Susanne Duncan and Paige Morgan will face off in the race for the Brunswick County Board of Education District 3 seat.
In-person early voting begins on Oct. 15 and ends on Oct. 31 at 3 p.m. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is 5 p.m. Oct. 20, and those must be returned to the local board of elections by 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Election Day is set for Tuesday, Nov. 3.
North Carolina residents can check their voter registration status on the North Carolina State Board of Elections webpage.
Here's a look at the candidates. Responses have been lightly edited for grammar, style and length.
Susanne Duncan
- Age: 71
- Occupation: Retired educator
- Education: B.A. in biology from Mount Holyoke College; M.S. in biology from University of Maryland; Teacher Certification from George Mason University
- Political experience: None
- Political affiliation: Democrat
Paige Morgan
- Age: 36
- Occupation: Self-Employed
- Education: Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education: Math and Science, National Board Certified teacher
- Political experience: None
- Political affiliation: Republican
What are the top issues facing the Brunswick County Schools?
Duncan: The three greatest challenges facing Brunswick County Schools are growth, teacher recruitment and retention, and student achievement. Rapid population
growth is creating pressure on school capacity and facilities, making thoughtful planning and investment essential. Recruiting and retaining highly qualified teachers has been a longstanding challenge, and high turnover affects both school programs and students. Finally, achievement gaps persist, particularly for economically disadvantaged students. We must continue improving reading and math outcomes while ensuring every student — including those who need additional support — has the opportunity to succeed.
Morgan: As a former teacher, I believe some of the biggest issues facing Brunswick County Schools are retaining good teachers and staff, improving morale, and addressing overcrowding as our county grows. I also believe we need to strengthen the connection between our schools and our community. Our teachers need to feel valued and supported, our students need schools where they can learn and thrive, and our families need to feel heard and included. I believe we are the strongest when our teachers, parents, school leaders, and community work together with the same goal- doing what is best for our students.
What goals do you have for the county school system?
Duncan: My goals are to strengthen teacher recruitment and retention, improve student achievement, and expand opportunities for students and families within Brunswick County Schools. I want to create working conditions that help teachers build long-term careers in Brunswick County Schools. I want to address achievement gaps while providing appropriate support and challenges for every student. As Brunswick County grows, I'd like to see the addition of Pre-Kindergarten, invest in safe and modern facilities, and develop more meaningful educational choices within Brunswick County Schools, including specialized academies and pathways in STEM, the arts, and language immersion.
Morgan: My goal is to help create a school system where students are proud of their education, teachers and staff feel supported, and administrators are proud of the schools they lead. I also want parents and community members to know their voices are heard and valued. Some people may think this is a “pipe dream”, but I don’t. As a former teacher, I believe we sometimes make education more complicated than it needs to be. At the heart of every decision, should be one simple question: What is best for our students? Keeping students at the center will always be my goal.
Why are you the best candidate for this position?
Duncan: I bring more than 30 years of experience as a science educator, department chair, advanced placement coordinator, curriculum developer, and mentor to teachers. I have taught students from middle school through advanced placement and worked to expand opportunities for students at all levels. My experience has taught me that strong schools depend on excellent teachers, high expectations, and meaningful support for every student. As a parent of two public school graduates, including a younger child who graduated from South Brunswick High School, I have a personal commitment to the success of Brunswick County Schools. I will bring an educator’s, as well as a parent’s, perspective and a willingness to listen.
Morgan: I believe I am the best candidate for this position because I bring a unique perspective having experienced Brunswick County Schools as a student, teacher and now parent. Having taught recently, I understand firsthand the challenges our staff face every day, and the incredible work they are doing. As a fourth-generation Brunswick County native, this community is home to me. I know many of the families and staff members in our area, I want people to feel comfortable bringing their concerns to me. I will bring a fresh perspective to the board while respecting the experience of those already serving. I care deeply about our county and would be honored to use my experience as a teacher, parent and lifelong member of this community to serve our schools.
What are your top three priorities if elected to the Board of Education?
Duncan: My top three priorities are supporting our teachers, ensuring every student can succeed, and preparing our schools for Brunswick County’s future. Our teachers work hard, and I want them to feel valued and supported. That means competitive compensation, manageable workloads, adequate classroom resources, and opportunities for professional growth. I want every student to have the support and opportunities needed to succeed. We should address achievement gaps through programs such as Pre-Kindergarten and summer bootcamps that prepare students for honors and Advanced Placement classes. As our county grows, we need to invest in facilities and expand meaningful choices within Brunswick County Schools, including specialized academies and pathways.
Morgan: My first priority will be to listen and learn from fellow board members, educators, families, and our community-so I can make informed decisions. Second, I want to be visible in our schools, regularly visiting classrooms and talking with students, teachers, staff, and administrators. Third, I will use what I learn, along with my experience as an educator and parent, to make thoughtful student-centered decisions that strengthen Brunswick County Schools. I don't want to make decisions based only on what I hear in meetings; I want to understand what is actually happening in our schools.
How do you define success for the Brunswick County school district?
Duncan: I would define success by three measures: strong teacher retention, all students making meaningful progress, and more families choosing Brunswick County Schools. I want teachers to stay because they feel valued, supported, and invested in our schools. I want achievement gaps to narrow and more students performing at grade level or above in reading and math. And I want families to choose Brunswick County Schools because they see strong teachers, engaging programs, and meaningful choices, including specialized academies and pathways in STEM, the arts, and language immersion. Success means stronger schools, better outcomes for students, and families who are confident in their choice.
Morgan: I define success for Brunswick County Schools as having students who are proud to attend our schools and confident that they are receiving a strong education and the support they need. Teachers and school staff who are proud to work in our district, feel valued and supported, and look forward to walking into their schools each day. Administrators who are proud to lead their schools, feel supported as they support their staff and have strong relationships with the families and communities they serve. Ultimately, success is a school system that our entire community is proud of.
How will you support and retain teachers and staff?
Duncan: There are many reasons teachers leave, and I believe the first step is listening to teachers about what they are experiencing. Compensation matters, but so do workload, administrative support, classroom resources, student behavior, and feeling valued and respected. I would support regular teacher feedback and a faculty advisory committee that could bring educators’ perspectives directly to the school board. I would also review compensation and working conditions and strengthen mentoring and professional development. After more than 30 years in the classroom, I know how important it is for teachers to feel heard, supported, and valued. Retention starts with listening—and acting on what we hear.
Morgan: I want to make sure teachers and staff feel supported, valued, and heard. Having been in the classroom, I know teachers become overwhelmed with responsibilities that take time away from what they were hired to do -- teach and care for their students. As a board member, I will advocate for reducing unnecessary responsibilities, improving support, and creating an environment where they feel appreciated and respected. We have wonderful teachers in Brunswick County Schools; I want them to be proud to work here, enjoy coming to school each day, and have the time to focus on what matters most -- our students.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Meet the candidates for Brunswick County Board of Education District 3
