New Hanover County School Board latest election results

"We found a message that people that resonates with us and with them. We are doing this for the right reason."

NEW HANOVER COUNTY (WWAY)–Six candidates are running for the New Hanover County School Board, and three seats are open. Candidates running for those seats are Judy Justice (D), Jerry Jones (D), Tim Merrick (D), David Perry (R), Nikki Bascome (R), and Natosha Tew (R).

As candidates prepare for final results, all two Democratic candidates have been in the lead, while one Republican candidate, David Perry, slowly creeps for the third seat to fill the three spaces. According to the North Carolina State Board of Elections website, 72% of New Hanover County’s ballots have been submitted. WWAY caught up with a few candidates running for the New Hanover County School Board. Tim Merrick, a Democratic candidate running for one of the open seats, has been second in the lead. A top issue that is a priority on his list is getting more resources to ensure students are getting an adequate education and get the same opportunities are other schools. As he waited for election results at Bull City Ciderworks, he says, he’s confident in winning a spot, but it’s still too early to determine.

“We found a message that people that resonates with us and with them. We are doing this for the right reason. I’m retired. I could be sitting on my porch drinking lemonade [but] I’m not doing it because we care so much about the darn kids and the future of our community,” Merrick says.

Republican candidate Nikki Bascome has been fairly low in getting votes. If elected, her top priority would be to focus on school safety for staff and students. Determining how voters sway with their choice, she says she will continue to substitute teaching and attending school board meetings to voice her opinions for the betterment of the district.

“I’m going to go back to doing what I did before. I’m going to substitute in my schools. I’m going to support my educators. I’m going to still be on the family advisory council so that I can have a say for parents as well,” Bascome said.

100% of precincts have been reported, but the state board of elections is still waiting for all ballots to be cast. We will keep you updated on air and online as WWAY learns more.