A look at who filed in the 2026 tri-county elections | Port City Daily

Rick Southerland has a bachelor's degree in dance and master's degrees in both dance and performing arts.

Rick is an educator and arts adminstrator.

Rick Southerland's campaign for New Hanover County Board of Education Member, Democratic Primary is his first entry into politics.

Team 1 — New Hanover Democrats

Who is running for office in Wilmington, NC, in 2026?

Rick's campaign for New Hanover County Board of Education Member is his first entry into politics.

Prioritizes fully funding public education.ee

- Prioritizes fully funding public education.ee

School Facilities & Resources

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

Access to Education

Teachers

School Curriculum

Student Wellbeing

Rick Southerland

As of January 2, 2026, Rick Southerland’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. 