NC School Board Candidate Training

Are you passionate about leadership and making a positive impact in education? Join Carolinas Academic Leadership Network (CALN) for an interactive training in the art of running for school board—and what it takes to effectively govern once you’re in office.

This nonpartisan training is open to school board incumbents, candidates, parents, community leaders, and anyone interested in learning about campaigning and district governance.

Agenda:

10 AM: Doors open

10:10 AM: Opening remarks from CALN Director Bryce Fiedler

10:15 AM–11:45 AM: Interactive Campaign Training – Sarah Reidy-Jones, American Majority

11:45 AM–12:30 PM: Networking lunch, meet fellow board members & candidates

12:30 PM–1:15: "What Every School Board Member Should Know" - Jennifer Naylor, Sampson County Board of Education

1:30 PM–2:00 PM: Additional networking, event ends

Session Details:

(1) Interactive Campaign Training with Sarah Reidy-Jones, American Majority

If you are running for office, have ever thought about running for office, are helping with a campaign or want to understand more about the political process, plan on attending this session.

Covering what candidates need to do in order to win, this training reviews where to start and how to build a successful campaign. It covers how to research and build your campaign team, getting to know your district to target your messaging, fundraising guidance, how to be metrics-driven, establishing a vote goal, knowing your message and how to use it to connect with voters. First-time candidates, incumbents, and future officeholders alike will benefit tremendously from these key lessons.

Sarah Reidy-Jones is the North Carolina Executive Director of American Majority and American Majority Action. Sarah brings nearly 30 years of institutional knowledge within conservative politics, including grassroots organization, spokesperson expertise, event assistance, fundraising and membership growth. Her public service ranges from City Hall to the Board of Elections to the Governor’s Office to the White House. She previously consulted on local, statewide and federal races, specializing in media and crisis communications, including as a senior staffer for a presidential campaign and a gubernatorial campaign manager in both Kentucky and North Carolina.

(2) What Every School Board Member Should Know

Runnng for office is no small commitment, but the task of governing is where the real work begins.

In this session, you’ll hear from Jennifer Naylor, a Sampson County school board member elected in 2024, about the lessons incoming (and returning) board members should know, strategies for effective school leadership, and how to identify and avoid common pitfalls in office. You’ll also learn about the most frequent challenges board members face and the best strategies for overcoming them, while being a steadfast advocate for student achievement.

Whether you’re a current board member, planning to rung for office, or seeking a clearer understanding of education governance, this session is for you.

Jennifer Naylor was born and raised in Sampson County, NC in the Clement community. She is married to her husband Michael and is the proud mom of their daughter, Etta Kaye. Jennifer works in sales at Mary Mack’s in Clinton, NC and currently serves on the Sampson County Board of Education, where she was sworn in in July 2024. Prior to her current role, she spent 13 years in public education, serving as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and most recently six years as a high school assistant principal. She is a proud graduate of Midway High School, UNC Wilmington, and East Carolina University, and in her free time, she enjoys spending time at the beach.

Hotel Room Booking Link:

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Booking Link: https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=GSOGRGI&groupCode=90B&arrivaldate=2026-05-29&departuredate=2026-05-30&cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT

Register today and you will receive:

• High-quality nonpartisan training designed for serious school board candidates
• Lunch provided at the event
• A chance to connect with school board members, rising education leaders, and student-focused candidates in the Greensboro area

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CALN is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to being the most influential voice for student achievement, parental authority, and superior school board service in the Carolinas.

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