Get to know Chad

My name is Chad Cole and I'm running for Watauga County Board of Education. It is an honor and a privilege to just be on the ballot for our kids. I'm born, raised and still proudly call Watauga County home. I'm also a product of Watauga County Schools (Cove Creek and WHS). My wife and I have three children, one just graduated WHS, one at Cove Creek and one in diapers!

I am running for one of three seats on the school board because I believe that every student deserves access to a high-quality education. As a parent of children who attended public schools, I know firsthand the challenges that students and teachers face in our education system.

  • 25 Years of service as a firefighter and EMT

  • Past Fire and EMS instructor for NC

  • Active in our schools with my kids (you'll hear my voice at WHS softball games as announcer)

  • Trade skills advocate

  • Supporter of FFA and 4H

  • Focused on Safety and Security in and out of the schools (trained in active shooter response)

  • Concerned about mental health

  • Motivated to protect students from the opioid crisis

  • Long range thinker

  • I want to be like Ron Swanson when I grow up (less government)!

As a candidate running for the Board of Education, I am committed to upholding traditional American values in our schools. I believe that education should prioritize the building of strong moral character, critical thinking, and academic excellence in every student.

If elected, I will work tirelessly to ensure that our schools have the resources they need to provide a world-class education to our students. This includes advocating for increased funding for our schools, improving teacher training and retention, and promoting policies that support student achievement.

I am also committed to promoting innovative programs that help our students develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity. Our students must be prepared for the rapidly changing world, and I believe that providing a comprehensive education that includes both academic and real-world skills is critical.

Finally, I am passionate about student well-being, and I will prioritize programs that address mental health, bullying, and provide opportunities for extracurricular activities. I believe that a well-rounded education that addresses students’ social and emotional needs is essential for their overall success.

  1. Investing in our schools to improve infrastructure, enhance technology, and support extracurricular activities that promote physical fitness, teamwork, and leadership.

  2. Empowering parents to make the best educational decisions for their children, including providing access to school choice programs and opposing attempts to strip away parental rights.

  3. Ensuring that students receive a robust education in civics, history, and economics, so they can become informed and engaged citizens.

  4. Protecting our children from harmful and divisive ideologies that seek to undermine our nation’s founding principles.

    I am committed to creating excellent education opportunities for all students and bringing my passion, experience, and commitment to the school board. Together, we can build a brighter future for our children and preserve the values that make our nation great. I humbly ask for your support and your vote.

Four Focuses