For Cherokee County Board of Education Candidate Tom Beasley, being unaffiliated was part of the journey.

“I believe it should be focused on the students, not politics. You know it should be about education and not party labels. The decision should be based on what's best for Cherokee County, the kids, and the families,” Beasley, who has been an adoptive and foster parent for 16 years, said.

Beasley attributed his choice to run without partisan affiliation to divine intervention.

Some NC candidates reject parties. Here’s how they get on your ballot.

Tom Beasley has been an adoptive parent and foster parent for 16 years.

Some NC candidates reject parties. Here's how they get on your ballot

2026 North Carolina General Election

As of September 21, 2026, Tom Beasley did not have a website or any information online.

School Facilities & Resources

Access to Education

Teachers

School Curriculum

Student Wellbeing

Tom Beasley

As of September 21, 2026, Tom Beasley’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Mauricio Mendez

Buket Urgen

Philip (Flip) Watson

Randy Phillips

- The Board of Education runs the public school system. They create policies that establish standards, accountability and evaluation of essential operations of the school system.
- The Board of Education member hires a superintendent and can remove them when necessary. The superintendent assists the Board of Education in implementing the board’s policies. 
- The Board of Education is charged with deciding the school budget. This means they decide how to allocate money between different services, such as teacher pay, repairing school facilities, or access to technology.
- Board of Education members are elected every four years. 

Member of the board that governs your county's public school system