By Sarah Campbell
scampbell@salisburypost.com
Linda Freeze said she wants to continue representing the residents of Rowan County in all facets of education.
That’s why she’s seeking a third term on the Board of Education.
“Our school system has made so many great strides toward increasing our graduation rate, lowering our number of dropouts, incorporating technology integration at various levels and increasing student achievement,” she said. “Yet, I want more. I want each one of our students to be equipped with the tools to be successful in our globally competitive world.”
Freeze, 63, said she’d also like to be around to see the completion of the district’s new downtown central office.
“It seems like something that drug on forever, so I’m just excited about the possibility that we’re going to get this project done,” she said.
But Freeze said one of her top priorities will be making sure the district is properly using its funds.
“We need to start looking at our finances with the economy and so forth,” she said. “I’d like to really be able to talk with teachers where the rubber meets the road and see if there’s any place where we can save money and put that money toward some other initiative that will make our school system better.
“I think sometimes we don’t ask the people who are actually there, and they can help us.”
Freeze will have some competition for the southeast area seat this election season from newcomer Lynn Marsh.
It’s one of three spots up for grabs.
Incumbent Jim Emerson has filed to represent the east area.
No one has filed for the Salisbury seat currently held by Bryce Beard.
The final day to file is Aug. 17.
Linda Freeze
Age: 63
Address: 1607 Safrit Road, Salisbury
Phone: 704-857-3432
Occupation: Current after-school director at Kidsports in Salisbury. Retired from the Rowan-Salisbury School System in 2004 after more than 30 years as an educator. She worked as a teacher at South Rowan High School for 13 years and later became the district’s director of health education and health services.
Education: Bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State University, master’s in human development and learning as well as administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Previous elected office: Currently serving her second term on the Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education
Community involvement: Dayspring Community Church
Family: Husband, Freddie; son, Alexander, 22, an engineering major at UNC-Charlotte.
Contact reporter Sarah Campbell at 704-797-7683.
Twitter: twitter.com/posteducation
Facebook: facebook.com/Sarah.SalisburyPost