Amanda Wortman

Questionnaire from The Chamber, Leading Business in Cabarrus

Note: The following responses are verbatim from the candidate and have not been edited.

Please provide demographic information about yourself to help voters (age, education, current occupation, where you live).

I am a 42-year-old mother of five and have been a resident of Cabarrus County for nearly two decades. I am an NC Paramedic and continue ongoing professional education, including pursuing additional studies in the field of funeral services. I work as the executive assistant for my family’s commercial electrical business, where I manage accounting, human resources, and office operations, and I am deeply invested in the success of our local schools and community.

Why are you running for this role and why should voters pick you? Please share any experience in an elected role that would be relevant to voters.

I am running for the Cabarrus County School Board because I believe every student deserves an education that prepares them for real life, whether that path leads to college, the workforce, the military, or skilled trades. As a mother of five and a longtime resident of Cabarrus County, I have spent years advocating for students with diverse learning styles and needs.

Voters should choose me because I bring a practical, student-focused perspective shaped by hands-on experience both in education advocacy and in the construction industry. As a paramedic and executive assistant for a commercial electrical company, I have experience with operations, budgeting, project coordination, and accountability. While I have not held elected office, I am committed to thoughtful, transparent decision making that supports students, families, and educators.

Tell us about 2-3 professional accomplishments you have achieved in your work experience (not limited to public service) that give voters a sense of your leadership style or skills.

Throughout my career, I’ve held roles that require accountability, leadership, and calm decision-making. As a paramedic, I’ve worked in high-pressure situations where quick judgment, teamwork, and safety are critical. I am a graduate of the Public Safety Leadership Institute at CPCC and hold several FEMA certifications, which have strengthened my leadership and emergency management skills.

In my role as Executive Assistant for a family owned commercial electrical company, I manage daily operations, support budgeting and compliance, and HR. This has given me hands-on experience in construction and financial oversight.

Balancing professional responsibilities while raising five children has also shaped my leadership style: organized, adaptable, and focused on practical solutions.

What is one thing you would like to accomplish in the first six months if elected?

In my first six months, I will begin reviewing policies that may unintentionally limit access to hands-on or program-choice opportunities for students who could benefit from them but are currently excluded due to GPA requirements. I would also work to gather information from middle and high schools to better identify students who may be slipping through the cracks, ensuring appropriate supports and pathways are in place for their success. Additionally, I would prioritize looking ahead to strengthen safety measures in our high schools and ensure learning environments remain secure.

Public schools play a critical role in preparing students for both higher education and the workforce. How should the school system balance academic achievement, student growth, and Career & Technical Education to meet the needs of students and employers?

Public schools must recognize that student success is not one-size-fits-all. Academic achievement, personal growth, and Career & Technical Education should work together rather than compete with one another. Academics remain essential, but they should be paired with flexible pathways that allow students to apply learning in meaningful, hands-on ways.

Career and Technical Education programs should be expanded and aligned with local workforce needs, while also ensuring students receive the academic foundation necessary for long-term success. By strengthening partnerships with local employers, investing in skilled trades and certification programs, and identifying students’ strengths earlier, schools can better prepare graduates for college, careers, or both. The goal should be to meet students where they are and provide multiple, respected pathways to graduation and their future.

School facilities and capital planning directly affect learning environments and community growth. How would you approach long-term facilities planning to ensure schools keep pace with enrollment and workforce demands?

Long-term facilities planning should be proactive, data driven, and realistic, based on enrollment trends, program needs, and workforce demands, including the ability to attract and retain teachers and school staff.

I believe planning should include regular review of growth projections, building capacity, and the condition of existing facilities to ensure resources are used responsibly. Facilities must support modern learning environments, while also providing functional, secure workplaces for educators. Collaboration with county leaders and community stakeholders, along with transparency and fiscal accountability, should guide long-term facilities decisions.

Attracting and retaining high-quality teachers remains a challenge statewide. What strategies should be prioritized to build a stable, effective educator workforce in Cabarrus County?

We should prioritize strong onboarding and mentoring for new teachers, meaningful professional development, and clear communication between educators and leadership. We should also focus on reducing unnecessary administrative burdens so teachers can focus on teaching. Retention improves when educators feel valued, supported, and confident that their voices matter in decision making.

Beyond standardized test scores, what measures do you believe best reflect school performance and student preparedness for future success?

Standardized test scores matter, but they don’t tell the whole story. I believe school performance should also be measured by individual student growth, attendance, engagement, and whether students are actually prepared for what comes next after graduation.

Student preparedness should include access to hands-on learning, Career and Technical Education, certifications, and real-world experiences that lead to college, the workforce, or the military. Safe schools, strong support systems, and family involvement also play a key role. When students leave our schools with skills, confidence, and a clear direction for their future, that’s a true measure of success.

Strong partnerships with local governments, businesses, and community organizations can enhance educational outcomes. How would you support collaboration to strengthen opportunities for students and families?

Strong collaboration starts with open communication and a willingness to listen.

I would support partnerships that expand hands-on learning opportunities, Career and Technical Education, internships, and mentorships that connect students to real-world skills and local workforce needs. Collaboration should also focus on family support services and clear communication so parents understand the resources available to them. By building relationships, encouraging community involvement, and aligning efforts, we can create stronger pathways for student success both in and beyond the classroom.