-c?n?ri?afe?rit??9195996?! 3

Chris Heagarty I :5
7729 Sandy Bottom Way NOV 2 (i HHS 
Raleigh, NC 27613 i 

November 22, 2018

Dear Wake County Board of Education,

Thank you for accepting these documents for your consideration in ?lling the District 7 Board of
Education vacancy. Please find enclosed:

0 My letter of interest outlining my background and listing
three strategies for advancing the Board?s Vision 2020
Strategic Plan;

a resume; and,

three letters of recommendation.

Sincerely,

Chris Heagarty

Chris Heagarty
7729 Sandy Bottom Way
Raleigh, NC 27613

November 22, 2018

Dear Members of the Wake County Board of Education,

I am a forty-year resident of Wake County and have been a PTA parent and volunteer with
two children enrolled in elementary and middle schools since 2012. I am thankful for our
outstanding and dedicated teachers, principals, and support staff and I appreciate the Board of
Education?s responsibility for navigating us through challenging times when funding for our public
schools has been stretched thin by the policy and staf?ng mandates imposed by the state
legislature. I am seeking appointment to fill the vacant Board seat representing District 7 after
discussion of the opportunity with my family, friends, neighbors, and professional educators who
live in District 7 and others across Wake County.

I understand that the role of the Board is to set policy for the school system implemented
by the superintendent and administrative staff, not to micro-manage individual staff decisions. I
also understand that the Board adopts an annual budget proposal that includes its request for
local funding from the Wake County Board of Commissioners as well as its plan for using state and
federal funds, but that the NC Board of Education, the NC Department of Public Instruction, and
the NC General Assembly provide statewide school governance and that state government is
responsible for the majority of the district's funding as well as oversight of core academic.
curricula. To that end, I believe that believe my role is to represent the views and beliefs of the
District 7 community, and Wake County as a whole, in helping set fair and equitable education
policies at the local level, to propose budgets that accurately re?ect the needs of our school
system, and to work with state and local governments to seek the policy changes and the funding
required for the budgets and work plans that the Board adopts.

I am not an expert in pedagogical theory, nor do I hold the keys to unlocking the state
legislature?s funding coffers. I can?t solve the basic social and economic problems that follow our
students into the classroom. But as a parent committed to our public schools and as someone who
has worked in the public policy arena, 1 am ready to work for better schools as a member of your
team to address these problems. Throughout my career I have helped people to navigate through
government regulations and to advocate for necessary policy changes from state and local
governments. I believe that I can use these skills to help the Board as it pursues its own agenda for
funding and policy change from other levels of government necessary for our school system to
achieve the goals set by its Vision 2020 Strategic Plan.

In pursuit of the objectives set forth in the Plan, I will work to improve cooperation
between the Board and other local governments, making sure that the Board?s goals and concerns
are properly understood, and that decisions local governments make that impact school growth
and school construction are not made in a vacuum, but with the understanding that schools are a
vital part of communities and decisions about transportation, housing, neighborhood growth, and
development need to take into account their impact on our school system.

Page 2

In addition, I will also work to bring parent, educator, and community concerns to the
Board and staff while bringing essential information from the school system back to the
community. In an era where passions are stoked via in?ammatory social media and re?ex
reactions it is imperative that clear and reliable channels of accurate information are maintained.
Making sure that our schools and the Board are represented in important community discussions
will also be a priority of mine.

Applicants have been asked for their ideas about advancing the Board?s Vision 2020
Strategic Plan, and to provide three strategies for furthering the plan?s objectives. To that end I
offer the following ideas, understanding that I do not know all that there is to know and that
anyone appointed to ?ll this vacancy will have a learning curve before becoming fully pro?cient in
current system policies. 

To increase proficiency and growth rates across all groups within the student population
and to eliminate the predictability of achievement based on non-individualized factors I offer two
strategies to address student achievement.

Expanded Counseling Services

First, in furtherance of the Board?s strategy to expand non?academic student support
services, we must expand school counseling services. While increasing the number of school
counselors has been suggested as a way to combat school violence, the importance of prioritizing
expanded counselor services goes beyond student safety and can promote both wellbeing and
academic achievement. We know that those who grow up with the benefits of a healthy early
childhood and quality preschool instruction have more success when entering elementary school.
However, children without those advantages may need additional supports to be ready to learn.
When children do not have enough to eat, live in inadequate housing or come from a violent
environment, they are unprepared for the classroom, and teachers, facing more and more policy
mandates from the state, may lack time or preparation to respond effectively to these student
needs. Expanded counseling can provide important social work and support to children who may
suffer from adverse childhood experiences and this counseling can mitigate the negative
impacts of these experiences and can build their resilience. Teachers, though more frequently
trained and equipped to recognize and address adversity than in the past, will be able to put more
time and attention into classroom instruction when there are sufficient counseling resources
available at their schools to assist students in exceptional need. With increase counseling
programs available to provide individual attention and assistance to specific student needs, the
instructor?s focus on curriculum can continue and all students in the classroom will benefit.

Expanded counseling can also provide important skill-building and executive function
coaching crucial for success. School counselors can, with teacher identification and
recommendation of students, help build students? self regulation and basic executive functions 
such as time management, organization, and prioritization skills - that are necessary for success
and achievement. Through expanded school counseling programs students will build a growth
mindset, overcome environmental barriers to classroom learning, and improve the skills
necessary for taking responsibility for their own personal success. Again, when more students are

Page 3

better prepared for the classroom, the instructor?s pacing is not slowed and all students in the
classroom will bene?t. Therefore, expanded counseling services should be prioritized in
budgeting and the bene?ts of these programs should be effectively communicated to funding
authorities.

Prioritization and Expansion of Pilot Programs to Identify and Nurture High Potential, Low
Income Students

Additionally, we can increase student pro?ciency and achievement across all groups by
prioritizing programs that combat achievement gaps that exist for under-represented populations.
Specifically, many children show the promise of emerging talent for academic achievement
at an early age, something I have witnessed personally volunteering in my own children?s schools.
However, otherwise capable children may not be able to demonstrate their advanced
learning potential, or "giftedness", on standard academic tests. offers a number of
alternative methods for identification of academically gifted children, but parents who are
privileged to have the time and resources to pursue independent testing and persistently advocate
for their children have advantages over those parents who don?t. Likewise, those with more
resources will likely have access to more independent enrichment and learning opportunities.

Barriers for low-income, high-ability students have been identified by staff, and
solutions have been proposed for helping to develop vocabulary and problem solving skills for
these high potential students to create more equity in preparation for the formal assessment
process. Specifically, funding should be prioritized for the use of research?based alternative
assessments recommended by AIG Diversity Task Force, for introducing more programs
into early primary grades developing the gifted academic potential in under-represented
low-income students, and for training teachers to better identify and design programs for gifted
behavior in all students. These programs could be piloted using outstanding magnet
school program, and spread equitably throughout the county.

Experience-based Principal Compensation

Finally, I believe that in support of the Vision 2020?s plan to identify, recruit, develop, and
retain highly effective talent, we should prioritize retention of top talent, particularly at the
executive level. The benefits of able and experienced principals - who know their community and
who are trusted by parents, educators, and system staff - are threatened by changes to principal
pay systems adopted by the legislature. While it is the state?s responsibility to provide salary and
benefits for our public school educators, more and more of this burden is pushed off to local
school systems. Recent changes at the state level to base compensation on student performance
threatens to undermine our local ability to place and retain highly qualified principals in schools
that need improvement.

Former District 7 Board member Kathy Hartenstine said that ?effective principals work
relentlessly to improve achievement by focusing on the quality of instruction.? Our family has
witnessed this first hand when frequent turnover in the principal position at our children?s
elementary school [with principals leaving for "better Opportunities? at higher performing

l. HEAGABTV
1129 3am Bottom way. Balelun. HI: 21613

 

a. SUMMARY

Chris Heagarty is a licensed attorney and non-profit executive with a proven track record of successfully

building organizations and shaping public policy. He has demonstrated strong skills in executive
management, communication, strategic planning, research, event planning and fundraising.

Public Affairs Government Relations Executive Management Ethics Professional Responsibility
Public Policy Analysis Advocacy Mediation Social Media Marketing

Public Speaking Presentation Administrative Law Strategic Communications
Organizational Leadership Non-pro?t Management Election Law

Legal Policy Research Fundraising Appellate Law 6: Procedure

Legal 8: Academic Writing Grant Writing Writing for Print Broadcast Media

 



EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (NON-PROFIT)
City of Oaks Foundation (Nov 2015 Present)

Responsible for all executive functions of the organization, a land conservancy working in partnership with
the City of Raleigh that also provides ?nancial aid for under-resourced students to attend active outdoor
summer camps and nature programs. Duties include fundraising, grant writing, communications and social
media, volunteer recruitment, coalition building and public relations, budgeting and ?nancial management,
event planning, site and facility management, and monitoring of conservation easements.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COMMISSION COUNSEL (STATE GOVERNMENT)
NC Judicial Standards Commission (Jan 2012 - Nov 2015)

Directed the staff and operations of NOS regulatory disciplinary board for state judges. Managed the
investigation and prosecution of ethics complaints; Researched and drafted ethics opinions. Provided legal
education and training in areas of ethics and professional responsibility.

ATTORNEY I CONSULTANT (PRIVATE PRACTICE)
Attorney (Jan 2011 - Nov 2015) Consultant (Jan 2008 - Dec 2012)

Created and managed a private legal practice and a policy consulting practice. Instructor and presenter for
numerous continuing legal education courses and policy conferences. Certi?ed Superior Court mediator;
Provided legal services and policy consulting to non-pro?ts, private citizens, and diverse units of government.
NC clients included: Southern Environmental Law Center, Franklin County Board of Commissioners,
Franklin County School Board, City of Greenville, Town of Mount Olive.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (NON-PROFIT)
NC Center for Voter Education (Jan 2000 - Nov 2007)

Founding executive director. Led the operations of a public policy oriented non-pro?t organization engaged in
statewide civic education, including research, public opinion polling, media production, fundraising,
conference planning, staf?ng and management, and marketing; Researched policy, drafted legislation,
successfully lobbied state and local governments for changes in campaign and election law;

MANAGER, STATE GOVT. RELATIONS LEGISLATIVE SPECIALIST (PRIVATE INDUSTRY)
NC Association of Electric Cooperatives (Aug 1992-Nov 1999)

Represented a statewide trade association of non-pro?t utilities before the state legislature and regulatory
agencies. Managed a political action committee and ensured its compliance with regulatory bodies. Drafted
model legislation, monitored regulatory actions, and lobbied for changes to utility law. Recognized as one of
the twenty most effective lobbyists in state by the NC Center for Public Policy Research (1998-99).

EBIIGATIUH. a. ll?EllSES

North Carolina Central University School of Law

Juris Doctorate, magna cum laude, See ?Additional Law School Information?, attached.
North Carolina Institute of Political Leadership

Fellowship

North Carolina State University
Bachelor of Arts, Multi-Disciplinary Studies (Political Communications concentration), magna cum

laude, University Scholars Program, NC Legislative Internship Program

Additional non-degree coursework in business law from North Carolina State University (1994), web page design
from Wake Technical Community College (1998), and appellate court procedure from Meredith College (2004)

North Carolina Law License
Admitted to practice before the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of North

Carolina and all state trial and appellate courts in North Carolina.

NC Superior Court Mediator Certi?cation
Certi?ed and experienced mediator of Superior Court civil cases, currently on inactive status.

 

North Carolina House of Representatives (Oct 2009 - Jan 2011)

Represented Northwest Raleigh, Morrisville, West Cary, and Northern Apex in the state legislature. Accomplished
legislative goals during my term in the NC House of Representatives, including the passage of key legislation
modernizing the tax code for state industries, protecting children from identity theft and online predators, and enacting
criminal justice reform and ethics reform.

Vice-chair: Transportation Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee.

Committees: House Select Committee on Home Owners Associations; Appropriations; Commerce, Small
Business, and Entrepreneurship; Judiciary 1; Science and Technology; State Government State
Personnel; Transportation.

Current Civic and Community Involvement
Wake County Partners for Academically Gifted Education (Secretary), AAU Volunteer, Hunter Elementary
PTA, Ligon Elementary PTA, NC League of Conservation Voters, Y-Guides Trail Blazers

Past Involvement 2010s:
Hunter Elementary PTA, (Audit Committee Chair 2012-14), NC Legal Assistance Fund (Board Member), Raleigh
Public Record (Board Member), Wake County Partners for Academically Gifted Education (Secretary), Church of the
Nativity (Sunday School Teacher), NC Bar Association, NC League of Conservation Voters, Wake County Bar
Association, Wake Up Wake County, Y-Guides Trail Blazers

Past Involvement 2000s:
Church of the Nativity (Sunday School Teacher, Youth Leader, Vestry Member, Stewardship Chair, interim
Treasurer), NC Institute of Political Leadership (Board Member), NC Voters for Clean Elections (Board Member)

Post Involvement 19903:
NC Institute of Political Leadership Fellows Association (President), NC Institute of Political Leadership (Board
Member), Rural Electric Action Program (Treasurer), Church of the Nativity (Youth Leader), Eastern Center for
Regional Development - Government Affairs Council, Glenwood Avenue Citizens Advisory Co., Heat for Homes 5K
Race -Steering Co., NC State Emergency Response Team Infrastructure Section, Raleigh aycees

 EMPIOYMEHI 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (NON-PROFIT)
City of Oaks Foundation (Nov 2015 Present)
A private charitable foundation dedicated to land conservancy youth development

Responsible for all executive functions of the organization, a land conservancy working in partnership with
the City of Raleigh that also provides ?nancial aid for under-resourced students to attend active outdoor
summer camps and nature programs.

Directing core philanthropic programs providing support for land conservation, nature education, and youth
development and managing additional programs supporting local urban agriculture projects, park
improvements, youth programs and other charitable causes consistent with the Foundation?s mission.

Managing all administrative aspects of the Foundation?s charitable giving programs, including: creation and
review of grant applications, evaluation of grant reports, and outreach to target communities.

Managing all business and operational aspects of the Foundation including: ?nancial administration and
management of funds, land acquisition, property and facility management, fundraising and donor
development, grant writing and reporting, communications and social media, program creation and
evaluation, event management and monitoring of conservation easements.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR I COMMISSION COUNSEL (STATE GOVERNMENT)
NC Judicial Standards Commission (Jan 2012 - Nov 2015)
North Carolina?s regulatory and disciplinary board for state judges

Managed professional of?ce staff

Directed the investigation and prosecution of judicial misconduct and ethics complaints
Researched and dra?ed published and private ethics opinions forjudges upon request
Drafted and ?led legal motions related to disciplinary hearings for state judges

Prepared and certi?ed court records and ?led motions and briefs for the NC Supreme Court
Provided legal education and training in areas of ethics and professional responsibility

ATTORNEY I CONSULTANT (PRIVATE PRACTICE)
Mel Black Associates, Law Of?ces of Chris Heagarty (Jan 201 - Nov 2015)
Heagarty Associates Consulting, LLC, Consultant (Jan 2008 - Dec 2012)

Provided broad legal services related to business law for private clients

Represented private clients in variety of professional defense, licensing, and administrative disputes with
government boards, commissions, and regulatory authorities

Provided legal services, policy consulting, and political consulting to non-pro?ts and diverse units of
governments, specializing in areas of election law and administrative law

Provided public affairs and campaign management services for advocacy groups and political clients related
to campaign strategy, get-out?the-vote operation, fundraising, opinion research, and targeting mass
communications

Certi?ed Superior Court MediatOr

Instructor Presenter for various continuing legal education courses

Election law and policy clients in North Carolina included: Southern Environmental Law Center, Franklin
County Board of Commissioners, Franklin County School Board, City of Greenville, Town of Mount Olive
Expert witness providing testimony and counsel on issues of judicial selection, judicial reform, election law,
and money in politics for Illinois legislature, Ohio Supreme Court and Ohio State Bar, Connecticut
legislature, and various press and media outlets

LAW CLERK ACADEMIC TUTOR (ACADEMIC LEGAL)
NCCU School of Law (Sep 2007 - May 2010)
Contemporaneous employment while earning juris doctorate degree at NC Central School of Law:

NC Department of Justice assisted Special Deputy Attorney General with rule making and litigation

Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP - researched and wrote legal memoranda, drafted pleadings motions, and
client letters for litigation and commercial real estate practice groups

UNC School of Government - researched issues of state law and public policy in areas of local government
contracting and criminal justice sentencing options, and drafted articles for presentation to faculty and
potential publication in academic journals

NC Supreme Court - researched and wrote memoranda addressing complex issues of North Carolina criminal
and civil jurisprudence for Justice Mark Martin

Academic Tutor Researched and presented weekly seminars on contract law to ?rst year law students,
utilizing lectures, mock exams, and Power Point, and designed and executed structured lesson plans

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (NON-PROFIT)

NC Center for Voter Education (Jan 2000 - Nov 2007)

Founding executive director, public policy oriented notufor-pro?t, regarded as a national expert on state judicial
selection and ethics

Led Center?s operations, including research, public opinion polling, media production, fundraising, grant
writing, membership development, event and conference planning, and statewide branding and advocacy
campaigns

Hired and managed professional staff

Researched policy, drafted legislation, successfully lobbied state and local governments for changes in
campaign and election law .

Developed and presented continuing legal education courses related to election law and state judiciary
Organized a statewide network of civic and opinion leaders, local elected of?cials, and volunteers, including
over 1,000 attorneys across North Carolina

Published the Center?s quarterly news magazine and articles for research and academic journal articles and
professional publications

Created and hosted the Center?s syndicated bi-weekly newspaper opinion columns, weekly news and public
affairs radio program, and bi-weekly pod-cast

Developed and hosted the Center?s televised forums for judicial candidates on UNC-TV and radio interviews
on State Government Radio

Created and developed the state?s nonpartisan judicial voters guide, published by the North Carolina State
Board of Elections

MANAGER, STATE GOVT. RELATIONS I LEGISLATIVE SPECIALIST (PRIVATE INDUSTRY)
NC Association of Electric Cooperatives (Aug 1992 - Nov 1999)
A trade association of member-owned non-pro?t rural utility companies

Represented clients before state legislature and regulatory agencies, some congressional lobbying
Managed political action committee and ensured its compliance with regulatory bodies

Drafted model legislation, monitored regulatory actions, and lobbied for changes to utility law

Led informational and training seminars, created newsletters and issue memoranda

Participated in utility and business-oriented trade associations and professional organizations

Active in statewide emergency response team

Recognized as one of the twenty most effective lobbyists in state by the North Carolina Center for Public
Policy Research (1998-1999)

Frequent travel to many rural communities across North Carolina

COMPUTER GAME DESIGNER (PART TIME)
Cerebral Gaming Systems (Aug 1993 Nov 1998)
Co-founder and partner of entertainment software start-up
Worked with partners to create, develop, and market computer entertainment software
Primary role was assisting with game design, developing business plan, managing contract employees,
negotiating marketing and distribution contracts, researching potential customer base and competing products

CAMPAIGN WORKER (PART TIME)
Various local, state, and national political campaigns (Sept 1991 Nov 1995)
Paid campaign staff
Employed by several local, state and national campaigns to perform campaign functions such as advance
work, media and communications, volunteer trainings, research, and campaign management

COLLEGE EMPLOYMENT (PART TIME)
NC General Assembly (Jan 1991 July 1991)
Legislative Intern through NC Legislative Internship Program
Intern to NC Speaker Pro Tempore and House Majority Leader (Mar 1991 July 1991)
Duties included: speech writing, issues research, constituent service, and working to promote select
legislation
0 Intern to the Fiscal Research Division (Jan 1991 Feb 1991)
- Duties included: ?scal research, compiling data reports and developing presentations for committee testimony
on transportation issues

The Technician (Aug 1991 .. Jul 1992)
Opinion Columnist at NCSU student newspaper
Authored weekly opinion column for student newspaper on government and current events

Hewlett-Packard Company (May 1989 Jan 1991)
Literature Coordinator
0 Full time summer work, part-time during academic semester
Providing sales support for diverse sales groups within company
Developed ordering, resupply, and cataloging process for company?s sales region

Combined Insurance Company (Aug 1988 Mar 1989)
Licensed Agent, Accident and Health Insurance
Sold and renewed accident and health policies door to door
- Extensive travel in sales territory of Granville, Vance, Franklin, Johnston, and Harnett counties

J. CHRISTOPHER HEAGARTY
Additional Information Related to Law School

Academic Honors Awards
Magna Cum Laude Graduate, (3.369)
Symposium Editor, Article Author, North Carolina Central University Law Review
Scholarship Leadership Award
Dean?s List
Book Award (Contracts)

 

Law School Activities
Sandra Day O?Connor Project on the State of the Judiciary: Invitation?only Participant
American Bar Association:
Certificate of Appreciation, for work with Student Division
Reporter, ABA Conference on the Rule of Law, Charlotte, NC
Student Division Member
Finalist, Mary Wright Closing Argument Competition
Client Counseling Competition, Regional Semi-Finalist
Academic Tutor (Contracts)
President, Delta Theta Phi, International Legal Fraternity
Board of Directors: N.C. Legal Education Assistance Foundation
NC State House of Representatives (term began 3rd year, continued through graduation)

Externships
North Carolina Department of Justice, Raleigh, NC

Worked with the North Carolina Attorney General?s Of?ce for the fall semester, assisting a Special
Deputy Attorney General with rule-making for a state agency and with pending litigation.

Carolina Dispute Settlement Services, Raleigh, NC
Worked on an independent research project examining government policies and practices related to
mediation and resolution of Medicaid funded in-home care services and compliance with state
law.

Summer Associate

Smith Moore Leatherwood, LLP Raleigh, NC
Researched and wrote legal memoranda and drafted pleadings, motions, and client letters on a
variety of topics. Completed several projects, mostly for the litigation and commercial real estate
practice groups. Attended client meetings and professional functions as observation activities.

Summer Clerk

University of North Carolina School of Government Chapel Hill, NC
Researched issues of North Carolina state law and public policy, such as local government contracting
requirements and criminal justice sentencing options, for presentation to School of Government
faculty and publication in legal and academic journals.

Internship
Chief Justice (then Senior Associate Justice) Mark D. Martin, Supreme Court of North Carolina Raleigh, NC

Researched and wrote memoranda addressing complex issues of North Carolina criminal and civil
jurisprudence. Assisted in reviewing petitions for discretionary review and certiorari. Assisted in other
drafting and editing assignments.

PUBLISHED RECORDED WORKS
J. Christopher Heagarty

Published Works in Print

J. Christopher Heagarty, Foreword: What North Carolina Can Learn from the League of Women
Voters of Indiana, Inc. v. Rokita Decision, 32 NC. CENT. L. REV. 65 (2009).

J. Christopher Heagarty, Editorial, A Fair Way to Judge our Judges, N.C. LAW. WKLY., Sept. 17,
2007. At North Carolina Lawyers Weekly (September 17, 2007).

J. Christopher Heagarty, PUBLIC FINANCING OF JUDICIAL ELECTIONS IN NORTH CAROLINA
A BRIEF HISTORY (N .C. St. B. Ass?n. Const. Rts. Resp. Section CLE Workbook, 2006).

J. Christopher Heagarty, North Carolina in the Post White Decision World: Where We Are, How We
Got There, and Where to Go Next, 3 UNC FIRST AMENDMENT L. REV. 109 (2004).

J. Christopher Heagarty, Public Opinion and an Elected Judiciary: New Avenues for Reform, 39
WILLAMETTE L. REV. 1287 (2003).

 

J. Christopher Heagarty, The Changing Face of Judicial Elections, N.C. St. Bar. J. 20?22 (Winter ed.
2002)

J. Christopher Heagarty, ?Follow the Money?, syndicated opinion column running in North Carolina
newspapers, 2003 - 2007.

Broadcast Recorded Works

 

?Election 2006: Judge for Yourself? - three half-hour programs broadcast statewide on
UNC-TV, interviewing candidates for North Carolina Court of Appeals and North Carolina
Supreme Court. October2006.

?North Carolina Center for Voter Education?s Voter Update? - weekly radio program,
broadcast in Triangle radio market. February 2005 June 2007.

?Judge for Yourself? - twice-weekly radio interview program with state judicial
candidates, aired during the months preceding the primary and general elections of 2004
and 2006.

Conference Symposium Presentations

 

Panelist, presenter, and planner in over a decade of continuing legal education seminars, bar conferences and
academic symposia for such organizations as the American Bar Association, the American Judicature Society,
the Justice at Stake Campaign, the Lawyers? Committee for Civil Rights under the Law, the National Center for
State Courts, the National Conference of Women Legislators, the North Carolina Bar Association, the North
Carolina Center for Voter Education, the North Carolina First Amendment Law Review, the North Carolina
Central University School of Law Review, the North Carolina School of Government, and the Willamette Law
Review.

Page 4

schools] created an environment of uncertainty and anxiety until a brilliant new principal was
identified and appointed. She took on the task of ?re-culturing? the school to align the school, the
staff, the parents, and the students with high expectations and a culture designed to empower
those who worked and learned there. Progress toward the school?s achievement goals has been
incremental, but is measurable and positive, and most importantly is guided by the continuity and
stability of an experienced principal who understands the school and community. If we want to
improve schools we cannot penalize the best and brightest candidates from taking on challenging
situations by compensating them less than what they would make guiding a school that is already
performing well. While this legislative change in principal compensation may not have been
contemplated when the original Vision 2020 plan was drafted, we must now ensure that
experience-based pay for principals is identified as a key priority in our objectives to retain highly
effective talent. We must continue to advocate for either changes to the state principal pay scheme
or for more local control of principal pay formulas. Concurrently, we must continue to budget
locally for experience?based pay for principals and identify this as another key priority to local
fundraising authorities.

Ultimately, you will select the applicant you believe best re?ects the qualities you are
seeking in a fellow Board member. I hope that you will judge my character, my motivations, my
connections to the community, and my professional experiences as attributes that will
complement your own. I believe that I can be a valuable team member and an effective advocate
for District 7 and the Wake County Board of Education, and can work with you to achieve the
objectives set forth in the Vision 2020 Strategic Plan. If selected I will work to honor the legacy of
the professional educators who came before me, and the parents and school volunteers who
served before them. I seek your support for my appointment to fill the District 7 vacancy.

I look forward to further discussions about how we can work together to build greater
public support for public education and to strengthen the Wake County Public School System and
continue our tradition of innovation, achievement, and success.

Sincerelytp

?re/W

Chris Heagarty

Joanne D. Sullivan
8313 Greywinds Drive
Raleigh, North Carolina 27615
(919) 623?4036

Dear Members of the Wake County Board of Education,

it is with great pleasure that i write this letter of recommendation for Chris Heagarty who is seeking to fill the
District 7 vacancy on the Board of Education. District 7 means a great deal to me as a citizen and parent. I have
had both a professional and personal relationship with previous District 7 Board Members, Zora Felton and
Kathy'Hartenstine. i feel strongly the need for continuity of both character and conviction. i believe Chris
Heagarty is the ideal public servant with an impeccable track record. His personal and professional success are
deeply rooted in the Wake County Public School System. it is time for to bene?t from his dedication

and leadership.

I was an early supporter of Zora Felton and hosted her first neighborhood Meet 8: Greet when she ran for
District 7. After her passing, i called each Wake County School Board Member in support of Kathy Hartenstine.
i had known Kathy for over 12 years. Kathy served as my daughters? principal while they attended Baileywick
Road Elementary School. She was a dear friend and mentor. in the spirit of Zora and Kathy, Chris is intelligent,
pragmatic and measured. He sees the big picture while paying attention to the smallest of details. Chris has
the unique ability to connect with folks from all backgrounds. He is always willing to hear their point of view
whether it is from a teacher, administration or parent.

I first met Chris for over 10 years when he was appointed to the North Carolina General Assembly and endorsed
by Wake NCAE. The families of District 7 would clearly benefit from Chris advocacy and leadership. i believe
Chris would be extremely effective due to his experience in con?ict resolution, navigating the halls of the
General Assembly, and his strong personal and professional relationships throughout the Wake County
community. Chris?s work in the General Assembly exempli?ed his dedication to public education. His legislative
service with a strong record on education issues and supporting public education; promoting STEM programs

and civics education.

He is an outstanding example of the Wake County Public School System from his early days at York Elementary
to graduating from Enloe High School. Today, he is an active parent and volunteer at both Hunter Elementary

Ligon Magnet Middle School.

in closing, Chris?s educational background, his record of public service and-his contribution as a citizen and
parent serve as a strong foundation for the role of Wake County Board od Education District 7 Member. More
importantly, Chris Ias stated previously, he has the character and conviction. It takes more than an
impressive resume. It takes has heart.

i thank each of you for your dedication to our students and our community. Please do not hesitate to give me
a call if you would like further details as to my support of Chris Heagarty for Wake County School Board
District 7. My number is (919] 623-4036.

mi .
WW

- Morrisville

Live connected. Live well.

 

 

November 23, 2018

Wake County Board of Education, Crossroads 1,
S625 Dillard Drive, Cary, NC 27519

To the Members of the Wake County School Board of Education:

1 am honored to write a recommendation in support of Chris Heagarty?s request to be appointed to the
District 7 School Board Seat.

Chris has a proven record as an advocate for public education, both as a former member of the NC
General Assembly, and as an engaged community leader and parent oftwo children in the Wake County
School System.

As a member of the NC General Assembly, Chris always advocated for public education. He sponsored
legislation promoting STEM programs and civics education. He also sponsored legislation to protect
children from on-line predators and identify theft. Chris was endorsed by Wake NCAE as a legislator
because ofhis leadership in public education.

While serving in the legislature, Chris represented most of the same neighborhoods currently composing
District 7 and understands it is made up of very distinct communities, each with their own individual
needs. He can hit the ground running as a District 7 Member immediately after he is appointed.

in his role as an engaged community leader, Chris has made every effort to help enrich students and
assist parents in advocating for their children He has working with Wake County PAGE to provide
enrichment activities for gifted children, and helping parents advocate for the services their children
need.

He continues to serve as a dedicated mentor and instructor for youth a past youth league coach, Sunday
school teacher and youth group leader, volunteer with the county spelling bee, and an AAU volunteer
scorekeeper and announcer.

Chris has championed for active, healthy youth by providing financial assistance through the City of
Oaks Foundation to help students in low wealth families in our community attend active, outdoor
summer camps and nature programs.

Finally, given the rapid growth in Wake County, school board experience in government advocacy at the
state and local level is fundamentally important to address the needs of growing municipalities, like
Morrisville.

ioo'l?mx'nllallDrive PO Boxioo I .\1m?risville, NC 27560 P:919.463.62oo Lownol'morrisrilleorg

Over the past year, many parents have expressed concern in our school infrastructure not keeping
up with our rapid growth. His previous experience in local government advocacy will ensure that these
concerns by our citizens are being heard and that we can see progress in addressing our growth
challenges in Western Wake County.

In summary, Chris Heagarty?s experience as a former legislator, Director, ofa Successful Non Profit,
engaged community leader, and proud parent, make him valuable addition to the Wake County School
Board. His commitment to public education, critical thinking skills, and experience in local government
advocacy will bring much benefit and promise for our children in Wake County.

I fully support and recommend him for the appointment to the District 7 seat.

Thanks to each ofyou for your public service and hard work in educating our next generation of leaders
in North Carolina.

Regards,

Steve S. Rao, Former Mayor Pro Tem, Council Member At Large
Town of Morrisville

(919] 434-5996

srao@townofmorrisville.org

Nervahna Crew

2413 Canvasbaclc Ct.
Raleigh, NC 27616
Wake County Board of Education
5625 Dillard Drive
Cary, NC 27158

Dear members of the Wake County Board of Education:

It?s an honor to write a letter of recommendation for Chris Heagarty to be appointed to the
District 7 vacant School Board seat.

I have known Chris for several years on a personal and conununity service level. We both had
children attending Hunter GT Magnet Elementary were Chris was extremely involved with the
PTA. Now our sons attend Ligon Magnet Middle together and Chris is just as hands on there.
Chris has played a major role in supporting and helping to get political candidates elected in
years past and more recently helped me to become an elected of?cial this election cycle.

Chris would be extremely effective in this school board role as he has fantastic leadership skills,
experience and the vigor for the dif?cult conversations when it comes to the best interest of our
children. Chris has served on a number of other boards and will be transparent in his decision
making to ensure the integrity to which this board currently possesses.

Chris has a positive outlook on what our school system should look like and ideas on how we
can achieve a comprehensive guideline to support the guidance and necessary leadership to staff,
students, parents and administrators Chris values the partnership with parents, volunteers and
stakeholders to bridge any gaps in ensuring our students are receiving the best education 
has to offer. -

I believe Chris will have no issues with joining the board and having commonality to addiess any
frustrations parents may have. Ch11s has a commitment to educational excellence and will gain
the con?dence of the parents and community. Chris IS a mentor, Sunday school teacher and has
been an advocate over the yeais for our children. He has been an advisor on public policy issues
as he is an attorney by trade. Chris will work well with all those who he will in encounter as his
personality and spirit is infectious.

Chris will be the representative I know for all of our families and children in as he is an
engaged parent that believes in our school system. That will stand in support of the needs of our
teachers and will be dedicated to the job. He understands the responsibilities that come along
with the of?ce and will work alongside other elected of?cials to ensure our public school system
thrives as we embark on trying times ahead.

aEkyii-chL/Qe/

?/Ziewahna Crew