SPENCER — Rowan County native Kevin Jones is running for his second elected office in as many years.

In November, Jones was elected to his fourth term on the Spencer Board of Aldermen. On July 20, he filed to run for Seat 1 on the Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education, representing the North area.

Since the school board and Spencer have misaligned election cycles, Jones decided to serve at least one more year on his hometown board.

“It’s not as much changing my mind as it is growth,” he said of running for Board of Education.

Jones, 38, said it was just a logical step. He and his wife, Cybil, have five children, three of whom are currently in public schools. The Joneses are heavily involved in the school system.

Jones is a member of the PTA and often volunteers for organizations like Food for Thought that benefit local children. Several years ago, Cybil Jones launched a nonprofit organization called Engage North Rowan, which provides food and resources to Spencer residents.

“It changes based on different seasons, but we do meals and gatherings for families in the North Rowan community,” Jones said.

That fostering of community is something he wants to continue should he be elected to the Board of Education.

“My main goal is to be as connected and as plugged into the community as possible,” he said. “… The big part of the success of Spencer is going to be through our school system.”

Jones said he looks forward to working with all county schools.

As the district moves into the 2018-19 school year, Jones said his focus is on the possibility of district “renewal” — state approval for all 35 Rowan County schools to have charter-like flexibility.

“I think it’s a great opportunity. I’m really excited as a parent and a supporter of the schools,” he said.

If elected, his biggest priority would be helping the renewal transition happen smoothly, but he also plans to focus on giving teachers a bigger say in their profession and in students’ education.

“I think as a state, as a country, we’ve taken that voice away from the teachers,” he said.

Jones said he thinks there are some kinks that could be ironed out in the district’s one-to-one technology program. While technology literacy is an important skill for the future, he said, it’s also important that students don’t become dependent on it.

If elected, Jones would have to resign from the Spencer Board of Aldermen — but that doesn’t mean he would be abandoning the town.

“If I am elected, I’d still stay as involved as I can,” he said.

Jones is a West Rowan High School graduate who earned his undergraduate degree at Elon University. He is an administrative director at Life Church, owns three local Subway franchises and does some work as a licensed general contractor.

Contact reporter Rebecca Rider at 704-797-4264.