On March 5, 2024 a majority of voters in Orange County cast their ballots for academic excellence, equity, and inclusion. These are values we hold dear, and we joined our neighbors in voting for a slate of candidates: Carrie Doyle, Jennifer Moore, and Wendy Padilla, who would fight for these values on behalf of all students, staff, and families.
Unfortunately, it turned out that one of those candidates, Jennifer Moore, had deceived voters about her own level of education. We were blindsided and saddened by her dishonesty. We think that it is right that she has resigned her position on the board. She will remain on the ballot in the runoff election, and if elected, she has said on her campaign website that she will not serve.
Her departure has left Orange County with an important choice: How do we uphold the values that will provide our children with a brighter future? How do we defend the vote we cast on March 5 for better and more inclusive schools?
We can shape the future with our vote
For some of us, the answer is to make sure our voices — and our votes — are heard. We must not allow a single person’s deception to turn back the clock on the real and important progress we’ve made in Orange County’s schools. Checking the box next to Jennifer Moore’s name in the runoff election will be a vote for the school board to fill her position with someone who supports the vision of academic excellence and equity we voted for in March.
For others, the answer is to refrain from voting and accept that the runoff challenger, though not selected by a majority of the voters in the March 5 election, will likely be seated on the school board.
No matter what personal decision individuals make, we remain united in our commitment to a better future — for our children, our teachers, and our community.
March 5th Election Winners
Carrie Doyle
Additional Endorsements:
We are thrilled Carrie was re-elected on March 5, 2024. She is a high school science teacher in Durham Public Schools, the mother of three students who came up through the Orange County School (OCS) district, and former professional in the laboratory sciences. When serving as board chair, Carrie led with courage and kindness. In 2022, she was recognized by the North Carolina School Board Association Academy for School Boardsmanship. Carrie’s campaign focuses on inclusive needs for the diverse OCS student body, language access for OCS English learners and ESL families and STEM opportunities at all school levels. Carrie’s track record shows that she practices what she preaches. To have a member of the Board of Education who is a classroom teacher, a public school parent, and has work experience in the STEM field is an incredible asset.
To learn more about Carrie's campaign please visit:
Wendy Padilla
Additional Endorsements:
We are so excited that Wendy was elected to the Orange County School Board on March 5, 2024. Wendy is a dynamic and energetic leader with a real passion for Orange County Schools kids and families. Her positivity is contagious. She is a product of public schools, a mom, and has extensive professional experience in grassroots community building. To name a few highlights: she worked in front office administration at Central Park School in Durham where she provided invaluable support to Spanish-speaking families during the pandemic; she founded Sunflower Turning Nonprofit, Inc. which works to empower communities to grow their own food; and she has been involved in numerous community organizations. Wendy’s campaign emphasizes building schools where every child excels, on equitable learning environments, literacy, and the importance of quality wages for teachers. With a significant and growing number of Hispanic families in our district, having a member of the school board who is highly qualified and bilingual will be an incredible asset.
To learn more about Wendy Padilla and her campaign (available in English and Spanish) please visit https://www.padilla4oc.com/home-1 .