School board

Board of Education, Watauga County Schools

District 04

Vote for: 1
Term: 4 years
Candidates: 2
Election: Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: A board of education member helps set policy, the budget and the superintendent's direction for Watauga County Schools.

Elected by the district's voters (State Board March 3, 2026 primary precinct results). Nonpartisan.

Candidates Compare by issue

Chad Cole

No party listed

The gist

Pledges to support and retain high-quality teachers and staff
Supports expanding career and technical education

More about Chad

View sources (1)

Pledges to support and retain high-quality teachers and staff
2026 primary voter guide: Watauga County Board of Education District 4
Candidate questionnaire · Watauga Democrat · wataugademocrat.com
“my top goal would be to support and retain high-quality teachers and staff.”
Supports expanding career and technical education
2026 primary voter guide: Watauga County Board of Education District 4
Candidate questionnaire · Watauga Democrat · wataugademocrat.com
“I envision expanded opportunities that connect learning to real-world skills.”

Megan (Chayyim) Kornhauser

No party listed

The gist

Opposes state voucher programs that cut public school funding
Opposes state bills that revise how history is taught
Supports more state per-pupil funding for rural schools

More about Megan

View sources (1)

Opposes state voucher programs that cut public school funding
2026 primary voter guide: Watauga County Board of Education District 4
Candidate questionnaire · Watauga Democrat · wataugademocrat.com
“I oppose attempts by the state to cut public education funding through voucher programs”
Opposes state bills that revise how history is taught
2026 primary voter guide: Watauga County Board of Education District 4
Candidate questionnaire · Watauga Democrat · wataugademocrat.com
“I want to see our curriculum defended from revisions that rewrite history to make it more comfortable and palatable.”
Supports more state per-pupil funding for rural schools
2026 primary voter guide: Watauga County Board of Education District 4
Candidate questionnaire · Watauga Democrat · wataugademocrat.com
“I would strive to advocate to our state legislatures for increased funding for our rural schools per pupil.”

Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 1 issue covered in this race.