Faulk to run for school board
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on February 7, 2008 1:48 PM
Ven Faulk, president of Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home and Crematory, has announced his candidacy for the at-large seat on the Wayne County Board of Education.
Earlier this week, board member Pete Gurley announced he will not seek re-election to the seat he has held for the past 12 years, citing health problems as his reason for stepping down.
Faulk said his business experience and parental concerns prompted him to run for the office.
"Having five children is one of my big reasons," he said. "Just the fact that I want to make sure that anything I can do to help the education system in Wayne County, I want to do."
Faulk is the father of a fourth-grader and four toddlers --a 3-year-old plus 2-year-old triplets. His wife, Ashley, is a teacher. As a volunteer in the community and a business owner, he said he feels he will "bring new and responsible ideas to the Wayne County Board of Education."
"I would like to see more parent involvement in our schools, continue the progress being made in the school facilities and most importantly, to assure that the children of Wayne County receive the best education that we can provide them."
In addition to being president of the family business, he is co-owner of Rhyme University Child Care Center and a member of a number of civic and community organization boards. He is a member of Providence United Methodist, currently serving as chairman of the staff/parish relationship committee.
Faulk was also chosen to be part of the facilities and real estate committee when the school system conducted a study of the construction needs in the county, which he said "gave me some insight into what our needs are as far as facilities. That really opened my eyes."
The experience contributed to his decision to become more involved in the process.
"I would like to see that facility plan continue," he said. "That's the big one."
Moreover, he said, his goal on the board would be helping ensure the best education for all children in the county.
That's one reason the at-large position held an appeal.
"I want to represent all of Wayne County," he said. "I don't want to feel obligated to a district."