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Editor’s note: She is running against Natalie Dever King on the ballot in the race for an at-large Southampton County School Board seat.

Name: Sitrina B. Pope 

Age: 65 years old

Family: I am married to Calvin L. Pope. I have three adult children: LaToya Bynum Garraway, Sherita Bynum Brown and Andre Bynum, who graduated from Southampton County Public Schools. Also, I am the grandmother of four grandchildren. 

Education: I obtained a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina. 

Career: I am a retired educator of Southampton County Public Schools, with 39 years of experience; my main goal was to assist students in reaching their full potential. 

1.) Why do you want to be elected as a member of the Southampton County School Board? 

I would like the opportunity to share my time and talents to assist with preserving and improving the quality of our school system. More specifically, I would like to help with the concerns and interests of our students, teachers, staff, parents and stakeholders. Finally, I would like to be a member of the Southampton County Public School Board to ensure that policies are in place to uphold standards and procedures to ensure excellence and success for our school division. 

2.) What would you list as your primary qualifications for this role? 

I obtained a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina. As a former educator, I spent 41 years in the classroom, 39 of which were with Southampton County Public Schools. As an educator, I have been a classroom teacher, alternative education teacher, homebound teacher, 21st Century Program teacher and summer school teacher. Other activities include being the Science and Social Studies Department chair; a member of the Leadership Team; Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support Team (PBIS); National Junior Beta Club sponsor, where students won several awards on the state and national levels; and a mentor for new teachers at Southampton Middle School. In addition, I am the former president of the Southampton Education Association; a member of the Franklin-Southampton Retired Teachers’ Association; president and board member of the Boykins Neighborhood Outreach Center since 2006; an assistant financial secretary, parliamentarian and former treasurer for the Lambda Psi Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated; and a member of the Board of Trustees at Shiloh Baptist Church in Boykins. 

3.) What do you think are Southampton County Public Schools’ greatest strengths? 

Some of our division’s most significant strengths include robust curriculum offerings, including advanced placement courses, career and technical education options, and enrichment programs that can cater to diverse student interests and needs. In addition, Southampton County Public School System prioritizes equity and inclusivity to ensure that all students have access to quality education and support systems regardless of background or circumstances. 

4.) What do you think are the greatest challenges facing Southampton County Public Schools? 

Like most public school systems, recruiting and retaining qualified teachers and staff members can be challenging, particularly in rural areas like Southampton County. Competitive salaries, professional development opportunities and supportive working conditions are crucial. In addition, maintaining and updating school facilities, including buildings, technology infrastructure and transportation systems can be challenging, especially with limited financial resources. 

5.) What role do you believe public education plays in preparing a child for life? 

Overall, public education plays a foundational role in shaping children’s intellectual, social, emotional and ethical development, preparing them to contribute positively to society and navigate the complexities of adulthood. 

6.) If elected, what will be your leading priorities during your term? 

If elected, I will work cooperatively with other school board members and the superintendent to review and revise Southampton County School Board policies. I will assist with creating stronger relationships between the school board and stakeholders. I would intentionally listen to the concerns and interests of our teachers, staff, parents and students. Finally, I would advocate for salary increases, hiring highly qualified teachers, and diverse curriculum and instructional guidelines. I would also advocate for accountability measures that ensure transparency in decision-making, educational outcomes and the use of public funds. This includes regularly evaluating programs and initiatives to assess their impact on student learning and school improvement.