Broxie Pone on Student Achievement, Transparency, and Putting Kids First in Cumberland County

Peter Pappas: All right. Welcome back to the Carolina Cabinet. I'm your host, Peter Pappas, in studio with the lovely Laura Musler. Hello, hello. Always, always ready to be at my side. I appreciate you. And welcoming Ms. Broxy Pone. It's so good to see you this evening. you are running for Cumberland County Board of Education. Correct. At large. At large. So what is so tell us a little bit about you. I think the little bit I know is that you spent 30 years teaching and then you sitting here.

Broxie Pone: All right. Welcome back to the Carolina Cabinet. I'm your host, Peter Pappas, in studio with the lovely Laura Mossler. I love you. Always, always ready to be at my side. I appreciate you. And welcoming Ms. Broxy Pone. It's so good to see you this evening. you are running for Cumberland County Board of Education at large. At large. So what is so tell us a little bit about you. I think the little bit I know is that you spent thirty years teaching and then you sitting here.

Peter Pappas: you have a couple of other jobs, so tell us about that. Yes. I went to get my real estate license in 1992. So I've been in real estate since then because the education system just didn't pay enough. Surprise, surprise. So nothing has changed. Nothing has changed. Well, they did give them an eight percent increase this year. For the teachers over like a hundred years been there. Yes. The new ones get 17%, isn't it? That's correct.

Broxie Pone: you have a couple other jobs, so tell us about that. Yes. I went to get my real estate license in nineteen ninety two. So I've been in real estate since then because the education system just didn't pay enough. Surprise. Surprise. So nothing has changed. Nothing has changed. Well they did give an eight percent increase this year. Or the teachers over like a hundred years been there. Yes. The new ones get seventeen percent, isn't it? Yes, correct.

Peter Pappas: The number 17? When I retired, the new teachers was making what I had at age at my year twenty-five. Right. Nice. Nice. But yes, I've been in real estate since 1992. And then in 2008, I was called into the ministry. And now I've been pastoring two and a half years at a church called Moore's Chapel, Amy Zine Church out in Stedman. Okay. So

Broxie Pone: The number seventeen? When I retired, the new teachers was making what I had at a at my year twenty five. Right. Nice. Nice. But yes, I've been in real estate since nineteen ninety two. And then in two thousand and eight I was called into the ministry and now I've been pastoring two and a half years at a church called Moore's Chapel, Amy Zion Church out in Stedman. Okay. So

Peter Pappas: I am married to my high school sweetheart. We met at Hope Mills Junior High, where I went back to teach. Okay. I was hired by my former principal, which is now Representative Marvin Lucas. He hired me to work for him. And then I went into the special education classes. And my first year there, I went in and I said, Don't let people label you. You determine your own future.

Broxie Pone: I am married to my high school sweetheart. We met at Hope Mills Junior High, where I went back to teach. Okay. I was hired by my former principal, which is now Representative Marvin Lucas. He hired me to work for him. And then I went into the special education classes. And my first year there, I went in and I said, Don't let people label you. You determine your own future.

Peter Pappas: And I said, I want everyone out of this classroom and I want you on the on roll next year. There was only one student in that classroom that had traumatic head injury. I said, This is the only person that deserves to be in here. Those students today did get out, have went on and made careers in military, have made careers in the workforce. You have to show respect.

Broxie Pone: And I said, I want everyone out of this classroom, and I want you on the honor roll next year. There was only one student in that classroom that had traumatic head injury. I said, This is the only person that deserves to be in here. Those students today did get out, have gone on and made careers in military, have made careers in the workforce. You have to show respect.

Peter Pappas: To the children and they will respect you. So what's the secret sauce of getting them to do that? What do you think it was? Respect. Okay. Even my principal said, Why everybody else having problems? Why they're fighting and arguing in everybody else's class, but they won't do it. I said, I'm like Horton the elephant. I mean what I say and I say what I mean, you're gonna respect me and I'm gonna respect you. I don't care what you did yesterday. I don't care what you did last year. I care about what you do today.

Broxie Pone: To the children and they will respect you. So what's the secret sauce of getting them to that? What do you think it is? Respect. Okay. Even my principal said, why everybody else having problems? Why they're fighting and arguing in everybody else's class, but they won't do it. I said, I'm like Horton the Elephant. I mean what I say and I say what I mean. You gonna respect me and I'm gonna respect you. I don't care what you did yesterday. I don't care what you did last year. I care about what you do today.

Peter Pappas: And you determine your own future based on your behavior, your inter integrity, your character, your work ethics. And that's what I did see out of my students. And a lot of them end up calling me mama, and they still call me mama today. And I said, you know what, teachers do have the job of being bouncers, doctors, nurses, lawyers.

Broxie Pone: And you determine your own future based on your behavior, your inter integrity, your character, your work ethics. And that's what I did see out of my students. And a lot of them end up calling me mama, and they still call me mama today. And I said, you know what, teachers do have the job of being bouncers, doctors, nurses, lawyers. I

Peter Pappas: I I haven't heard the bouncer comment, but I like that. I'm gonna

Broxie Pone: I haven't heard the bouncer comment, but I like that.

Peter Pappas: that's gonna stick in my craw a little bit. Okay. So so you did your ti I I you did your time. You did thirty years as a teacher. you were real estate. I have here that you have a master's degree. Yes. Educational leadership. You were in banking before in yes. I worked it was N C and B. Wow. So I did go to Feviltech to the banking institute and did get a degree in banking and finance.

Broxie Pone: That's gonna stick in my craw a little bit. Okay. So so you did your ti I I you did your time. You did thirty years as a teacher. you were real estate. I have here that you have a master's degree. Yes. Educational leadership. You were in bank principle. yes, I worked at wa it was N C and B. So I did go to Febotech to the banking institute and did get a degree in banking and finance. so and then I went yourself with the old N C and B

Peter Pappas: so and then I went yourself with the whole N C and B thing. You definitely Yes, I did date myself. Never heard of it, so yeah. Well it's Bank of America now. Yeah. Okay. Many iterations later. And I also went to Pembroke and started on my counseling degree. but yes, I'm a lifetime learner. And I believe everybody should be. Mm-hmm. Because if you think you've learned everything, it's time for you to leave this earth.

Broxie Pone: Yes, I did date myself. Never heard of it? Yeah. Well, it's Bank of America now. Many iterations later to Bank of America. And I also went to Pembroke and started on my counseling degree. but yes, I'm a lifetime learner. And I believe everybody should be. Because if you think you've learned everything, it's time for you to leave this earth.

Peter Pappas: I didn't I say in the live that I think we don't know everything we don't know about the data centers and that's

Broxie Pone: I didn't I say in the live that I think we don't know everything we don't know about the data center.

Peter Pappas: the problem with our elected officials. They don't know what the hell they're talking about mostly because they don't realize that they don't know a lot of things. Yeah, but they were they did take initiative and go look around. Yeah. So anyway. Yeah. Yeah, they did. Yeah. But anyway, we're we're on proxy. Again, research. But yes. So yes, and then I have two children. huh.

Broxie Pone: And that's the problem with our elected officials. They don't know what the hell they're talking about mostly because they don't realize that they don't know a lot of things. Yeah, but they were they did take initiative and go look around. Yeah. So what the by the data center looked around? Yeah. Yeah, they did. Yeah. But anyway, we're we're on pro again, research. But yes. So yes, and then I have two children. Okay.

Peter Pappas: And I have two grandchildren. All right. Congratulations.

Broxie Pone: And I have two grandchildren. All right.

Peter Pappas: And we all actually we all went to Southview. So we have a shirt for every generation that graduated from Southview Senior High. Excellent. All right. So there's no there's no denying that you are of the community. definitely born and raised. me too. Yeah. So believe it or not, right here, Cape Free Valley. So you woke up one morning and you said, my gosh, I haven't done enough. I wanna be on the school board. What where did that come from? Actually, I was in the classroom teaching.

Broxie Pone: And we all actually we all went to Southview. So we have a shirt for every generation that graduated from Southview Senior High. Excellent. All right, so there's no there's no denying that you are of the community. definitely born and raised. Well me too. Yeah, so believe it or not, right here paper value. You woke up one morning and you said, my gosh, I haven't done enough. I wanna be in school. What where did that come from? Actually I was in the classroom teaching.

Peter Pappas: And I didn't like the way things were going. And one of my students, we just had our Southview alumni. And one of my students came in and said, You said you were running for school board back in nineteen ninety-five. And you haven't done it. And then the SRO officer said, You need to run. And that was before I actually retired. But like I said, I would have been still in the system, but my mom was put on hospice and I retired to help take care of her.

Broxie Pone: And I didn't like the way things were going. And one of my students, we just had our Southview alumni. And one of my students came in and said, You said you were running for school board back in nineteen ninety five. And you haven't done it. And then the SRO officer said, You need to run. And that was before I actually retired. But like I said, I would have been still in the system, but my mom was put on hospice and I retired to help take care of her.

Peter Pappas: so and then everything else went differently. But I was sitting there and I was saying everybody kept walking up and say, You need to run. You promised you would run. And I said, Let me pray about it. If the Lord says yes, I'll run. If he says no, I won't. He didn't say no, so I'm running. So first ninety days in as school board, what is something that you hope to get on the agenda? 'Cause you can't necessarily pass your only one vote, but hope

Broxie Pone: so and then everything else went differently. But I was sitting there and I was saying everybody kept walking up and saying, You need to run. You promised you would run. And I said, Let me pray about it. If the Lord says yes, I won. If he says no, I won't. He didn't say no, so I'm winning. So first ninety days in as school board, what is something that you hope to get on the agenda? 'Cause you can't necessarily pass your only one vote, but

Peter Pappas: What what do you want to get on the agenda to start the opening discussion about? The main things is we don't put the students always first. If you look at my core values, I speak for and with the students. Students are honest. They'll tell you what they want and what they need. Teachers are honest. They'll tell you. Administrators, I want to make some changes with the administration. And they're this is probably gonna blow their mind.

Broxie Pone: What what do you want to get on the agenda to start the opening discussion about? The main things is we don't put the students always first. If you look at my core values, I speak for and with the students. Students are honest, they'll tell you what they want and what they need. Teachers are honest, they'll tell you. Administrators, I want to make some changes with the administration. And they are this is probably gonna blow their mind.

Peter Pappas: If I am put on that board, I think all administrators need to get back in the classroom and teach at least once a month in a classroom. Because the only time they really see a student is when the student is in the office to be punished, expelled, or whatever. There are a few administrators that did go out into the hallways, did talk to the students, did actually come in the classroom and teach.

Broxie Pone: I am put on that board. I think all administrators need to get back in the classroom and teach at least once a month in a classroom. Because the only time they really see a student is when the student is in the office to be punished, expelled, or whatever. There are a few administrators that did go out into the hallways, did talk to the students, did actually come in the classroom and teach.

Peter Pappas: I think even the custodians, the cafeteria, SR, everybody has a say-so to a child and can empower and encourage a child. So it's not just the school board, it's everybody. That old saying it takes a village to raise a child is true. When we are so transit now, but when we were close knit, if I got in trouble at one house or at school, everybody got me. But now we're so transit.

Broxie Pone: I think even the custodians, the cafeteria, SR, everybody has a say-so to a child and can empower and encourage a child. So it's not just the school board, it's everybody. That old saying it takes a village to raise a child is true. When we are so transit now, but when we were close knit, if I got in trouble at one house or at school, everybody got me. But now we're so transit.

Peter Pappas: That everybody is afraid, and I heard you mention why people don't vote, why people stay silent. It's because they're afraid of backlash that they may catch. Broxy stands on the ground f flat footed and stands for what she believes. You're gonna have to prove to me with data and research in order to change my mind. I will compromise, but if I've got the facts, you will not change my mind. So your platform,

Broxie Pone: That everybody is afraid, and I heard you mention why people don't vote, why people stay silent, is because they're afraid of backlash that they may catch. Broxy stands on the ground flat footed and stands for what she believes. You're gonna have to prove to me with data and research in order to change my mind. I will compromise, but if I've got the facts, you will not change my mind. So your platform

Peter Pappas: I have it. student achievement, educator support. let's talk about student achievement. What do you want to see with the students and how they're achieving? 'Cause I there are certain people running for different and everybody kind of has their pet pet project that they want to see. And and this is just why people run. What is yours? What do you want to see? To the basics. It sounds cliche, but it is true. A child that can't read, that can't add. We we go into the stores now.

Broxie Pone: I have it student achievement educator support. let's talk about student achievement. What do you want to see with the students and how they're achieving? 'Cause I there are certain people running for different and everybody kinda has their pet projects that they want to see. And this is just why people run. What is yours? What do you want to see? To the basics. It sounds cliche, but it is true. A child that can't read, that can't add, we we go into the stores now, and if the computer

Peter Pappas: And if the computer doesn't tell them how much change, they don't know how much change to give us. You wanna confuse them? Give like if it's thirty five cents, give a dime. Maybe like thirty five cents. Or a clock. If it's not digital. We need to get back to the basics because even when you learn welding, you know, carpentry, you're still gonna use math. Mm-hmm. And a lot of kids well, I don't use geometry. Are you in construction?

Broxie Pone: Does it tell them how much change? They don't know how much change to give us. You wanna confuse them, give like if it's thirty five cents, give a dime. Maybe like thirty five cents. Or or clock. If it's not digital. We need to get back to the basics because even when you learn welding, you know, carpentry, you're still gonna use math. And a lot of kids, well, I don't use geometry. Are you in construction?

Peter Pappas: Yes, you do.

Broxie Pone: Yes you do.

Peter Pappas: You know. So we got to get back to the basics. I was I was lied to, you know, saying, Well, you're not gonna go walk around with a calculator in your hand in your pocket every day. I mean, y'all lied. Like thirty. They didn't see it yet. We didn't see it. Yes. Back then you would not have walked around with it. You didn't even get to use it in the classroom. That's right. You had to do it the wrong method way. My daughter was in second grade and

Broxie Pone: You know, so we got to get back to the basics. I I was I was lied to, you know, saying, Well, you're not gonna walk around with a calculator in your hand in your pocket every day. I mean, y'all lied. Like thirty. They didn't see it. We didn't see Yes. Back then you would not have walked around with it. You didn't even get to use it in the classroom. You had to do it the long method way. My daughter was in second grade and in in Spring Lake, North Carolina. Uh-huh. And we had just moved here, my daughter was.

Peter Pappas: In in Spring Lake, North Carolina. Uh-huh. And we had just moved here. My daughter was in second grade and they said she's learning her multiplication tables. You need to send her to school with a calculator. I said, I ain't sending my child to school with calculator. You need to teach her her multiplication tables. Did you know the teachers called social services on me? So don't tell me y'all trying to teach back in the day. They called social services because I refuse to give my child I'm gonna say that's not everybody. No, yeah. Yeah, that was That's not everybody. That's a unique circumstance.

Broxie Pone: Second grade and they said she's learning her multiplication tables. You need to send her to school with a calculator. I said, I ain't sending my child to school with calculator. You need to teach her her multiplication tables. Did you know the teachers called social services on me? So don't tell me y'all trying to teach back in the day. They called social services because I refuse to give my children. Well, I'm on I'm gonna say that's not everybody. No, yeah, that's that's not everybody. That's a unique circumstance.

Peter Pappas: We are holding Broxy accountable for all the stuff that's No, I'm just telling her.

Broxie Pone: We are holding Roxy accountable for all the calendar

Peter Pappas: I'm just saying no no no calculators. That was not true back in whatever year my daughter. I was gonna say how far back? Well, see, I bit I'm fifty eight years old, so it's a minute. My daughter's thirty eight. So she's the same age as my daughter. Yeah. Nah. She didn't have a calculator. I don't know. Okay, that's a whole different story. Sure did. Came knocking on my door. You've definitely earned your stripes.

Broxie Pone: I'm just saying no no no calculators. That was not true back in whatever year of my daughter. I was gonna say how far back? Well, see I've I'm fifty eight years old, so it's a minute. My daughter's thirty eight. So she's the same age as my daughter. Yeah. No. She didn't have a calculator. no. Okay, that's a whole different story. Sure did. Came knocking on my door. You definitely earned your stripes

Peter Pappas: To have a nice quiet retirement and just kind of

Broxie Pone: to have a nice, quiet retirement and just kinda

Peter Pappas: enjoy your life. And barring that you haven't lost your damn mind, what what's going on with school board now that you said, you know, that really I think I can do better or I think I need to bring my expertise to bear. I heard y'all when you were talking about well and actually it was Zach following suit. One person vote, everybody jumps on board.

Broxie Pone: Enjoy your life. And barring that you haven't lost your damn mind. What what's going on with school board now that you said, you know, that really I think I can do better or I think I need to bring my expertise to be I heard y'all when you were talking about well and actually it was Zach. Following suit. One person vote, everybody jumps on board. They gave six. I'm not I'm not that type of person.

Peter Pappas: The gay sex. I'm not I'm not that type of person. Again, you heard me say, you got to prove it to me. And I don't like how some people just say, we're gonna take this one person's opinion and that's the way it's going to be. That's not in the best interest interest of the student. That's not in the bitch best interest of the community, the parents, the teachers, the faculty, the staff. We got to take care of the children.

Broxie Pone: Again, you've heard me say, you got to prove it to me. And I don't like how some people just say, we're gonna take this one person's opinion and that's the way it's going to be. That's not in the best interest interest of the student. That's not in the best interest of the community, the parents, the teachers, the faculty, the staff. We got to take care of the children.

Peter Pappas: Someone said to me, This is their order.

Broxie Pone: Someone said to me, This is their order.

Peter Pappas: The facilities first, then the students, then the teachers. Cause if you don't have a good facility, there's nowhere to put the kids. And I said, I beg to differ. Because if you had the best students in interest, you automatically gonna make sure they have the best facilities. Humans come first before buildings. You got to meet their needs. Not if you have

Broxie Pone: The facilities first, then the students, then the teachers. Because if you don't have a good facility, there's nowhere to put the kids. And I said, I beg to differ. Because if you had the best students in it, you just you automatically gonna make sure they have the best facilities. Humans come first before buildings. You got to meet their needs. And we're not meeting them.

Peter Pappas: So we don't need to spend that five hundred and fifty million on the news.

Broxie Pone: So we don't need to spend that $550 million on the new school.

Peter Pappas: yes, we do. And we need to spend more because that is part of the issue. Hey, she just said it. Look, kids first, we don't need to spend the building. no, no, no, no, no. I said you will automatically take care of the buildings. And that's part of the problem. One thing begets the other. Hope Mills Middle.

Broxie Pone: yes we do and we need to spend more because that is part of the issue. Hey she just said it looked we don't need to spend the buildings. no no no no no. I said you will automatically take care of the buildings and that's part of the problem. One thing begets the other. Hope meal's middle.

Peter Pappas: Part of that building was built in the eighteen hundreds. I stayed all twenty nine years there. While I was there.

Broxie Pone: Part of that building was built in the eighteen hundreds. I stayed all twenty nine years there. While I was there, they pulled out asbestos.

Peter Pappas: They pulled out asbestos. But did it burn down? No. There you go. And it's constantly being repaired 'cause it has a flat roof, so water leaks are always. Everybody said, Why do you talk so loud? I said, Because I was hum having to talk over a humming radiator that sounded like I was in the jungle.

Broxie Pone: But did it burn down? No. There you go. And it's constantly being repaired because it has a flat roof, so water leaks are always. Everybody said, Why do you talk so loud? I said, because I was hum having to talk over a humming radiator that sounded like I was in the jungle.

Peter Pappas: So we're talking about real in the trenches type thing. And and admittedly, I mean we have as a county, we have deferred our capital improvement. What that means to people that are watching, capital means you're building. That's right. You know, the equipment and things. And we have neglected it to the tune of what was it, eight hundred million? Eight hundred million. The last time they did a study on that. you know, we can get a from the peanut gallery over here, you know. But yeah, I think yeah, I'm getting a thumbs up over here from our upcoming guests. But yes. yeah, we have

Broxie Pone: So we're talking about real in the trenches type thing. And and admittedly, I mean we have as a county, we have deferred our capital and what that means to people that are watching. Capital means your building. That's right. You know, the equipment and things. And we have reflected it to the tune of what was it, eight hundred million? Eight hundred the last time they did a study on that. We can get it on the peanut gallery. Yeah, I think we gotta get a thumbs up over here tomorrow, upcoming guests. But yeah, we have

Peter Pappas: very much neglected the schools. And I'm glad to see that the accounting commission is moving in a positive direction. Amen. Although I will be a contrarian with that and say I don't know why the hell they gave them a hundred percent of their budget because they lost students. But we'll talk about that in a different it's not exactly a one to one. So I'll be fair about that. Well I I will address that. We have to make Cumlin County schools appealing. In other words, we should have been out talking to

Broxie Pone: very much neglected the schools. And I'm glad to see that the Accounting Commission is moving in a positive direction. Amen. Although I will be a contrarian with that and say I don't know why the hell they gave them a hundred percent of their budget because they lost students, but we'll talk about that in a different it's not exactly a one to one. So I'll be fair about that. Well I I will address that. We have to make Cumming County schools appealing. In other words, we should have been out talking to

Peter Pappas: private

Broxie Pone: private schools, charter schools, people that work there and find out what is drawing those students to your school. Instead of just saying, okay, Cumberland County, this is a public free school, y'all just jump in and do your best and do your best. No, that is a issue that needs to be done and that's one of the things I said. We shouldn't just look at Cumberland County. We should look at counties that are successful. We should look at private schools that are successful and charter schools that are successful.

Peter Pappas: schools, charter schools, people that work there, and find out what is drawing those students to your school. Instead of just saying, okay, Cumberland County, this is a public free school, y'all just jump in and do your best. And do your best. No, that is a issue that needs to be done. And that's one of the things I said, we shouldn't just look at Cumberland County. We should look at counties that are successful. We should look at private schools that are successful and charter schools that are successful. Come back to Cumberland County Schools. And I'm gonna share that concern with our other school school board guests, but I'll go ahead and give it to you right now. You know, you've been in the system for so long. So do you feel that you have the ability to look from the outside in and say, you know what? I grew up in the system, but this is messed up. I'm willing to throw this out and start and try something new, or are we just gonna be rubber stamping the same old, same old? As you heard, my name is unique and I'm unique.

Broxie Pone: Come back to Cumberland County Schools. And I'm gonna share that concern with our other school school board guests, but I'll go ahead and give it to you right now. You know, you've been in the system for so long. So do you feel that you have the ability to look from the outside in and say, you know what? I grew up in the system but this is messed up. I'm willing to throw this out and start and try something new, or are we just gonna be rubber stamping the same old, same old? As you heard, my name is unique and I'm unique.

Peter Pappas: I thought it was I know I said, wait a I don't follow the yellow brick road. Okay. Okay. So you're willing to I would admit when things are wrong and own on it. I don't cover shade tree. None of that. If it's wrong, it's wrong. If I'm wrong, I'll say I'm wrong. Okay. And that's what we need to do. Admit when we're wrong. And then say, we need to try something new. We need to hear from the

Broxie Pone: I don't f I know I said you need a I don't follow the yellow brick road. Okay. Okay. So you're willing to I would admit when things are wrong and own on it. I don't cover, shade tree, none of that. If it's wrong, it's wrong. If I'm wrong, I'll say I'm wrong. Okay. And that's what we need to do. Admit when we're wrong. And then say, we need to try something new. We need to hear from the

Peter Pappas: People in the community. And we need to really look at the data and see what the data says. A lot of times we pull up data, but it's only for our view. Mm-hmm. It's not analyzed. You're running for an at large seat, so you gotta do what's good for a little bit for everybody. You don't just have a little corner district. You got a whole county to worry about. And isn't that what I'm supposed to do? I would hope so. Every single student matters.

Broxie Pone: people in the community. And we need to really look at the data and see what the data says. A lot of times we pull up data, but it's only for our I view. It's not analyzed. If you're running for an at large seat, so you gotta do what's good for a little bit for everybody. You don't just have a little corner district. You got a whole county to worry about. And isn't that what I'm supposed to do? I would hope. Every single student matters.

Peter Pappas: Not one of size, color, gender, race, none of that. Every single student matters. And they have a right to a free public education. Amen. See, I felt I feel I feel like I'm in school right now because, you know, I will take you back. I feel like I'm in the principal's office right now. the Catholic school put your hand out.

Broxie Pone: Not one of size, color, gender, race, none of that. Every single student matters. And they have a right to a free public education. Amen. So I felt I felt I feel like I'm in school right now. I will take you back. the Catholic school put your hand out.

Peter Pappas: Hey, I was at Saint Patrick's, we had nuns until I was in second grade, and then they pulled them out because it wasn't You got the rulers on the hand? No No, they never not me. The the the other kids, yeah, they were being bad same. He was the good kid. I wasn't look, you see this face? I got away with a lot. Especially when I didn't have a beard. So, you know. Hopefully. Okay, so you brought on fundamentals and fiscal transparency. So

Broxie Pone: Hey, I was at Saint Patrick's, we had nuns until I was in second grade when they pulled them out because it wasn't You got the rulers on the hand? No, they never not me, but the other kids, yeah, they were being bad C B He was the good kid. I wasn't look, you see this face? I got away with a lot. Especially when I didn't have a beard, so you know. Okay, so you brought on fundamentals and fiscal transparency, so Yes.

Peter Pappas: What do you think you would want to cut or restructure to close what I'm seeing as a five million dollar deficit if adjustments to partnerships aren't enough? Like what are you willing to get in there and really examine? I maybe not cut, but what are you willing to examine? I was gonna say cut. The school's already cut already to the bare minimum already. Is it or do we have too many administrators?

Broxie Pone: What do you think you would want to cut or restructure to close what I'm seeing as a five million dollar deficit? if adjustments to partnerships aren't enough. Like what you willing to get in there and really examining? Maybe not cut, but what are you willing to examine? I was gonna say cut. The school's already cut already to the bare minimum already. Is it or do we have too many administrators?

Peter Pappas: You got to have administrators in the schools. Somebody's got to run the operation. We are top heavy,

Broxie Pone: You got to have administrators in the school. Somebody's got to run the operation. We are

Peter Pappas: in my opinion. Okay. There are eighteen hot schools.

Broxie Pone: Okay. There are eighteen high schools.

Peter Pappas: Are you gonna let the teachers run it? I'm not saying that you're gonna let the teachers run it. I'm saying but we have too mi the bulk of the money goes to administrators instead of the teachers. The administrators don't need to be paid is what they're paid in in regards to the people that need to be paid are the teachers. Okay. Now let let's take it in the business world because that's what you have to apply this to. You can't just stay in the school setting. Why?

Broxie Pone: Are you gonna let the teachers run it? I'm not saying that you're gonna let the teachers run that. I'm saying we have too man that the bulk of the money goes to administrators instead of the teachers. The administrators don't need to be paid is what they're paid in in regards to the people that need to be paid are the teachers. Okay. Now, let let's take it in the business world 'cause that's what you have to apply this to. You can't just stay in the school setting. Why? It's it's because it's a business. It's a business. It is a business. It's a government run business that d the government doesn't run very well. The administrator. Yeah. I I and I agree. But because of that, you have to pay those who if you have the right administrator, they're gonna have the right teachers, which means the kids benefit. If you just allow teachers now, we just finished talking about non certified teachers. Anybody coming in the classroom.

Peter Pappas: It's because it's a business. It's a business. It is a business. It's a government run business that the government doesn't run very well. The administrators are on the top. Yeah. I I and I agree. But because of that, you have to pay those who if you have the right administrator, they're gonna have the right teachers, which means the kids benefit. If you just allow teachers now, we just finished talking about non-certified teachers, anybody coming in the classroom. To teach your child, your grandchild. How would you feel about that? Depends on the person. Depends on the person? Mm-hmm. So you think with their qualifications, I would think. Well, that's what I'm saying. But that's unqualified. Going to college and getting a certification doesn't make you a good teacher. But somebody with hands on like I was a fantastic teacher. I taught all the kids were in my and I have a high school education, but I sat down with the

Broxie Pone: to teach your child, your grandchild, how would you feel about that? Depends on the person. Depends on the person? Mm-hmm. So you think qualifications, I think. But that's what I'm saying, but that's unqualified. Well going going to a going to college and getting a certification doesn't make you a good teacher. But somebody with hands on like I was a fantastic teacher. I taught all the kids were in my and I have a high school education. But I sat down with the kids and I taught them things. They were all

Peter Pappas: kids and I taught them things they were all at my house, all growing up. I was the cool house. We had the arts and crafts. We had this stuff. So an education or a certification doesn't make you a good teacher. I care about the person that's there with my children, grandchildren or whatever. And I'm I'm gonna answer your question. What I mean by certified is that not necessary 'cause experience is the best teacher. When I went to Methodist College, I didn't come out prepared.

Broxie Pone: all growing up. I was the cool house. We had the arts and crafts. We had this stuff. So an education or a certification doesn't make you a good teacher. I care about the person that's there with my children. Okay. And I'm a I'm gonna answer your question. What I mean by certified is that not necessary 'cause experience is the best teacher. When I went to Methodist College, I didn't come out prepared.

Peter Pappas: What prepared me was in the classroom and life prepared me.

Broxie Pone: What prepared me was in the classroom and life prepared me.

Peter Pappas: So yes, those are our substitute teachers that can come in and be qualified. But if we take a while all standards and just say anybody can come in, you're putting our children at risk. Well, I didn't say that. Yeah. I don't want to know about Are we talking more about like the lateral entry people? Yes, I'm that's what I'm talking about. Lateral entry people. So they learn through experience is what I'm saying.

Broxie Pone: So yes, those are our substitute teachers that can come in and be qualified. But if we take a while all standards and just say anybody can come in, you're putting our children at risk. Yeah. No, yeah. Are we talking about more about like the lateral entry? Yes, I'm that's what I'm talking about lateral entry people. So they learn through experience is what I'm saying.

Peter Pappas: That doesn't mean they came from a four year college with a degree. Because I'm gonna be honest with you, there

Broxie Pone: That doesn't mean they came from a four year college with a degree. Because I'm gonna be honest with you.

Peter Pappas: are plenty, plenty of teachers who have a four year degree that have no business in the classroom. And when I retired, that was my statement at the last. To me, teaching is a calling, it's not a job. That's true. You got gifts and abilities that come in, and one of those is caring, loving.

Broxie Pone: There are plenty, plenty of teachers who have a four year degree that have no business in the classroom. And when I retired, that was my statement at the last. To me, teaching is a calling, it's not a job. You got gifts and abilities that come in, and one of those is caring, loving.

Peter Pappas: So I agree with that, but we need to pay them like it's a job. We need to find more pay for the teachers. Always, you know. You got to pay them. But we do need you to want to be there.

Broxie Pone: So that's what you would then do. We need to pay them like it's a job. We need to find more pay for the teachers that. Yes. You got to pay them. But we do need you to want to be.

Peter Pappas: To start with. We need you to want to be there. Exactly. because you don't have the best interests of children at heart, we'll find if you can just do the good stuff. And see, you in your history, you seem to have mentioned how they called you mama and whatever else. And I I think the secret sauce I was looking for was that somebody gave a damn.

Broxie Pone: Exactly. Because you don't have the best interests of children at heart if you don't want to be there. You can just do the good stuff. And see, you in your history you seem to have mentioned how they called you mama and whatever else. And I I think the secret sauce I was looking for was that somebody gave a damn. And that's what made them excel, which you personally knew how to reach out and show that child that they are careful.

Peter Pappas: And that's what made them excel was that you personally knew how to reach out and show that child that they are cared for. Somebody

Broxie Pone: Somebody does care if they show up right now. most definitely. They'll they'll move mountains for you. Respect. Absolutely. R and you heard me say that at the beginning. Those students knew I cared about them. I would stay up the school, take home. Knowing I wasn't supposed to. But I didn't want them left out there at night. Nowadays you take

Peter Pappas: does care if they show up or not. most definitely. They'll they'll move mountains for you. Respect. Absolutely. R and you heard me say that at the beginning. Those students knew I cared about them. I would stay off the school, take home. No one I wasn't supposed to. But I didn't want left out there at night. Nowadays you take home, you're going to jail. The s rules are changed. But see, and I had generations. I had

Broxie Pone: them on your own bed. The s rules are changed. But see and I had generations I was in school. I know.

Peter Pappas: generations. I had the mom the grandparents, then I had the mom, now I had the children. Because I stayed in the same school. So I had that permission. Right. And I grew up in the neighborhood with them. So but bottom line, you gotta care.

Broxie Pone: I had generations. I had the ma the grandparents, then I had the mom, now I had the children, 'cause I stayed in the same school. So I had that permission. Right. And I grew up in the neighborhood with them. So but bottom line, you gotta care.

Peter Pappas: Okay. So I'm gonna tie you down to one specific thing. So

Broxie Pone: So I'm gonna tie you down to one specific thing. So I believe you oppose some reactive school closure decisions or decisions that you thought were reactive. how how okay, we elect the Board of Education to be looking at the data, looking at the math, and you need to tell us do we need a school here? Can we redistrict there? We need to be able to trust what I would consider a subject matter expert if you're elected. Hopefully you either have it or you're taught.

Peter Pappas: I believe you oppose some reactive school closure decisions or decisions that you thought were reactive. how how okay, we elect the Board of Education to be looking at the data, looking at the math, and you need to tell us do we need a school here? Can we redistrict there? We need to be able to trust what I would consider a subject matter expert if you're elected, hopefully you either have it or you're taught on the job. So

Broxie Pone: On job. So

Peter Pappas: Where do you think public input needs to fit in when y'all have looked and sharpened your pencils as a board member and said, we gotta change this? The problem was it they weren't transparent with it. How so? Because when they made the decisions, they came back with the decisions. And then they went to the public and said, We are closing this, this, this, and this. Instead of saying, okay.

Broxie Pone: where do you think public input needs to fit in when y'all have looked and sharpened your pencils as a board member and said, We gotta change this? The problem was if they were transparent with it. How so? Because when they made the decisions, they came back with the decisions. And then they went to the public and said, We are closing this, this, this, and this. Instead of saying, Okay.

Peter Pappas: This is the data we found. As you heard me, Hope Mills, 1800s. Right. Hope Mills wasn't even on the list. But then some schools, because of where they're located, schools have more than just a building, four corners. Okay. It's history. It's pride. You heard me talk about Southview. I'm a tiger till I die. I'm getting ready to disagree with you on something, but go ahead. Go ahead. But there is

Broxie Pone: This is the data we found. As you heard me, Hope Mills, 1800s. Right. Hope Mills wasn't even on the list. But then some schools, because of where they're located, schools have more than just a building for corners. Okay. It's history. It's pride. You heard me talk about Southview. I'm a tiger till I die. Go ahead. But there is

Peter Pappas: More in there that you need to listen to. But bottom line, what is best? You got to look at finances. You got to look at the facility itself. Right. You got to take in account what people think should stay and stay open. But I you I can give my opinion. Everybody has one, don't mean it's gonna be granted. And that's what we have to look at. So s take everybody's opinion into account, but the bottom line is come what's best.

Broxie Pone: More in there that you need to listen to. But bottom line, what is best? You got to look at finances. You got to look at the facility itself. You got to take in account what people think should stay and stay open. But I you I can give my opinion. Everybody has one, don't mean it's gonna be granted. And that's what we have to look at. So s take everybody's opinion into account. But the bottom line is come what's best.

Peter Pappas: And that's where so you previously have said even this evening, you know, data driven approach. That's right. So that's what I want my board of education figuring out. See, and this is where we might digress a little bit with take E.E. Smith, for example. So I am a big Chamber of Commerce guy, and you know, we were advocating to move Smith to strike a golf course because I, in my opinion, wanted to give the kids of that community a twenty first century education. Why hamstring

Broxie Pone: And that's where basic so you previously have said even this evening, you know, data driven from that's right. So that's what I want my board of education figuring out. See, and this is where we might digress a little bit with take E. E. Smith for example. So I'm a big Chamber of Commerce guy and you know, we were advocating to move Smith to strike the golf course because I, in my opinion, wanted to give the kids of that community twenty first century education, why hamstring

Peter Pappas: those kids and not give them the absolute best that we that they deserve by moving that campus. And there was such a backlash of pride and this, that's like, wait a It's opinion. It's not the fact that when you t when you take opinions in, you lose all rational thought. I don't want you to do it because my grandfather went there. And I was like, look, first of all, and I I'll let you cut it. Okay. So you know, Smith, you know, my grandfather went there and it was a historically black school and I'm

Broxie Pone: those kids and not give them the absolute best that we that they deserved by moving that campus. And there was such a backlash of pride and this that's like wait a It's opinion. It's not the fact that when you when you take opinions in, you lose all rational thought. I don't want you to do because wham whang wan no because my grandfather went there. And I was like, look, first of all, and I I'll let you consider saying up Smith, you know, my grandfather went there and it was a historically black school and I

Peter Pappas: And I made the point too. I was like, guys, you've graduated quite a few leaders out of E.E. Smith. We have two recent mayors, Robertson and Colvin, that went there. So what are we afraid of exactly why not put them in a school that's state of the art that they can progress and practically excel as opposed to leaving them where they are? And that's where data and the citizenry they butt heads. Almost definitely they don't butt heads. But again, okay.

Broxie Pone: And I made the point too. I was like, guys, you've graduated quite a few leaders out of E. Smith and we have two recent mayors, Robertson and Coleman, that went there. So what are we afraid of? Exactly. Why not put them in a school that's state of the art that they can progress and and practic practically excel as opposed to leaving them where they are. And that's where data and the citizenry take butt heads. most definitely they gonna butt heads. But again, okay.

Peter Pappas: Even if you would have given them land somewhere to put the school, it's still gonna cost. If they are satisfied with having that in that community, building a new building that's gonna cost almost the same cost, state of the art steel, that's a compromise. There's nothing wrong with that compromise. Because what people don't understand, and when it comes into construction, it's a lot more cost than most people realize. Remember, I'm a realtor.

Broxie Pone: Even if you would have given them land somewhere to put the school, it's still gonna cost. If they are satisfied with having that in that community, building a new building that's gonna cost almost the same cost. State of the art steel, that's a compromise. There's nothing wrong with that compromise. Because what people don't understand and when it comes into construction, it's a lot more cost than most people realize. Remember, I'm a realtor.

Peter Pappas: And I build a lot of houses from the ground up, even helped Terry Spell royalty when I was younger build the neighborhoods again, ma'am. Okay. Neighborhoods. But the idea that we can't compromise and we have to strict data is good and it should be the founding. But sometimes you have to take in account other things. Well, but see to me that's we're dealing with alchemy and not business.

Broxie Pone: And I build a lot of houses from the ground up, even helped Terry Spell royalty when I was younger build the neighborhood neighborhoods. But the idea that we can't compromise and we have the strict data is good and it should be the founding, but sometimes you have to take in account other things. Well see to me that's we're dealing with alchemy in our business.

Peter Pappas: That's right. You know, yes. I agree. So to me, I'm concerned so with the striker golf course was and again, this is a debt issue. It's been displayed. Wasn't the federal government gonna pay for it? Well it wouldn't have cost us anything. But and I'm gonna talk about the federal government when we can tell them a mother. Yeah, yeah. So no, but the striker golf course, the land the dirt was given was gonna be leased to us for what, ninety nine years or whatever it was. Yes. Okay, fine. What are we gonna do with an old school after a hundred years, man? It's time to get another one. But

Broxie Pone: That's right. You know, yes, I agree. So to me, I'm concerned so the striker golf course was and again this is a dead issue. It's been decided. Well. It wouldn't have cost us any money. But and I'm gonna talk about federal government when you're in it too. Yes. So no, but the striker golf course, the land the dirt was given was gonna be leased to us for what, ninety nine years or whatever. Yes. Okay, fine. What are we gonna do with an old school after a hundred years, man? It's time to get another one. But

Peter Pappas: You know, it it was just kind of because we do have defense department students that do attend Smith and our concern as a community was look, if we don't build this school to de t to include the DOD people, yes, they're just gonna build one on the north side of the base and we're gonna lose all the not only just the students, but the federal fund dollars and so that now there was the other argument and I will agree with this.

Broxie Pone: You know, it it was just kind of because we do have Defense Department students that do attend Smith and our concern as a community was look, if we don't build this school to de to include the DOD people, yes, they're just gonna build one on the north side of the base and we're gonna lose all the not only just the students, but the federal dollars. Now there was the other argument and I would agree with this, lack of economic development.

Peter Pappas: Lack of economic development. Yes.

Broxie Pone: Yes. Jack Britt, Kate Fear have been economic drivers for those communities. If you go back thirty years and look at GIS, there was nothing out there but tobacco. Okay. And so I I don't totally disagree with it, but to me, the E. E. Smith and again it's been settled, they're gonna build another one there, so we're but harp beating that dead horse. The argument turned too emotional. I mean to too far away from the data that

Peter Pappas: Jack Britt, Cape Fear have been economic drivers for those communities. If you go back 30 years and look at GIS, there won't be nothing out there but tobacco. Okay. And so I I don't totally disagree with it, but to me, the E.E. Smith, and again, it's been settled, they're gonna build another one there. So we're on, but but Harp beating that dead horse, the argument turned too emotional. Agreed. To too far away from the data that said.

Broxie Pone: said we need to do better for this community of students.

Peter Pappas: We need to do better for this community of students. But those community of students have a different outlook than other communities. And that's where you have to get into the mindset of those students and those parents and that community. Of the whole gentrified neighborhood that's around them. Everybody's like eighty years old and up. There's nobody there anymore. No. See, th they're talking about Students are just that state of Okay, well that's a different thing. Okay. That's what

Broxie Pone: But those community of students have a different outlook than other communities. And that's where you have to get into the mindset of those students and those parents and that community. There's nobody there anymore. No. See th they're talking about students are I'm talking about February State. Okay, well that's a different okay, that's what Yeah. I look that was my

Peter Pappas: Yeah, I look, that was my yes. That was my take on it. Like look, we're letting the emotion override the data that I'm asking my school board. Y'all figure this out. Let me make some sandwiches and do this radio thing. huh. Y'all handle that. Right. And give me a good and and try to soften. Maybe it was lack of communication from the school board to begin with that screwed the whole thing. Transparency. You know, so and that's why I'm gonna go back to that little right there. Transparency. If it had been

Broxie Pone: Yes. That was my take on it. Like look you're letting the emotion override the data that I'm asking my school board. Y'all figured this let me make some sandwiches and do this radio thing. huh. Y'all handle that. Right. And give me a good and and try to soften. Maybe it was lack of communication from the school board to begin with that screwed the whole thing. Transparency. You know, so I and that's why I'm gonna go back to that little right there. Transparency, if it had been put out front.

Peter Pappas: Put out front. Okay. Everybody would have had a different aspect and turn on viewpoint on it. Okay. Well Proxy Pone, thank you. Well thank you. You came into a room where you knew that the host disagreed with you. That would be him. Not so. You answered every question, you showed up and not everybody does that. So we thank you very, very much. But I always say that when you're running a campaign you need to run on two things people and money.

Broxie Pone: Okay. Everybody would have had a different aspect and turn on viewpoint on it. Okay. Well Roxy Bone, thank you. Well thank you. You came into a room where you knew that the host disagreed with you. That would be good. You answered every question, you showed up and not everybody does that. So we thank you very, very much. But I always say that when you're running a campaign you need to run on two things people and money. So how does peop how does somebody volunteer?

Peter Pappas: So how does peop how does somebody volunteer for you or send you money? Tell us about how somebody can find you and donate time or money? Yes, I am definitely on Facebook. I have my own website, BroxyPone N C dot com. We use are you gonna put that on the screen? Absolutely Broxy. I'm gonna do it now because you see the struggles I've had earlier. I ain't doing it now. There you go. You know the teacher in me. I like it.

Broxie Pone: here for you or send you money. Tell us about how somebody can find you and donate time or money. Yes, I am definitely on Facebook. I have my own website, roxypone nc.com. Roxy Ponce. I'm not going to do it but you see the struggles I've had earlier. I ain't doing it now. There you go. So see you know you know the teacher in me. Okay. So RoxyPone nc.com

Peter Pappas: Okay, so BroxyPone N C dot. I'm gonna ask

Broxie Pone: I'm gonna ask the other candidates. Do you have a QR code? Because Broxy had a P QR code. that's the teacher in me, y'all. I I yes. But I do thank y'all. And we have to learn that there's always gonna be opposition. And we have to learn we have to show up when there's opposition. But bottom line, what's best for the child, and that's every child, matters. And that's from my heart.

Peter Pappas: the other candidates, do you have a QR code? Because Broxy had a P QR code. that's the teacher in me, y'all. I I yes. But I do thank y'all. And we have to learn that there's always gonna be opposition. Mm-hmm. And we have to learn we have to show up when there's opposition. But bottom line, what's best for the child, and that's every child, matters. And that's from my heart. Well, Miss Pone, you have educated me about your campaign and about yourself. I appreciate you being here this evening. And we'll have your episode out as soon as Peter can get it done. Okay, Peter. Thank you for being here this evening. Thank y'all for having me. Bye

Broxie Pone: Well, Miss Poe, you have educated me about your campaign and about yourself. I appreciate you being here this evening. And we'll have your episode out as soon as Peter can get it done. Okay, Peter thank you for being here this evening. Thank y'all for having me.

Peter Pappas: bye. Bye bye.