October 2023

Breastfeed Orange NC is dedicated to the protection and promotion of breastfeeding, chestfeeding, and human milk feeding by advocating for policies and practices that support families to meet their infant feeding goals. Our efforts are guided by the Ten Steps to a Breastfeeding Family Friendly Community.

 

As part of our mission, we reached out to all of the candidates running for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education to gather their insights on how our school district can support breastfeeding, chestfeeding, and human milk feeding families. We believe that creating a supportive environment for lactating families and employees in our schools is vital for the health and well-being of our children, families, and community. 

Meet CHCCS Board of Education Candidates!

 

Meredith Ballew lives in Chapel Hill and is a graduate of Chapel Hill High School. Meredith is committed to equity, inclusion, and transparency and to "creating equitable opportunities for students and retaining compassionate teachers." 

Read Meredith Ballew's Response

 

Rani Dasi is a member of the CHCCS Board of Education, currently serving as Board Chair. Rani advocates for equity, accountability, and building collaborations within the community. "Educational outcomes are affected by family health and other supports."

Read Rani Dasi's Response

 

Vickie Feaster Fornville lives in Chapel Hill and is a graduate of Chapel Hill High School. Vickie is committed to equity and being a voice for those "who feel that their voices aren't heard at the district level or even in their respective school communities."

(Candidate has not yet responded.)*

 

Barbara Fedders lives in Carrboro. Barbara advocates for equity and for student and teacher safety and wellness. "Excellence isn't possible without equity-a commitment to making sure every student has what they need to thrive,"

(Candidate has not yet responded.)*

 

Jane S. Gabin is a long-time resident and currently a substitute teacher in the CHCCS district. Jane is committed to smaller classes, supporting teachers, and closing the achievement gap. "Individual attention to each student's development is key."

Read Jane Gabin's Response

 

Solomon Gibson III is a long-time resident in the school district. Solomon advocates for resources for students, teachers, and staff to supply "our children with all the information and necessary tools that would prepare them for a global future."

(Candidate has not yet responded.)*

 

Mariela Hernandez is a long-time resident and volunteer in the CHCCS district. Mariela advocates for equity and empathy with an understanding "that every child's learning journey is influenced by individual and community circumstances."

Read Mariela Hernandez's Response

 

Honoria Middough is a long-time educator and the parent of a recent CHCCS graduate. Honoria brings community awareness and educational advocacy to support "an awareness of equitable learning environment and best practices for all students."

Read Honoria Middough's Response

 

Ashton Powell is a current member of the CHCCS Board of Education. Ashton advocates for equity and inclusion. "...how [to] make the children all feel welcome there, see themselves in the curriculum, and provide the opportunities for them to learn...?

(Candidate has not yet responded.)*

 

Michelle Rissling lives in Chapel Hill and is a candidate for the CHCCS Board of Education. We were unable to locate additional information.  

(Candidate has not yet responded.)*

 

Taylor Tally has roots in NC and now lives in Carrboro. Taylor advocates for an inclusive and safe environment to support student health and well-being and policies to support teachers. "Our students' success is our community's success."

Read Taylor Tally's Response

 

Deon Temne is a current member of the CHCCS Board of Education. Deon is committed to students first through safety, development, and perspective and to "the environment that ensures every student achieves their full potential."

(Candidate has not yet responded.)*

 

Allison Willis is a long-time educator and lives in Chapel Hill. Allison recognizes the importance of the community and supports the CHCCS vision, centering equity in all things "to ensure all our students are on a path to realize their full potential."

Read Allison Willis' Response

 

*We will continue to post candidate responses on the Breastfeed Orange NC website (https://breastfeedorangenc.org/)

 

Election Information

 

Election Day is Tuesday, November 7, 2023. Early voting begins on October 19th in Hillsborough and October 26th in Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Information on Early voting in Orange County can be found at https://www.orangecountync.gov/1116/Early-Voting

Breastfeed Orange NC is committed to First Food Equity to improve the health and well-being of infants and their families. We continue to build awareness through education, resources, and outreach to businesses and organizations, healthcare providers, childcare providers, and educational systems.

 

It is our goal to ensure that all are represented in the work of Breastfeed Orange NC. Consider becoming a part of this family-friendly initiative. Contact us at orangenc@breastfeedingcommunities.org.

 

We embrace A Shared Responsibility to support families Every Step of the Way. Your donation is greatly needed to offset costs and grow the work of Breastfeed Orange NC. If you like the work, please consider giving today.

 

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October 2023