Commissioners Chairman Greg Edds says there’s no need for the county to interject itself in a fiery debate about consolidating six schools in the Rowan-Salisbury School System.

When asked about the issue, Edds said it possible commissioners could be approached by Rowan residents who oppose a proposal that would consolidate six schools in rural Rowan. However, Edds said commissioners don’t have “statutory authority” to make decisions about the future of the Rowan-Salisbury School System. Commissioners only provide tax revenue and other forms of funding to the school system.

“During the past several years, commissioners were reminded over and over that they have no authority to regulate the school system,” Edds said. “We’ll probably be drug into (consolidation discussions) by some factions that would like to involve us in it, but we don’t have any statutory authority.”

Although commissioners can’t decide to close schools, Edds said he’s encouraged by the community-wide conversations about the issue.

“I think it’s important to encourage significant dialogue for the benefit of the kids,” he said. “In my own opinion, this is a good and healthy discussion.”

He said the final decision by the Rowan-Salisbury School System likely will “look completely different.” He compared school consolidation discussions to a football game.

“When the other team runs off two touchdowns in the first four minutes, the other coach isn’t even rattled,” he said. “This is simply the kickoff.”

For four of the elementary schools — Enochville, Faith, Morgan and Mt. Ulla — it may be the kickoff. The possible consolidation of Cleveland and Woodleaf elementary schools is significantly further along. Millions of dollars for a consolidated western Rowan elementary school are scheduled to be provided to the school system later this year, according to a 2014 mediation agreement between commissioners and the school board.

Howard endorsed by former U.S. House speaker

State Rep. Julia Howard, R-Mocksville, received a notable endorsement this week in her bid for North Carolina’s 13th Congressional District seat.

Republican politician Newt Gingrich, the former U.S. House speaker and presidential candidate, has endorsed Howard, who faces 16 other Republicans in the June 7 primary election.

In a news release about his endorsement, Gingrich said: “I had the opportunity to work with Julia on welfare reform in the ’90s and was impressed with her honesty, integrity and work ethic. Julia has fought to cut taxes on working families and small businesses. She works tirelessly for the people of North Carolina in Raleigh and I am sure she will take that same dedication to Congress.”

Howard, 71, is a 14-term member of the N.C. House of Representatives. Her district includes all of Davie County and a small portion of Forsyth County.

Hudson receives conservative achievement award

U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson this week received the Conservative Achievement Award by the American Conservative Union.

The American Conservative Union was founded in 1964  — making it the oldest conservative lobbying organizations in the U.S. It hosts the popular Conservative Political Action Conference and uses voting records to rank how conservative a politician is. Hudson, for example, received a rank of 95 of 100 for his voting record in 2015. His rating in 2014 was 88 of 100.

In response to receiving the conservative achievement award this week, Hudson said: “I’m honored to accept this award for my work to defend our Constitution and advance conservative reforms to get our country back on track. Like my constituents, I’m fed up with big-government policies that trample our shared conservative values and threaten our freedoms. As their voice in Congress, I will continue to fight to preserve our rights, promote job creation, rein in Washington’s overreach and secure our nation.”

Hudson’s news release states 2016 is the third-straight year he has received the award.

Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246.