improve our schools.”

Banks said that the group includes past presidents of the NCAE, current and former classroom teachers, former school superintendents, principals, community college and university faculty and staff, as well as several people preparing for a career in public education.

Banks said members of the group are contacting other educators they know across the state and voters in their home communities.  “We will be making phone calls, personal visits and sending e-mails to our friends, neighbors and colleagues during the next two weeks before the May 8 primary and then plan to be very active for Bob Etheridge during the general election campaign,” Banks said.

Etheridge began his career in public service when he was a Harnett County businessman, became a county commissioner and pushed through the improvement and consolidation of the county’s high schools.   He continued to support his family as a businessman as he served ten years in the state legislature.

Etheridge served eight years as the North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction and was elected to Congress from the state’s second district, serving for fourteen years.

Among the leaders of “Educators for Bob Etheridge” are:

Cecil S. Banks, Raleigh – The long-time classroom teacher in Greensboro was president of the N.C. Association of Educators (NCAE) in 1984-85, 1994-95 and 1996-97.  “Bob Etheridge embodies the best of North Carolina traditions:  hard work, perseverance, and the belief that through a sound public education system, every individual can achieve his or her potential.”

Eddie Davis, Durham – Former member of the State Board of Education, past president of NCAE and long-time classroom teacher in the Durham public schools.  “Bob Etheridge stood tall against the tactics of the Jim Martin Republican majority on the State Board of Education when he was State Superintendent.  He stood tall for public schools and for educators when he served in the state legislature.  I know we can count on Bob Etheridge to continue to stand tall for North Carolina as our next Governor.”

Dudley Flood, Raleigh – Long-time Assistant Superintendent of Public Instruction and one of the leaders of the successful effort to integrate North Carolina’s public schools.  “Bob Etheridge is the most principled man I know. The timing is precisely right for Bob Etheridge to be our next Governor.  He has the right experience and the right leadership skills to lead us in these troubled times.”

Rose Marie Lowry-Townsend, Pembroke – She is a former teacher, principal and local superintendent and currently mentors beginning principals.  He served as president of the NCAE. “Bob Etheridge’s commitment to public education and to children has been his guiding principle as a legislator, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and as a member of Congress.  He will bring that same commitment to the Governor’s office.”

Gladys Fowler Graves, Caswell County – Long-time classroom teacher in the Guilford County public schools, past president of NCAE, directed the Teaching Fellows Program at N.C. Public School Forum.  “Bob Etheridge has never retreated from his support of public education, whether he was serving as a county commissioner, state legislator, state superintendent, or as a member of Congress.  He is exactly the person we need as Governor during these challenging times.”

Grier Bradshaw, Kannapolis – Principal in High Point for 14 years and served for 21 years as superintendent of Kannapolis City schools.  “Bob Etheridge is a man of the people.  He has served us well in every position he has held and with great integrity and energy.  He will make us an outstanding Governor.”

Fred Bartholomew, Princeton – Served 38 years as principal, member of Johnston County Board of Education for eight years, five as chair, vice president of state principal/assistant principal association.  “Bob has been a friend of public school principals and assistant principals as a legislator and especially when he was state schools superintendent.  I trust Bob to do what is right and to stand up for public education, which is something we definitely need.  He will make a great Governor.”

Jane Burke, Wilson – Former teacher, principal and superintendent of Roanoke Rapids City Schools.   “I believe Bob Etheridge puts education first, as it should be.  He will make us a wonderful education Governor.”

Fred Cundiff, Greensboro – Former assistant superintendent for the Greensboro City schools and a regional director for the Department of Public Instruction.  “With the crisis that we’re in regarding public education and the legislature with which we’ve had to work, a man like Bob Etheridge is a must if we have any chance to improve public education in North Carolina.”

Jim Ellerbe, Clayton – Leader with community college system for 17 years, vice-president for business at Campbell University, chairman of State Textbook Commission, superintendent in Johnston and Northampton counties and the Chapel Hill/Carrboro schools.

Dorothy and Wade Hampton, Asheville – Both retired classroom teachers, Dorothy was an art education supervisor with the Buncombe County schools and Wade was vocational education director for the Asheville City schools.

Kay Norman, Salisbury – Currently serving on Rowan/Salisbury Board of Education, former classroom teacher and Head Start director.  “The educational needs for our children cannot be left to the whims of individuals who are not advocates for public education.  I have served this community for 18 years on the Rowan/Salisbury Board of Education.  We are trying to ‘do more with less’ and have lost over $ 10 million in state funding over the last four years.  I support Bob Etheridge for Governor because I am fired up and ready to fight for our children and those who have yet to be born!”

Tony Parker, Smithfield – Served as Superintendent in Johnston and Beaufort counties and for Whiteville City schools and is also a former principal in Cumberland and Robeson counties.  “Bob is cut out of the same cloth as Terry Sanford in his commitment to public education.  I believe in Bob.  He is an honest, trustworthy person who is dedicated to fighting for the things he believes in.”

Willie Peele, Williamston – Served as Superintendent of Martin County schools from 1992-99 and long-time classroom teacher.  “Bob Etheridge understands the special problems that rural schools come up against.   He has dealt with the challenges of our public schools as a county commissioner, a North Carolina legislator and as head of our state school system.  I can’t think of a better person to lead our state in the next four years.  I am with him all the way.”

Rev. Dr. Jerry Price, Garner – Retired state employee with the Department of Corrections.  Was Director of Educational Services for the agency.  “Mr. Etheridge worked closely with us when he was superintendent of schools to make sure that our teachers were paid fairly and in line with the public schools.   He always treated everyone fairly and provided great leadership in that position.  I am very excited about him being our next Governor.”

Morris Walker, West Jefferson – High school coach and principal and served as Superintendent of Ashe County schools for 10 years.