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To the Editor:

This year, for the first time in the history of Southampton County, voters will decide who will fill an at-large seat on the School Board. This seat represents the entire county, so all registered voters in the county will see this on their ballot.  

I am endorsing Natalie Dever King and encourage all voters to carefully consider their vote and weigh the factors motivating Mrs. King to run for this critical seat.  By voting for Mrs. King, you can help make the incremental changes necessary to achieve a School Board that is transparent, responsive, and compliant.  

Mrs. King is dedicated to strengthening community and school division collaboration to bring more opportunities to all students, and has goals to strengthen curriculums and enhance the CTE and STEM programs.

As a licensed special education teacher and school administrator, Mrs. King brings a wealth of experience and knowledge.  She will be vigilant in working with the division administration to move towards SPED compliance and ensure that all students receive the services and accommodations due to them.

There are three elected members currently serving on the Southampton County School Board, all of whom represent their residential district.  Next year, there will be three seats on the ballot, and in 2026, the last three appointed seats will become elected seats.  

It is critical that the first at-large member elected to the Southampton County School Board be someone who is a critical and independent thinker and who will ask the tough questions.  We need someone who can objectively evaluate the status of the division and offer insight and problem-solving abilities.  Natalie Dever King is this person.

Mandy Hall

Courtland