While many people are thinking about Christmas and doorbuster deals at local stores, some more politically focused individuals are thinking instead about kicking off their election campaigns.
This week, Republican Michelle Bardsley filed to run for the District 5 Board of Education seat that if she wins would allow her a good deal of say in how area public schools are run. The District 5 seat is currently held by Democrat Darlene Garrett.
“It will be my joy and privilege to serve on the Guilford County Board of Education,” Bardsley said publically when she announced her campaign. “We have critical decisions ahead with infrastructure changes, student academic growth and preparation for 21st-century careers and school safety. We also must focus on educator development and compensation while preparing students for success in a global economy. I look forward to speaking with students, parents and educators on the campaign trail.”
In a press release announcing her run for office, Bardsley stated that she’s been a resident of North Carolina for 20 years and that she and her husband of 27 years, Rob Bardsley, have four children who are all graduates of Guilford County Schools – Grimsley High School and Northern High School to be specific.
Bardsley is also a public school teacher. She’s an active high school Career and Technical Education (CTE) Business, Marketing, and Microsoft educator with 12 years’ experience in Guilford County Schools and 9 years with NC Virtual Public Schools.
Bardsley is also a businesswoman. Her bio states that she “graduated from Old Dominion University with academic and Kaufman Honors earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Finance. She has 13 years of business experience in accounting-finance, IT business analysis, and project management.”
Bardsley also wrote that she has “a history of putting students first” and of making a positive impact in the lives of kids.
One passage of her campaign material states, “She is a lead educator in her field, mentoring and teaching educators’ innovative strategies that improve student academic achievement and leadership. She has served on various high school leadership teams to include: SIT (School Improvement Team), SREB lead teacher training (Southern Region Education Board), ILT (Instructional Leadership Team), and as Graduation Coordinator. In addition, Michelle is known in her peer group for her passion for CTE, leading FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) club and triad region conferences at UNCG, coordinating field trips with local employers, and running the June 2019 STAMP (Students and Teachers in Advanced Manufacturing Pathways) Camp at GTCC.”
The candidate for the District 5 seat has also taught in Wake County Schools and has served as a member of her church worship team – not to mention she’s also been a Girl Scout leader.
You go, girl! Those who know, should lead.
Come on and get behind Bardsley for district 5 County Commmisioners race .With her background she will be a breath of fresh air to a board that needs some new “blood” to run the county in the next several years. She will be able to share some of her experiences with this board that will help propel this board forward to greater heights in our economy. Get out and vote for Bardsley for county commissioner of Guilford County.