Three members of the Cumberland County Board of Education seeking re-election in November will face five challengers, including the former head of a local teachers’ group.

Board Chairman Greg West and board members Charles McKellar and Judy Musgrave will be on the ballot. They are serving in at-large positions, meaning they are elected by a countywide vote.

The other five candidates are Jacquelyn Brown, Julissa Jumper, Nyrell Melvin, John Ornelas and Carol Stubbs, according to the Cumberland County Board of Elections.

The three candidates who get the most votes in the November election win seats on the school board.

Two candidates – Jumper and Melvin – say they oppose a theory that is not a major issue in Cumberland County Schools. Neither could be reached for comment, but both mention opposition to Critical Race Theory in the material they have posted online.

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The Critical Race Theory is an academic framework that started in the 1970s and focuses on the idea that systemic racism in institutions maintains the dominance of white people. The theory, which analyzes American history through the lens of racism, has become a political buzzword. Some use it as a rallying cry for opposition to the way schools teach about race and American history and how schools address diversity and inclusion.

In response to a question about the theory, a spokesman for Cumberland County Schools released a statement that said the district is required by state law “to teach the North Carolina Standard Course of Study, which does not specifically include … Critical Race Theory.”

In an interview, West said he was not familiar with the positions of other candidates, but Critical Race Theory is “not an issue in Cumberland County Schools.”

Jumper does not highlight the theory on her website, but mentions it in a section on parental rights. She also emphasizes accountability for public officials and re-emphasizing core subjects in schools. 

Melvin mentions the theory in a heading on the issues section of his website. He said schools should put emphasis on cursive, typing and reading rather than "political correctness." He also calls for more involvement from parents.

Melvin opposes mask mandates related to COVID-19 and also calls for transparency and accountability. He wants students to have a sound education with practical classes.

West, who is seeking his sixth four-year term on the school board, said he is running to help continue the district’s accomplishments. A recent achievement, he said, is going through the COVID-19 pandemic and the gains that have been made as students have returned to the classroom.

“I want to stay on the board to see it through,” he said.

West said he has had children in Cumberland County schools, including a current 10th-grader.

“I believe a parent’s perspective is important for a diverse board,” he said.

West said he also supports increasing teacher pay and wants to be sure schools are safe.

More:Cumberland County Schools announces finalists for principal and teacher of the year

McKellar could not be reached for comment. Musgrave said she could not talk about the campaign because she is dealing with a family issue.

Brown said on her Facebook page that she retired from Cumberland County Schools after more than 30 years of service, including 26 years as a teacher’s assistant.

Brown said the school board needs unity and understanding.

"If elected, my main focuses will be working to implement a system in which all people; faculty, staff, students, administrators, parents, are treated with respect and dignity,” she said. “I will work to better retain faculty and staff members, as the turnover in Cumberland County associated with these members has risen to concerning levels.”

Ornelas said on his Facebook page that he is not running just for children in any particular group.

“I am running for the school board for ALL the children,” he said. “It does not bother me the least bit if they are straight, gay, bi, pan, or any other sexuality. It does not bother me if the parents are republican, democrat, or libertarian, or independent.”

Stubbs, who was a custodian for the school system before retiring last year, served as president of the Cumberland County Association of Educators for four years.

“The reason I decided to run is to continue the fight for public education,” she said.

Stubbs said the school district needs more transparency.

“We need to keep parents in communication with the school system,” she said.

Local news editor Steve DeVane can be reachedsdevane@fayobserver.com.