(Editor’s note: We want our readers to make an informed decision when they cast their ballot. Below you will find school board candidate McKenzie Kelly’s submissions to the questions that were answered in the larger candidate section in Tuesday’s Salisbury Post.)

1. Why did you choose to run for office and what makes you the most qualified candidate?

I decided to run for office to support families and help our community thrive. As a Christian mom of five with over 14 years of experience raising children, including two with IEPs (individualized education program), I deeply understand the struggles families face. My pro-God, pro-life stance reflects my commitment to keeping our children safe from inappropriate materials. My lived experience makes me uniquely qualified to advocate for students and parents alike.

2. What are your top three priorities if elected?

My top three priorities are:

• Returning to the basics of fundamental learning to better prepare our children for the future.
• Proactively maintaining our schools and ensuring improvements, especially during summer construction.
• Enhancing communication and discipline methods to foster better behavior and support for parents.

3. What steps will you take to obtain those objectives?

To achieve these priorities, I will:

• Work with educators to emphasize fundamental learning in the curriculum.
• Advocate for proper funding and planning for school maintenance projects.
• Collaborate with school administrators to develop effective discipline strategies that support both students and parents.

4. What is your opinion of the state’s method for grading school performance?

I believe the state’s grading method needs to focus more on individual student progress. It should assess where each child is and where they need to go, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach. We need a grading system that genuinely reflects student growth and supports educational improvement for every child.