BRUNSWICK COUNTY — David Robinson is running to serve District Two on the Brunswick County Board of Education. Robinson’s hometown is Holden Beach, where he has spent nearly 30 years serving the fire department and rescue squad.
Robinson will face incumbent Catherine Cooke in the Republican primary.
Early voting starts Feb. 13. Same-day registration is available during the early voting period through Feb. 29. Election day for the primaries is March 3. This is a partisan primary, meaning only voters registered as Republicans can cast a vote for Robinson or Cooke.
Unaffiliated voters may select either a Republican, Democratic, or Libertarian ballot during the partisan primary. No Democratic candidates filed to represent District 2.
Note: Answers to interview questions appear unedited as provided.
Why are you running?
I am a native of Brunswick County and have spent nearly 30 years serving in the Fire Department and Rescue Squad right here in Brunswick County where I call home. I have dedicated my entire life at helping others in their time of need. I would like to continue serving our County as an elected official to do everything I can to continue improving the quality of life for everyone.
Brunswick County Schools just went through the first phase of its redistricting process and is preparing to enter its second, with possibly a larger impact on the district. How do you think the Board handled this round of redistricting?
First, I would like to say it’s unfortunate that we did not have the talent and expertise within the school system to make many of these evaluations, assessments and recommendations. I understand it is sometimes necessary to seek outside assistance to make certain assessments and determinations by experienced consultants, but a lot money is spent on outside consulting on a County wide level on a routine basis and I feel that we should have personnel (i.e.: superintendant, etc.) capable of taking on some of these tough issues. I understand it is important for the BOE to go into redistricting cautiously and insuring appropriate public involvement, but yet still the amount of money being spent must be considered and it should be closely looked at before engaging with a consultant whether or not an existing position within the School System be used.
What lessons can the board take from this round and incorporate in the second round of redistricting?
Early indicators suggest some parents are already unhappy with the results. The Board should consider more ways to obtain public input. It wouldn’t appear the methods used in the first round got adequate public participation and that should be re-evaluated. Only time will tell if round one was truly handled appropriately. Expectations versus actual results will have to be closely looked at and considering all feedback.
Are you comfortable with elementary and middle school students being transported on the same bus? Why or why not?
Ideally no. The best situation is to have each school transporting its own particular grade levels rather than moving buses back and forth. It’s understandable the desire to reduce transportation expense by consolidating, but not at the expense of the students and the potential for undesired conflicts.
Last month, the district essentially walked back its offer to provide bottled water to all schools that request it after it learned the county did not plan to issue a drinking water advisory in the wake of EWG’s recent report. How did the district handle the group’s findings? What do you think should have been done and should be done to address this issue?
It was handled poorly. The School system has done too much “back and forth” on this issue. When the original problem was identified back in 2017, solutions should have been identified and executed then. Now we are in 2020 and yet another problem has identified with the drinking water and the “back and forth” has yet started again. Meetings and discussions is far from taking real action. Also, passing it back into the hands of County Commissioners isn’t getting the problem resolved. On February 6, 2020, a citizen questioned Commissioner Pat Sykes about possible unrelated issue about the School Superintendent…her response was “as Commissioners we only give the Board of Education money, they make their own decisions”. Based on that response, I have to wonder if that a Commissioner blows it off, what must the School Board be thinking? So, it must up to the Board of Education to reach a solution to protect the children and staff immediately. In a February 7, 2020 public announcement by the School System, it stated “In the wake of the study, Brunswick County Commissioners and Board of Education members are actively discussing the possibility of installing temporary reverse osmosis filling stations in all 19 Brunswick County Schools”. I suppose the public will have to just sit back and watch how long it takes to ultimately rectify this ONGOING problem.
New Hanover County Schools is reckoning with a disturbing coverup culture after three educators have been charged with crimes related to sexually exploiting students. In each case, a multitude of sources assert both board members and the district had previous knowledge of misdeeds but failed to act. In light of these ongoing revelations, should BCS reexamine its personnel records?
Absolutely! We must learn from others mistakes (in the case of NHCS, gross errors). Now is a good time to review policies, procedures and personnel records to make sure all Brunswick County staff are performing appropriately and based upon established personnel protocols, and most importantly exercising the highest of ethical standards. This action must not be a onetime examination but an ongoing process. Personnel who make bad or inappropriate decisions must be held accountable up to and including criminal repercussions.
What is your opinion of the Superintendent’s slogan, “I Fired Ben Doing”?
As a leader, you must always be “thinking outside the box” and encourage your subordinates to the same, and not rely on the “this is how we always did it” approach, which I believe is what the Superintendant is promoting. What we have done in the past isn’t always the solution needed in an era of rapid change and uncertainty. While we can’t forget where we came from in order to determine where we are going, I do like the slogan and find it quite motivational. As long as the Superintendant remembers to lead by example and treats EVERYONE with equality and respect, he too will receive reciprocal treatment.
What BCS program or initiative has provided the greatest value to the community?
I believe one of programs that has best served our students and community is the Brunswick County Early College High School. This program has helped countless students get the jump start needed to have an excellent college education and career. I have witnessed firsthand the benefits of this program and couldn’t be more excited to watch it grow and see additional students become a part of this much successful program. I additionally look forward to see how the “COAST” program will mature and offer enhanced vocational and career readiness education to High School Students. This is an area that should have been looked at long before now, but it is a step in the right direction.
Would you characterize the district’s approach to growth as being proactive or reactive?
Actually, it has been both proactive in some areas and more reactive in others. I personally have found the Board of Education at times to engage in too much “back and forth” and “fickle” behavior. Going forward, I believe that policies, procedures and infrastructure will continue to be front line issues within the School System. Brunswick County continues to be one of the fastest growing Counties in the nation and it is the responsibility of the Board of Education to have great foresight and leadership skill as we move forward and embrace the future.
Learn more about candidate David Robinson on his campaign Facebook page.
