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Bill Fountain
Party:
Republican
Incumbent:
No
Previous experience in elected office:
None; ran unsuccessfully for the CMS Board of Education twice before, including in 2023
Age:
~82
Occupation:
Retired (describes himself as a “Patriot” on his LinkedIn page); Lt. Colonel in the US Air Force (1965-1985); worked as Program Manager/Marketing Manager at Northrop Grumman (1985-2005); taught at Christ the King Catholic High School (2011-2020).
Description:
Fountain’s platform focuses on prioritizing core academics over social/political agendas, empowering parents through school choice, and promoting traditional values in education. He says he is running because, “About two-thirds of CMS students are not meeting state standards.” In previous elections, he has been outspoken in his concerns about “wokism, Critical Race Theory, and Radical Gender Theory.”
Other personal:
Fountain holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Mississippi State University and a master’s degree in business management & supervision from Central Michigan University. Fountain often speaks out at City Council and Board of Education meetings. He is married, is a grandfather and has several self-published novels and a memoir. He is a registered Republican and endorsed by MeckGOP.
The Election Hub Questionnaire
Please share demographic information to help voters (your age, education, and where you live in NC now).
I’m Bill Fountain, a retired Air Force Lt. Colonel, husband, father of three, and grandfather of six. My wife and I have lived in Cornelius for over 20 years. I hold a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s in business management and supervision, and I’m a retired NC licensed teacher with 10 years of experience in CMS and Catholic schools, licensed in math, social studies, earth science, and marketing. I also volunteer as a Civil Air Patrol pilot and am active in the American Legion and Toastmasters. At over 65, I’m retired with the time and energy to put kids first — not politics.
Why are you running for this role, and why should voters pick you? Please tell us about any previous experience in elected office that you have.
About two-thirds of CMS students are not meeting state standards. For too long, the district has put social and political agendas ahead of academic excellence, undermining family values and tolerating discipline issues. It’s time to focus on what works: better behavior, strong character formation, and the basics — reading, writing, and math. My experience as a military officer, business manager, and licensed classroom teacher equips me to be an effective change agent: preparing students for success, empowering parents, promoting school choice, and upholding traditional values.
What is one thing you would like to accomplish in the first six months if elected?
Revise social-emotional learning (SEL) to focus on character and virtues such as integrity, resilience, self-control, and kindness.
What endorsements from any notable NC organizations or individuals have you received?
Mecklenburg County GOP.
Please tell us something unexpected about you that voters may be interested in knowing.
I attended five different high schools in three different countries — an experience that taught me adaptability and the importance of strong schools no matter where you live.