News

Democratic Party chooses fourth nominee for School Board

Josh Williams

By Bill Moss, Published: July 19, 2024

Josh Williams, a Hendersonville native and 2001 graduate of Hendersonville High School, will be on the ballot as a Democrat in the Nov. 5 election, replacing Crystal Cauley, who died unexpectedly on June 16 at age 44.

A single father of a 4th grade student in the county schools, Williams joins Democrats Mary Ellen Kustin, Leslie Carey and Rhonda Mountain in the School Board election for four seats. Republicans are incumbents Robert Bridges and Kathy G. Revis, Amy Lynn Holt and Beth Campbell.

"Although we have a great public school system, there are a few things that we lack in our county," Williams said in a news release. "Leadership and representation within the minority community is a huge issue that could be improved in our county school system. I am also the chairman of the Diversity and Inclusion board for the city of Hendersonville, and the understanding of cultural bias differences is something that we need to improve in our schools for the betterment of students who have struggles and have been singled out.

"We also need to have teachers who have been educated and trained on these issues that many students deal with on a regular basis. There is also a need for every student to have the opportunity to succeed in more drama, art and music programs within our schools for students who don't have a desire to play sports to better support them."

Prior to being a single parent, Williams volunteered in schools and for a Cub Scout Pack.

After the Democratic Party nominated him for the vacant slot, Williams filed last week at the Henderson County Board of Elections, Elections Director Summer Heatherly said.