CHARLES TOWN-Five candidates are running for two open positions on the Jefferson County Board of Education in the May 10 primary election.

Among those throwing their hats into the ring for the first time are Ronald Jones, Erica Logan and Rob Frazier.

Jones, who currently works as an educational consultant, said his experience and people skills would allow him to seek opportunities for growth.

“I would be a visionary, advocate and a catalyst for change. I would bring transparency, passion, vision and a determination to elevate the spirit of Jefferson County Schools to the table if I’m elected,” Jones said.

Jones said his top three priorities for education in Jefferson County are access, advancement and community engagement. Jones said he would like to see Jefferson County students’ academic performance be competitive with students across the country.

“If I am elected to the Board, I will bring the ability and willingness to communicate with and involve all stakeholders who impact the educational experience of the students,” said Logan, who is another new candidate. “I believe that it is important to address all facets of education in order to resolve issues and other key challenges facing the county Board of Education today.”

Logan said her experience of more than 20 years managing and negotiating will be useful if she is elected to the Board of Education. Her top three priorities for education are: Implementing curriculum and standards that produce high student achievement, preparing graduates for success after high school and enhancing and expanding early childhood education initiatives.

Frazier said student success is his No. 1 priority, and said he will listen to and address concerns of the community, school personnel and students if elected to the board.

“As a spouse to a public educator, I understand the frustrations of the teachers and the limitations of the school system that make it difficult to ensure that the needs of students are met,” he said.

Frazier’s top priorities are: Ensuring students receive education based on their individual needs, bringing bullying awareness to the forefront and the budget, primarily the hiring of a full-time nurse at all county schools.

Mark Osbourn, an incumbent seeking re-election, said his current experience on the Board of Education provides him with a strong foundation in his campaign.

“I believe it is very important to our students, families and all staff to have a Board of Education that works well together to succeed and establish common goals in making best practice decisions for students and our county,” he said. “It is very important to integrate what has already proven to be successful practice into new modes of instruction. If re-elected I continue to bring my skills to evaluate new instructional techniques and make informed positive evaluation on their impact and student achievement.”

Osbourn said his top three priorities for education are: ensuring graduating high school students are prepared for a career or college, providing high-quality personnel while balancing budgets and securing competitive salaries and benefits for all personnel.

Gary Kable, another incumbent, said his life-long residency in Jefferson County and his experience on the board have helped him build relationships that can improve the school system.

“I want to continue to bring knowledge, integrity and understanding to the solutions of the many questions that are dealt with each year,” he said. “I will continue to bring meaningful local control to our county to benefit our employees and most of all, each and every student.”

Among Kable’s priorities is finding ways to compensate school employees, as he said the current state pay scale puts Jefferson County at a disadvantage.

The primary election is May 10. Since it is a nonpartisan race the top two finishers will win the seats.