5 candidates vie four available seats

William (BJ) Fore, 59, currently works as a real estate broker for Barlowe and Triplett Realty in Lenoir. He previously worked as a captain of the sheriff's office.

William was first elected to the school board in 2022.

For Candidate William (BJ) Fore on Issue school-services-resources: Emphasizes the importance of fiscal responsibility and accountability in budget decisions to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.

Emphasizes the importance of fiscal responsibility and accountability in budget decisions to "ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely."

- Emphasizes the importance of fiscal responsibility and accountability in budget decisions to "ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely."

School Facilities & Resources

As of January 2, 2026, William (BJ) Fore did not have a website or any information online.

Access to Education

Supports improving student outcomes by ensuring schools are safe and providing teachers with the necessary resources to succeed.

Supports "improving student outcomes by ensuring schools are safe."

- Supports "improving student outcomes by ensuring schools are safe."

Teachers

School Curriculum

Student Wellbeing

William (BJ) Fore

Believes in improving student outcomes and ensuring safe, conducive learning environments by supporting teachers with necessary resources.

As of January 2, 2026, William (BJ) Fore’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Buket Urgen

Facebook

Brandon L. Cornett has a wife and five children. He studied at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute

As of January 2, 2026, Brandon L. Cornett did not have a website or any information online.

Brandon L. Cornett

As of January 2, 2026, Brandon L. Cornett’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Joe Sims NC Farm Bureau Insurance Agent in Catawba County

Joe Sims has a wife and four children. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Lenoir-Rhyne College.

Joe is a North Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance Agent in Catawba County.



Joe Sims's campaign for Caldwell County Board of Education Member, Republican Primary is his first entry into politics.

Our School Board - Caldwell County Schools

Joe Sims served on the Caldwell County Board of Education since 2013.

- Supports increased funding for schools.

As of January 2, 2026, Joe Sims did not have a website or any information online.

Joe Sims

Instagram

As of January 2, 2026, Joe Sims’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Lesa Bolick Widener is a wife and mother. She received a Doctorate of Education from Gardner-Webb University.

Lesa is an Adjunct Professor at Gardner–Webb University. She is a former Elementary/Federal Programs Director at Caldwell County Schools

Dr. Lesa Bolick Widener ran for Caldwell County Board of Education member in 2026.

Candidates file for 2026 partisan elections

As of January 2, 2026, Lesa Bolick Widener did not have a website or any information online.

Lesa Bolick Widener

As of January 2, 2026, Lesa Bolick Widener’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Mark Gerson

Meredith Jane Wilson is a mother. She has a Bachelor's degree in Professional Studies.

Linkedin

Meredith is an Environmental Health & Safety professional with a background in manufacturing and fleet operations.

As of January 2, 2026, Meredith Jane Wilson did not have a website or any information online.

Believes the key to student success is "supporting our teachers, listening to families and educators, and making student-centered decisions."

Wants to see programming for students with special needs "strengthened."

- Believes the key to student success is "supporting our teachers, listening to families and educators, and making student-centered decisions."
- Wants to see programming for students with special needs "strengthened."

LinkedIn

Meredith Jane Wilson

As of January 2, 2026, Meredith Jane Wilson’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Teresa Branch is from Hudson, North Carolina.

Caldwell County Schools, North Carolina, elections - Ballotpedia

Caldwell commissioner and school board races heat up

Branch has worked in various educational roles, including teaching and administrative positions.

Teresa is currently a member of the Caldwell County Board of Education.

Caldwell school board and commissioner races intensify | News ...

Candidate Information | Caldwell County, NC

Teresa has served on the Caldwell County Board of Education since 2014.

As of January 2, 2026, Teresa Branch did not have a website or any information online.

For Candidate Teresa Branch on Issue education-access: Running for reelection as a school board member.

Teresa Branch

As of January 2, 2026, Teresa Branch’s website did not contain information on this issue.

- 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. 