REASONS
TO VOTE
FOR ME.
1.
I AM a follower of Christ
My name is Shanaia Powell and I am running for School Board in Transylvania County. I am a wife and a mother. I am also a Social Worker and an Advocate. I have a Masters in Social Work from the University of Tennessee and I am a Board Certified Healthcare Patient Advocate. I am also a former school employee. I worked as a school social worker for almost 10 years, serving in 6 of our 9 schools. I am excited to combine all those areas of education and expertise to serve as one of the next BOE members for Transylvania County Schools.
2.
I AM a Wife to Dwayne Powell
I want you to know more about me and my family. It’s important for you to know about me personally, so that you can understand my beliefs and values. I am married to Dwayne Powell. He is a Transylvania County native and a graduate of Rosman High School. He also coached baseball at RMS for several years. He is a Financial Planner and mostly works in Hendersonville. Later this year we will celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. Dwayne is not only my husband but my best friend. We support each other, enjoy spending time together and we love to make each other laugh! In our spare time, we enjoy traveling and watching our boys play baseball.
3.
I AM a Mother to Lawson and Carter
I am a mom!! I love my children and I could go on and on and on about them, but I’ll try to be brief! Lawson is our oldest son. He’s a BHS graduate (class of 2023) and is finishing up at Cleveland Community College. In the fall, he will begin at Spartanburg Methodist College. He is an avid baseball player and has played since he was 5 years old. He continues to play baseball in college. Carter is our youngest son. He is currently a Senior at BHS and will also begin at Spartanburg Methodist in the fall. He, too, is an excellent baseball player and has played since he was five years old as well. Both of our sons are fine young men and we are excited to see what their futures hold.
4.
I AM a Social Worker
I am a social worker. That has been a title I have carried proudly for more than 25 years. I graduated from Mars Hill University in 1999 with a BSW. I then completed my Masters in Social Work from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2001. Over the course of my career, I have worked in a variety of capacities. I have worked in government agencies, non-profit organizations and for-profit entities. I have worked with all ages. I enjoy helping people and making certain their needs are met. My main job for many years was to protect children and ensure their safety. I took this job very seriously. As a school board member I will continue to be a champion for all children in this county.
5.
I AM an Advocate
I am ready to serve as a proud member of the Transylvania County School Board. I am ready to be a voice for our students and staff! I am ready to be an advocate. I am the owner and operator of Mountain View Health Advocacy Services. I serve as an advocate for patients and families who need a little extra assistance in the complicated world of healthcare. I research, ask questions and find answers for my patients. As a member of the Transylvania County Board of Education, I will apply those same skills. I will do my research, ask necessary questions and find answers to meet the needs of our school system.
6.
I AM a Native of Transylvania County
I am a life-long native of Transylvania County. I have deep roots here and I am honored to call it my home. I currently live in Pisgah Forest, but I have family and friends that live all over this vast county. I am proud to say that I live, work and worship here! Transylvania County has many special qualities and because of that, our family chooses to stay here. We chose Transylvania County Schools for our children because we knew it was an excellent place to learn and grow. Therefore, I am committed to Transylvania County and to our school system!
7.
I AM a Graduate of TCS
I am a proud graduate of Brevard High School, Class of 1995. I attended Brevard Elementary, Brevard Middle and Brevard High. As a Junior and Senior, I was part of the dual enrollment program having the opportunity to take college classes at Brevard College. I was a part of the Booster Club and Future Homemakers of America. I also served on the School Improvement Committee as a student representative. My time in Transylvania County Schools was memorable, and I am forever grateful to be a BHS grad!!
8.
I AM a Former Employee of TCS
In 2015 I became a School Social Worker for TCS. I began my tenure serving at Pisgah Forest Elementary and Davidson River School. I was then transferred to the Rosman School District serving Rosman Elementary, Rosman Middle, Rosman High and TC Henderson Elementary. Over the course of 8 school years, I diligently worked as a liaison among our school, our community and the parents. Also during that time I worked with colleagues to develop the Suicide Assessement Protocol along with other protocols used to help protect our students. I also organized Giving Tree, Backpack Buddies and other community programs to benefit our students. In 2021, I was awarded Student Support Services Person of the Year. That was an incredible honor, as it was chosen by my peers. For almost 10 years, I was dedicated to TCS students and staff. I am ready to continue that dedication as a member of the Board of Education.
9.
I AM Strongly Connected to TCS
I have a strong and firm connection to Transylvania County Schools. Not only am I a graduate of the system and a former employee, my husband and oldest son are also graduates of TCS. My youngest son is a student at BHS and will graduate in June. I also have family and friends in almost every school in the TCS system. What happens in Transylvania County Schools is important to me! As a member of the Board of Education, I will be dedicated to improving my connection in each school and caring about the system as a whole.
10.
I AM Dedicated to Serve Students and Staff at TCS
My dedication and interest in TCS didn't begin when I decided to run for election for the BOE. It’s not new. I began volunteering in the school system in 2010. I spent years volunteering at multiple schools. I was the ROPE President at PFES, volunteered in classrooms and helped organize school events. I served as a proctor for End of Grade tests and attended many field trips. I continue to help with meals, snacks and events for sports teams within the county. In 2014, I was given the Friends of Education Award for my volunteer efforts. Being present for students and staff and showing support is imperative! As a Board Member, I will continue to be invested in all 9 of our wonderful schools.