Jim Fulton (Buncombe County Schools school board District 4, North Carolina, candidate 2024)
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Jim Fulton ran for election to the Buncombe County Schools Board of Education to represent District 4 in North Carolina. He was on the ballot in the general election on November 5, 2024.[source]
Fulton completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
[1]Biography
Jim Fulton provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on October 14, 2024:
- Birth date: November 24, 1957
- Birth place: Sumter, South Carolina
- High school: Cardinal Newman High School in Columbia, SC
- Gender: Male
- Religion: Episcopalian
- Profession: Retired
- Incumbent officeholder: No
- Campaign slogan: Better Schools - Better Community
- Campaign website
- Campaign endorsements
- Campaign Facebook
- Campaign X
Elections
General election
General election for Buncombe County Schools school board District 4
Amy Churchill and Jim Fulton ran in the general election for Buncombe County Schools school board District 4 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | ||
| Amy Churchill (Nonpartisan) | ||
 | Jim Fulton (Nonpartisan)  | |
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| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Election results
Endorsements
To view Fulton's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Fulton in this election.
Campaign themes
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Jim Fulton completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Fulton's responses.
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I’m Jim Fulton, a retired technical project manager with over 30 years of experience leading teams, managing complex projects, and delivering results in the global banking and payments industry. I’ve lived in Buncombe County for several years and care deeply about the future of our schools and the opportunities we create for our children.
I’m running for the Buncombe County Board of Education because I believe that every student deserves access to a high-quality education, and I want to bring accountability, transparency, and a results-oriented mindset to the board. As a parent, community member, and advocate, I’m committed to improving educational outcomes and building stronger support systems for students, teachers, and families.
I look forward to earning the trust and support of our community as we work together to create better schools and brighter futures.- I want to improve student aptitude and outcomes. Under the incumbent’s watch, Buncombe County's public schools have lagged behind charter, private, and national averages. Only 49.7% of students read at grade level, and just 54.3% meet math proficiency. These declines since 2014 are alarming, as foundational skills in reading and math are essential. While my opponent boasts of a 91% graduation rate, we must ask: Are students being promoted without mastering critical subjects? College enrollment has also fallen—from 63% in 2015 to 57% in 2023—highlighting the need for real change.
- Transparency and Accountability: I believe the community deserves transparency from the school board. I will work to ensure that decisions, budgets, and plans are communicated openly, giving parents and stakeholders a voice in shaping our schools' future.
- Support for Students and Teachers: Strong support systems are essential for both students and educators. I will collaborate with parents, teachers, and administrators to build solutions that address the challenges they face and foster a positive, safe learning environment for all.
I am passionate about education policy, focusing on improving student proficiency in reading, math, and science. Every child deserves access to quality education that prepares them for success. I also prioritize transparency and accountability in school governance to ensure resources are used effectively. Supporting teachers through professional development, fair pay, and loan assistance is equally important, as strong educators are essential to student success.
I deeply respect my late father and strive to follow his example. One of five children, he grew up in a family with humble beginnings—his mother immigrated from France, and his father ran a convenience store. My father earned a scholarship to St. Bernard’s prep school in Alabama, where he strengthened his faith, intelligence, and work ethic. He wasn’t afraid to discipline us or stand up to defend us. Through their volunteer efforts, he and my mother secured scholarships for me to attend private school, teaching me the value of sacrifice, commitment, and community service.
One book that aligns closely with my political philosophy is "Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook" by Gary Vaynerchuk. While it’s primarily about marketing and social media strategy, its core principle resonates with my approach to leadership and governance. The idea of delivering value first—before making requests or demands—reflects my belief that public servants must listen, engage, and understand the needs of their constituents before proposing solutions.
In education, this translates to understanding the challenges faced by students, parents, and teachers before implementing policy changes. Like the book suggests in its approach to communication, I believe that meaningful governance involves not just offering quick fixes but providing thoughtful, well-timed solutions based on real input from the community.
In education, this translates to understanding the challenges faced by students, parents, and teachers before implementing policy changes. Like the book suggests in its approach to communication, I believe that meaningful governance involves not just offering quick fixes but providing thoughtful, well-timed solutions based on real input from the community.
An elected official must prioritize transparency, accountability, and integrity. They should communicate openly with constituents, make decisions based on facts and data, and take responsibility for outcomes. Listening to diverse viewpoints is essential, especially when addressing complex issues. Above all, an official should serve with humility, remembering that their role is to represent the community's interests rather than personal agendas. Strong leadership requires collaboration, respect for others, and a commitment to problem-solving.
I bring a strong passion for improving education, rooted in a deep sense of service and responsibility from my upbringing. My parents instilled in me the importance of hard work, ethics, and standing up for what’s right. With over 30 years of experience as a project manager, I have honed skills in leadership, accountability, and problem-solving. I’m committed to transparency and collaboration, ensuring that all voices are heard. My passion, experience, and ethical foundation will drive me to serve our community with integrity and deliver real results for students, teachers, and families.
The core responsibilities include setting policies that improve student outcomes, ensuring the responsible use of taxpayer funds, and supporting teachers and staff. Board members must provide oversight to guarantee accountability and transparency in all decisions. Engaging with the community is essential to understand diverse perspectives and build trust. Ultimately, the role requires a focus on creating a safe, inclusive environment where every student can succeed academically and personally.
I hope to help set our public schools on a successful path to providing high-quality education for the children of our community. By equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed, we can foster greater prosperity and safety throughout Buncombe County. I want my legacy to reflect a commitment to education, collaboration, and long-term growth, ensuring that our schools positively impact future generations.
I vividly remember watching the first moon landing in 1969 on a black-and-white television at my grandmother’s home. I was 11 years old at the time, and it left a lasting impression. I also recall the news coverage of President John F. Kennedy's assassination and funeral in 1963, although I was only 6 years old then. Both events shaped my early understanding of history and the importance of leadership and exploration.
My very first job was mowing my family’s lawn, which taught me the value of responsibility early on. I also worked as a paper delivery person, learning the importance of consistency and hard work. While I can’t recall exactly how long I held these jobs, they both gave me valuable lessons in commitment and accountability that have stayed with me throughout my career.
One of the biggest struggles in my life has been balancing career demands with family responsibilities. As a project manager overseeing complex initiatives, the work often required long hours and intense focus. At the same time, being present for my family and supporting my children’s education was a top priority. Navigating these competing demands taught me the importance of time management, perseverance, and setting clear priorities—skills I will bring to public service to balance the needs of students, teachers, and the community.
The primary job of a school board member is to connect the community and the school system, ensuring decisions prioritize student success. Members set policies that foster a safe, supportive learning environment and hold the administration accountable for improving outcomes.
They focus on long-term goals like boosting proficiency in reading, math, and science while overseeing budgets to ensure taxpayer funds are spent effectively. Community engagement is key—board members must listen to parents, teachers, and students to address their needs. Supporting educators through resources and training is essential for student success.
My constituents include the students, parents, educators, and community members of Buncombe County, especially those in District 4. Every student in our schools, regardless of background, deserves access to quality education, and every parent deserves a voice in shaping their child's future. Teachers and staff also count as essential constituents, as they need support and resources to succeed in their roles. Beyond the classroom, all residents of Buncombe County have a stake in the success of our schools since strong public education benefits the entire community by preparing future leaders and building a thriving local economy.
I will prioritize creating an inclusive environment where every student, teacher, and staff member can thrive. This includes supporting individualized learning plans to meet students’ unique needs and ensuring access to mental health resources. I will advocate for professional development, fair pay, and essential tools for teachers and staff. Engaging with parents and community members will be key, as their input helps shape policies that reflect our district's values. My goal is to foster collaboration and build an educational system that serves everyone equitably, regardless of background or circumstance.
Building strong relationships starts with active engagement and open communication. I will regularly meet with parents, teachers, students, and school staff to understand their needs. I’ll collaborate with parent-teacher associations, local businesses, civic organizations, and nonprofits that support education. Engaging with faith-based groups and advocacy organizations, including those focused on mental health, equity, and workforce development, will be essential. My goal is to create partnerships that reflect our community’s diversity and work together to improve educational outcomes for all students.
Good teaching involves engaging students, fostering critical thinking, and adapting to diverse learning styles. It emphasizes clear objectives, creativity, and meaningful feedback. I will measure teaching effectiveness through a combination of student growth metrics, classroom observations, and feedback from students, parents, and peers. To support advanced teaching approaches, I’ll advocate for ongoing professional development, access to innovative tools, and time for collaboration among teachers. Recognizing and rewarding excellence is essential to encouraging continuous improvement.
I see a strong need for advanced technical training, apprenticeships, and career-focused programs that align with workforce demands. Expanding partnerships with local businesses and community colleges can provide students with hands-on experience in trades, technology, and healthcare. I’d also advocate for entrepreneurship education and financial literacy programs to equip students with real-world skills. Incorporating STEM initiatives, coding, and robotics can prepare students for future careers. My goal is to offer diverse pathways that engage all students, whether they pursue college, technical careers, or entrepreneurship.
I will advocate for a transparent budget process to prioritize student needs and ensure resources are allocated effectively. Working with state and local officials will be key to securing fair funding for our schools. I’ll explore public-private partnerships to supplement funding and expand programs. Additionally, I support grant opportunities and fundraising initiatives to enhance resources. We must also ensure funds are spent efficiently, focusing on areas that directly impact student outcomes, such as teacher salaries, classroom tools, and mental health services.
Safety policies must prioritize both physical and emotional well-being. I support secure campuses through partnerships with law enforcement, clear emergency protocols, and regular safety drills. Equally important is fostering a positive school climate that addresses bullying and mental health needs. I believe in early intervention, conflict resolution programs, and ensuring students have access to counselors and support staff. Collaboration with parents, teachers, and community stakeholders is essential to create a safe, supportive learning environment for every student.
I will advocate for increased access to counselors, social workers, and mental health professionals in schools. Providing regular mental health screenings and destigmatizing seeking help are essential steps. I support training for teachers and staff to recognize signs of distress and respond effectively. Schools should also offer wellness programs for students and staff, promoting self-care and resilience. Collaboration with community mental health organizations can expand available resources, ensuring that everyone has the support they need to thrive emotionally and academically.
Last year, I proposed revisions to the district’s anti-bullying policies, but they were ignored. I believe a seat on the board would allow me to advocate more effectively for those needed changes. We must strengthen anti-bullying policies to ensure all students feel safe and supported. I also want to improve transparency by making budget decisions accessible to the public. Expanding mental health resources and promoting career-readiness programs, such as apprenticeships, are other priorities to better prepare students for success beyond school.
I am honored to be endorsed by the Carolina Teachers Alliance and Dr. Carl Mumpower, a local author, psychologist, and former Asheville City Council member, which strengthens my commitment to serving our community effectively.
My ideal learning environment is one where every student feels safe, supported, and challenged to reach their full potential. It emphasizes small class sizes to foster personalized learning, access to mental health resources, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion. Teachers should have the tools and autonomy to tailor lessons to meet students' individual needs. Additionally, I believe in incorporating hands-on, real-world learning opportunities that engage students beyond the classroom. A strong partnership between educators, parents, and the community is essential to create an environment where students can thrive.
The pandemic presented unprecedented challenges, and while efforts were made to adapt, there were areas for improvement. Remote learning revealed gaps in technology access and student engagement, leaving some students behind. In the future, I’d focus on improving communication with parents and teachers, ensuring clear, timely updates. I’d also advocate for better planning around remote learning tools and mental health support during disruptions. Flexibility will be key, with strategies that balance safety with maintaining educational continuity, so students remain on track regardless of circumstances.
I will actively engage with parents by hosting regular town halls, attending school events, and participating in parent-teacher association meetings. Open communication is key, so I’ll make myself available through multiple channels, including email, social media, and in-person meetings. I’ll also create opportunities for parents to provide input on important decisions and share concerns. Building trust starts with listening and ensuring parents know their voices are valued in shaping policies that affect their children’s education.
I believe in attracting top talent by offering competitive salaries, strong benefits, and opportunities for professional growth. Building partnerships with local universities can help identify future educators and administrators early. I’ll advocate for programs that support teacher retention, such as loan forgiveness and mentorship opportunities. Creating a positive work environment that values collaboration and innovation is essential.
Financial transparency and accountability are essential for effective leadership. Public officials must earn trust by being clear about how taxpayer dollars are spent, ensuring every dollar supports student outcomes and teacher resources. Transparency means making budgets and decisions accessible, with public input on major expenditures to prevent hidden spending.
Accountability requires leaders to own the results of their decisions, address issues directly, and adjust when needed. I will advocate for clear financial reports and independent audits to align spending with educational goals. Ultimately, elected officials must serve the public’s best interests through openness and responsible decision-making.
Accountability requires leaders to own the results of their decisions, address issues directly, and adjust when needed. I will advocate for clear financial reports and independent audits to align spending with educational goals. Ultimately, elected officials must serve the public’s best interests through openness and responsible decision-making.
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See also
2024 Elections
External links
Footnotes
