ACAE, BCAE & NCRSP congratulate endorsed candidates on winning seats

Today, the Asheville City Association of Educators, Buncombe County Association of Educators, and Asheville/Buncombe North Carolina Retired School Personnel (ACAE, BCAE, & NCRSP) are excited to congratulate our endorsed candidates on winning their seats and released the following statement:

“We are thrilled to call Julie Mayfield, Eric Ager, Lindsey Prather, and Brian Turner our next North Carolina Senate and House Representatives and we could not be more excited to work with them. These candidates have proven that they are an advocate for public education and our public schools through their previous records serving as our representatives. We cannot wait to continue to work with them to improve our schools for our children, their parents, our teachers, and public-school workers.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our endorsed Buncombe County Commissioners, Amanda Edwards, Jennifer Horton, and Terri Wells, whose election affirms a shared commitment to advancing our public schools. We look forward to partnering with these commissioners to expand educational resources, strengthen teacher and staff retention, and ensure our schools receive more equitable funding. By working together, we are confident that Buncombe County’s educational budget & policies will reflect our community’s values and prioritize the success of our children and school employees.

We are immensely proud of our newly elected and returning members of the Buncombe County Board of Education, Greg Cheatham, Amy Churchill, and Charles Martin, whose passion for public education aligns with our mission to uplift students, educators, and families. With these dedicated board members, we will advocate for policies that improve student learning and staff working conditions, enhance school safety, and ensure our schools remain welcoming, inclusive

environments for all. Together, we can address the unique challenges facing Buncombe County schools and build a brighter future for every student in our district.”

– Shanna Peele, BCAE President

“Congratulations to our endorsed candidates for the Asheville City Board of Education, Pepi Acebo and George Sieburg, whose leadership and dedication will be instrumental in creating positive changes within our schools. We look forward to working collaboratively to promote educational equity, address the needs of our diverse student body, uplift union formal voice through Meet Confer Collaborate, and ensure that every Asheville City student receives a high-quality, well-supported education. Their commitment to advancing our schools is invaluable, and we are eager to support their efforts to uplift students, educators, and families alike.

Together, we stand united in our mission to advocate for and strengthen public education across Asheville and Buncombe County. We look forward to the positive changes our endorsed candidates will bring and are ready to support their efforts to benefit our schools and our community as a whole.”

– Tim Lloyd, ACAE President

Even in the wake of a devastating hurricane, our members and supporters of ACAE, BCAE, and NCRSP came together to work over 120 poll standing and canvassing shifts to connect with thousands of voters across the county leading up to and on election day in order to elect our endorsed candidates. When an educator knocks a door, or stands at the polls, voters listen. Educators are trusted messengers and our endorsement has value in the community.