Cindy McMahon files for Reynolds’ Board of Education seat

Press Release

Cindy McMahon

Cindy McMahon will officially file July 7 to represent the Reynolds District on the Buncombe County Board of Education, the seat currently held by Lisa Baldwin. School board members are elected by all voters of all districts within the Buncombe County Schools boundary, but must live within the district they represent.

McMahon is well known within the Reynolds District, and by many community leaders across the county. She and her husband John have a daughter, Katie, at A. C. Reynolds High School, and their son Caleb graduated from Reynolds in June. “They have both been in Buncombe County Schools since kindergarten, and have had an excellent education at every level,” McMahon says. “My husband and I are also products of public schools. We have all benefited so much, it would be an honor to use my strong leadership skills, comprehensive education, and business administration experience to give back and strengthen our schools. I enjoy coming together with others to solve problems, and would like to use those skills to advocate for the students in our public schools.”

McMahon recognizes that with 43 schools serving over 25,500 students, there can be competing interests, especially in tough budget times. “It’s important for school board members to listen carefully to all involved–parents, educators, students and the community—before evaluating needs and making decisions. Guiding a school system isn’t about the school board or an individual board member, it’s about those we serve, especially our wonderful young people. I want to make sure our students have the best opportunities possible, from the highest quality cultural arts programs to outstanding global/world language, AP and STEM (science-technology-engineering-math) curriculum options that will prepare them for future success.”

McMahon has a Master’s degree in English from UNC-Chapel Hill and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University. She specializes in business, nonprofit and project management, and is the current Vice Chair of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Asheville. She previously served as the Operations Director for the YWCA of Asheville during its capital campaign and expansion, and coordinated the Volunteer Center at United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County. She was also the Executive Director of the Orange County Literacy Council.

McMahon recognizes that with an annual budget of $244.5 million, which includes capital expenditures and the self-sustaining child nutrition program, fiscal responsibility is paramount. “It would be rewarding to use my experience in budgeting and capital projects to help successfully guide the 11th largest school system to even greater efficiency and effectiveness. It is also important to continue the strong relationship we have with the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Department and Emergency Management to ensure our schools are safe for all.”

Asked about teacher pay and keeping instructional assistants in elementary classrooms, McMahon says, “with a background in human resources, I would work closely with leaders at the state and local level to do what it takes to ensure that our nearly 2,000 teachers and all employees feel respected and valued, and that the many needs of our students are met. This means having the highest level of instruction available, including the efforts of well-trained teacher assistants who are vital to success in reading and math in K-3 classrooms.”

The Buncombe County School Board consists of seven elected members. The board supervises the superintendent, sets policy, and oversees the county schools budget. There are six districts, each with one representative, plus one at-large member. All representatives are elected district-wide. The election is nonpartisan and there is no primary. The General Election is Tuesday, November 4. McMahon would technically represent the Reynolds District, although she recognizes that the role of a board member is to work for the benefit of all students and schools across the county, no matter which district they are in, and that all voters across Buncombe County vote for all school board members, not just their own district.

McMahon says her ultimate goal is simple: “We need to continue to raise the bar and set expectations for the highest level of services to our students and their families.”

For more information or to get involved in the campaign, visit www.CindyforSchools.com.