I’m Khristy Womack Smith, a mom, advocate, and candidate for the Catawba County Board of Education. I’m running because I care deeply about our children, our teachers, and the future of our schools.

​

Originally from NJ, I have called NC home for 29 years. I came to NC to attend Johnson C. Smith University, where I studied elementary education. I come from a family of educators, and although my career took me into banking, my passion for children, education, and service has remained a constant throughout my life.  I began my career as a bank teller while in college and went on to manage several financial centers throughout the Charlotte region. My experience in financial services gave me valuable skills in leadership, financial responsibility, personnel management, problem-solving, and serving others. I also conducted financial-literacy workshops at colleges and taught financial literacy to youth and young adults.

​

My commitment to children extends well beyond my career. I have volunteered with children throughout my life, including working with children with special needs and teaching kindergarten Sunday School for ten years. As the mother of a daughter with Down syndrome, I have also become an advocate within the Down syndrome community. These experiences have strengthened my belief that every child, from every background and with every ability, deserves a quality education.

​

As a resident of the southeastern part of Catawba County, I am especially concerned about how we plan for the growth happening in our community. Our schools need thoughtful, long-term planning that prepares us for growth so we can serve the families and students who are coming, not simply react after we have outgrown our resources. We are seeing that growth firsthand in the Terrell and Sherrills Ford area, and I want to help make sure our schools are prepared for what’s ahead. I also believe our teachers deserve strong support. We need to listen to educators, provide them with the resources they need to succeed, and work to attract and retain the excellent teachers our students deserve.

​

I want to listen to educators, parents, students, administrators, and our community, understand the challenges we face, and work collaboratively toward solutions that put our students first

My focus is simple: our students, our teachers, and our schools. They are what matters most and I am ready to serve!