SANDY ELLINGTON-GRAVES
for SCHOOL BOARD

Why vote for Sandy? Because a seat on the Alamance County Board of Education is important to Sandy as she believes that every child deserves a first-class education from a school system that values the success of every child.  It is important to ensure every child receives the knowledge, skills, tools and resources to allow them to confidently choose their path after high school.  That path may include the pursuit of higher education, entry into the workforce or a commitment to our armed forces.  While the paths may differ, every student will be equally prepared to thrive academically, professionally, and socially as well-rounded young adults.

As a parent, Sandy has been actively engaged in the Alamance Burlington School System for the past 22 years.  During that time, she has held various leadership roles in PTA/PTSA/PTO, was selected to serve on the Joint Facilities Task Force, and has served as a member of the local parent advocate group, VOICE.  She is a member of the Alamance Achieves Communications Task Force, is a recent graduate of the Alamance Citizens for Education’s new Parent Engagement Program (PEP) and is currently a fellow in the 2020 NC Institute of Political Leadership Program.  

“Over the last 22 years, I have worked with educators across our elementary, middle and high schools on both personal and professional levels.  I have seen both the opportunity and the challenge of teacher recruitment and retention, aging facilities, school safety, struggling academic performance, redistricting and the transition of six superintendents.  Yet, more importantly, I have also seen the powerful and positive impact of committed leadership, quality educators, inspired students and thriving programs.  In 2013, A Vision for Public Education was adopted by the School Board to transform ABSS into an educational leader by creating equal opportunity for every student in civic engagement, a meaningful quality of life and valuable skills for economic success – for themselves and for their community.  I am excited to continue that work if I am elected to serve,” Sandy said.

As a local REALTOR®, Sandy has been actively engaged in the business community since 2002.  She sees firsthand how the strength of our public education system impacts the local housing market which in turns impacts local economic development.  An effective school system can drive tax revenues, real estate values, and community satisfaction. ABSS spends just under $8400 in per pupil funding and ranks 105 out of 115 school districts in NC.  

Sandy stated, “According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, every dollar spent in per pupil funding in a community equates to a $20 increase in home values. This would indicate that increasing per pupil funding may actually benefit every citizen in Alamance County, regardless if those citizens actually have children in our public school system.  Studies also show that children who grow up in safe and affordable housing experience better behavioral and cognitive health outcomes, improved student achievement and more opportunities for educational success.  I believe that engaging our citizens and the local business community is crucial in moving our school system forward.”

As a lifelong citizen of Alamance County, Sandy is actively engaged in the community.  She is an avid supporter of many community initiatives and serves on numerous local non-profit boards.  “Alamance County has always been my home.  I was born here. I started my family and my business here.  Creating a world class school system here will attract the brightest and best educators to provide our students with an educational experience that is second to none.  Strong schools create opportunity for our graduates and build wealth for our community.  And that benefits all of us.” she said.  

Sandy’s Campaign Will Focus on Four Key Priorities:

1 Support for Our Educators

2 Safe & Healthy Facilities

3 Expand Graduation Pathways 

4 Accountability & Transparency 

Learn more about Sandy’s priorities here

When asked why she would be a good candidate for School Board, Sandy stated, “I truly believe that my knowledge and experience, my demonstrated commitment to education, and my extensive history of community engagement will serve me well in my work with the School Board.  I will encourage collaboration with our school board, our educators, our business community, our county leaders, and our citizens to help ABSS produce powerful student outcomes that promise lasting benefits to our county.  My desire to serve is not a desire to become a politician.  I am simply a parent, a business owner and a lifelong citizen who wants nothing but the best for Alamance County.”

Sandy is a lifelong resident of Alamance County and resides in Eli Whitney.  She is a 1989 graduate of Southern Alamance High School and is married to Justin Graves.  They have three children, Jynsen (26), Ashley (24), and Katie (14).  She is a local real estate broker at Allen Tate REALTORS® in Burlington.  She would appreciate your vote!

** Vote Tuesday, November 3, 2020 **
SANDY ELLINGTON-GRAVES for School Board