Elect Rick Southerland

Elect Rick Southerland Candidate for the Board of Education of New Hanover County Public Schools As a member of the Board of Education I will work to:

1. Rick Southerland

I am a visionary arts and education leader with over 30 years of experience in nonprofit management, higher education administration, national board governance, and teaching in public/private sectors. I am a former President of the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO), with a proven record of advancing equity, innovation, and sustainability in dance education. I am former Director for Writ

ing, Arts, and Media Studies and Associate Professor of Dance at Goucher College in Baltimore. At Goucher, I co-led study abroad programs to South Africa bringing pre-service educators to teach English Language Learners in reading, writing, and maths through the arts. I am former Arts Education Director at the Sierra Arts Foundation where I created and implemented the Arts Infusion Project for paid professional development for public school teachers in Title IX Washoe County Public Schools in arts integration training funded by a $1,000,000 grant from the US Department of Education. I am skilled in strategic planning, organizational restructuring, board development, and fundraising. I am known for aligning mission-driven leadership with operational excellence and financial stewardship. I have a deep commitment to cultivating leadership, building knowledge, and connecting the field across all levels of education and professional practice. Born and reared in Wilmington, I attended New Hanover County Public Schools for all of K12 (William H. Blount ES Grades K-2, College Park ES Grades 3-4, Peabody MS Grade 5, Tileston MS Grades 6, Williston Junior High School Grades 7-9, and New Hanover High School '89 Grades 10-12). I am running for an open position on the New Hanover County School's Board of Education to give back to this community which provided a solid foundation for the achievements and successes that enabled me the privilege to accomplish. Every child who attends a public school in New Hanover County deserves the same opportunities afforded me when I was a student. restore the promise of education by returning educators voice to the curriculum:

2. ensure livable wages for all educators in the county in which they work:

3. provide professional development for educators specific to their expertise. I believe these are achievable goals so that our children we educate in New Hanover County Public Schools can succeed at the highest levels. I look forward to working with all educators, elected officials, businesses, and families in the great county of New Hanover for a stronger future by investing in our children's public education! Donate here to support this campaign (copy and paste link into web browser if unable to click):

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/southerland4schools

Together4Children - Southerland4Schools!

03/06/2026

Good morning New Hanover County,

I want to acknowledge the bravery of Mr. Osborne in speaking his truth and sharing such a traumatic and deeply personal part of his past. That is not easy, and I recognize the courage it takes to do so publicly. I also take responsibility for my role in putting him in a position where he was scrutinized and compelled to defend himself.

As I reflect on how things unfolded and how my words may have been perceived, I ask the community for guidance and clarity around what accountability and remediation looks like moving forward. My intention is to learn from this experience and grow as a better advocate within this community. I understand that accountability and healing can look and sound different for everyone, especially given the painful history and trauma many have faced regarding this sensitive issue.

Rick

03/05/2026

Today I am announcing my decision to withdraw from the race for the New Hanover County Board of Education.

This decision does not come easily. I entered this race to advocate for students, educators, and families and to bring practical solutions to the challenges facing our schools. Unfortunately, the focus of this campaign has shifted almost entirely to controversy surrounding my personal life and that of a survivor who paid their dues rather than the issues that mattered to voters.

I acknowledge that I should have addressed questions about my living situation earlier and more directly. For that, I take responsibility. Transparency is important in public service, and I regret not anticipating how strongly this issue would resonate in the political environment.

However, I also believe the reaction we have seen raises difficult questions about fairness and consistency in our political culture. Our society often speaks about rehabilitation, compassion, and second chances. Yet when those principles intersect with politics, they are sometimes set aside in favor of public pressure and political calculation.

While I stand by my character and the work I hoped to do for this community, it has become clear that continuing this campaign would overshadow the real conversations our schools deserve.

For the good of the students and families of New Hanover County, I am stepping aside so the focus can return to education and the future of our schools.

To those who supported this campaign, volunteered their time, hard earned resources, and believed in our vision for improving public education, I thank you. I remain committed to serving this community and advocating for fairness, accountability, and opportunity for all.

Rick

Happy Saturday! Remember that polls close at 3pm today. It would behoove everyone to choose FOUR candidates for the best...
02/28/2026

Happy Saturday! Remember that polls close at 3pm today. It would behoove everyone to choose FOUR candidates for the best possible chance to flip these seats. Happy Voting! 🤗

They are the heart of what makes our communities thrive!
02/26/2026

They are the heart of what makes our communities thrive!

It’s Public Schools Week! 🎉

Public schools are the heart of our communities and the foundation of our democracy. They unite us all, bringing together students, families, and educators to build a brighter future for North Carolina. Let’s celebrate the incredible role public schools play in shaping our lives and strengthening our communities.

02/25/2026

Thank you to Career Readiness Academy at Mosley PLC for the trip back in time! 🙏🤗

No captions necessary with Arts In Wilmington – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉
02/25/2026

No captions necessary with Arts In Wilmington – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

02/25/2026

Do you know your polling location? Some have changed!

Confirm your Election Day polling place here: https://loom.ly/ZQvgioU

Address

PO Box 3516
Wilmington, NC
28403

Website

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