Three Former Superintendents Endorse Nichols

Bridges, McNeal and Burns Join ‘Educators for Nichols’

Raleigh – The only three former Superintendents of Wake County Public Schools who still reside in Wake County have endorsed Jack Nichols in his County Commission race against incumbent Paul Coble.  Dr. Robert Bridges, Dr. William McNeal, and Dr. Del Burns have all joined a new group, “Educators for Nichols”, that has been formed following the endorsement of Jack Nichols by the North Carolina Association of Educators.  

“Wake County did not become the best place to live and work in America by accident, and our schools have been a big part of that, said Dr. Del Burns.  “Jack Nichols is a consensus builder, and understands that when it comes to our children and our tax dollars, we must make decisions based on data and research, not ideologically driven agendas.”

The group will be co-chaired by Larry Nilles, current Vice-President for Wake NCAE,  Elaine Dillahunt, a teacher and former President of Wake NCAE when Nichols was a Commissioner previously, and  former Superintendent Del Burns.  Other members include: Current NEA and former NCAE President John Wilson, former NCAE President Karen Garr, and the immediate past president of Wake NCAE, Jennifer Lanane. 

“It is an honor to have the support of all these educators, but it is particularly moving to have these three pillars of education that have meant so much to our community over the past decades back our campaign to restore sanity and civility to Wake County,” Nichols said. 

“I have known Jack for many years, and seen first hand his committed to strengthening our schools,” said Elaine Dillahunt.  “During his previous tenure on the Board of County Commissioners, Jack led the way for teacher salary supplements that were so important to recruiting the best teachers.  In 1993, Wake NCAE recognized him as a “Friend of Education.”

Larry Nilles said, “The great schools in Wake County have attracted thousands of new residents and many businesses.  Jack will continue to ensure our schools are our best business recruitment tool.”

The group was formed by the educators to support Nichols’ campaign for County Commission.  With the high level of controversy surrounding the Wake County School Board, the County Commissioners have taken on an extra level of importance, since County Commissioners are responsible for the County School Budget.

“In these difficult economic times we need to make sure we are using our resources effectively.  I will insist that the School Board have a plan and justify any use of taxpayer dollars,” said Jack Nichols.

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EDUCATORS FOR NICHOLS

Co-Chairs:       Larry Nilles, Wake NCAE Vice President

                        Elaine Dillahunt, Wake NCAE President (1990-1991)

                        Del Burns, Wake Superintendent (2006 – 2010)

Tama Bouncer (Wake NCAE President 2010 – 2012)

Jennifer Lanane (Wake NCAE President 2008-2010)

Bill McNeal, former Wake County School Superintendent

Bob Bridges, former Wake County School Superintendent

Karen Garr, NCAE President (1987-1989)

Linda Gunter

Sue Garris

Doris & Johnnie Burke

Marilyn Dixon

Susan Oller

Scott Anderson, Executive Director, NCAE

Joyce Jarrett, Associate Director, NCAE

John Wilson, Executive Director, NEA

Diane   Payne

Catherine Johnson

Richard Murphy

Jonibel Willis

Helen S Collier, Retired Area Assistant Superintendent, WCPSS

Geraldine Ritter

Caroline Massengill

Maurice W. Boswell, Assistant Superintendent of H.R. for the Wake County School System

Gerald Pickett