Meet Claudia Hawkins

Candidate for Transylvania County Board of Education

I grew up in the rural Finger Lakes region of Central New York and came to North Carolina to attend college at UNC-Chapel Hill, where I met my husband, a Brevard native. We have built our life in Transylvania County and our daughter is a product of Transylvania County Schools, which she attended from pre-K through graduation from Brevard High. My parental experience with TCS gave me an immense respect for the importance of the TCS mission, and the dedication and professionalism of the teachers, administrators and support staff.

In 2023 I began attending BOE meetings out of a personal curiosity to understand the difficulties surrounding the 2018 school bond implementation. I was shocked to see the deep dysfunction which exists throughout Transylvania County's elected officials - both Board of Education and Board of County Commissioners. The dysfunction is both internal and external, and defeats both boards’ ability to operate effectively. Most concerning, there seems a lack of ability and/or desire for change from either board.

My husband and I have always stressed to our daughter that it isn’t good enough to simply complain about a problem; one must be willing to be part of the solution. Thus, I am practicing what I have preached and placing my name forward as a candidate – to attempt to be part of the solution.

I offer a  depth of financial expertise that I think is essential on the school board to move us forward.  I also have a strong understanding of the school board - county commissioner relationship. I believe I can help start us down the long road back toward normal, collaborative efforts to provide the best educational experience for Transylvania’s children. 

I want to be part of the solution.
I would deeply appreciate your support and your vote.