Local attorney and Clinton High School graduate Frank Bradshaw was chosen by the Clinton City Board of Education to join its ranks Wednesday night, filling the seat left vacated last month by elected member Carol Worley.
Bradshaw was chosen by written ballot after he and three other candidates presented themselves, their qualifications and their vision to school board members, who then voted on who should fill the vacancy.
City school board attorney Rebecca Williams facilitated the candidate presentation portion of Wednesday’s meeting, announcing Bradshaw as the first to speak to the board.
Williams shared that Bradshaw’s was the second letter of interest received by the board, but the first, sent by Jesse Kittrell, was withdrawn.
During his five-minute presentation, Bradshaw began by saying he is the son of a 30-year veteran of the city school district, sharing that his mother taught at L.C. Kerr, Butler Avenue and College Street schools during her tenure.
He then described the many roles his father filled during his service in the county school district and shared that he, himself, had worked in higher education, serving as an adjunct professor at Campbell Law School. During that role, he worked in many capacities that, he said, he believes set him up to be an asset on the school board.
Bradshaw noted that he had worked alongside Sampson Community College, most recently serving on the SCC Foundation Board of Directors, and that service, coupled with being a Clinton-Sampson Rotary member and serving on the Sampson County History Museum Board, gave him the necessary perspective and experience to serve.
The candidate also shared how he believed his experience as a lawyer would make him a helpful addition to the board, noting that he has advised countless individuals and made decisions with “limited information.” He made the comparison that the school board is also tasked with making the best decision with whatever information is available.
Bradshaw mentioned the reality that many are choosing to send their children to private schools and said he wanted to remind the community, “Don’t forget public schools.”
The candidate stressed that he knows all students don’t have the same opportunities at home and that he wants to give teachers resources so all students will be given the education they deserve.
“I have no personal agenda,” Bradshaw concluded. “I’m a Dark Horse, I have two little Dark Horses, I’m invested here and I care.”
Following Bradshaw, the three other candidates presented their qualifications and vision for serving on the board. The candidates were Lisa Recchuiti, Dr. John-Mark Miller and Tokesia Coleman Underwood.
After hearing each candidate, the board members had a few moments to cast their votes via anonymous written ballots, which Williams then collected, cautioning them not to write their names on the ballot.
Williams read each vote aloud to the room, naming one vote for Underwood and four votes for Bradshaw.
Bradshaw was then welcomed back to the podium to give his remarks about receiving the appointment, which, he noted, were off the cuff because “I didn’t presume to win.” He added that it was “very refreshing to hear the interest from the other candidates,” noting, “We are lucky to have that in our community,” as well as the quality people who desire to serve, and stressed his eagerness to begin serving the city schools.
Upon returning to the remainder of the meeting, Clinton City Schools Superintendent Dr. Wesley Johnson noted what a “great presentation by all candidates” and shared his excitement to begin working with Bradshaw.
Clinton City Board Chairwoman Dr. Linda Brunson said she is also eager to begin working with Bradshaw. She shared the following day, “We are excited about having Mr. Bradshaw join the board. We welcome him to this important role and look forward to the perspective, experience and commitment that he will bring.”
She added, “His experience and expertise will certainly add value to our board and our district.”
Bradshaw will complete orientation with Brunson and Vice Chairman Jeremy Edgerton before he takes the board member oath and is sworn in as an official board member.
The oath has a tentative date during the week of Sept. 28, and once that is done, he will be able to act in the official capacity of a board member for the city district.
Bradshaw is filling the unexpired term of elected school board member Carol Worley, who resigned in August. He will remain on the board through 2030 and then, should he choose, seek election.