Mason Dyer focuses on student performance, community involvement
Mason R. Dyer is seeking reelection to the Greene County Board of Education, identifying state test scores, proficiency in math and English, and community involvement as the district’s most pressing issues.
Dyer, a Republican incumbent, said he has raised concerns about test scores and that administrators are developing a plan to address academic performance. He said regular updates to the board would help members evaluate progress and the effectiveness of those efforts.
Dyer said he is 52, graduated from East Carolina University and has lived in Greene County for 38 years after moving from Paris, Kentucky. He and his wife, Melanie, have been married for 27 years and have three children, all of whom have attended Greene County schools. He said their experience in the district was a major reason he became involved.
“My goal is to represent our citizens honestly and help make decisions that are in the best interest of our students, staff, and school district,” Dyer said.
Dyer pointed to his service on the board’s Finance Committee as experience navigating difficult decisions. He said state budget constraints and a slight decline in student enrollment have required consideration of budget cuts. Working with the superintendent and finance director, he said, has given him a closer view of those challenges and the judgments involved.
Alongside academic performance, Dyer said he has encouraged residents to participate in school activities and attend board meetings throughout his current term.
“Strong community participation is essential to building a better school district,” he said.
Dyer described accessibility as central to transparency. He said he responds to residents in person and by phone, text or email, and seeks information or refers questions to the appropriate people when he does not have an answer.
“I believe transparency starts with being accessible, honest, and willing to address concerns directly,” Dyer said.
On collaboration, Dyer said board members have continued working together despite disagreements on some decisions.
“Effective governance requires cooperation, respect, and a willingness to consider different perspectives,” he said.
Dyer said regular progress reports would help the board connect immediate academic goals with longer-term plans. He also wants to explore a SWOT analysis, an assessment of the district’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, to identify areas for improvement and ways to support student success.
He said he would continue advocating for the resources staff and students need. Dyer also cited his involvement in two school construction projects: the completed high school and a new elementary school in development. He credited North Carolina Education Lottery funding with helping make the projects possible and said modern facilities would support students and staff in reaching educational goals.
Dyer will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot for the Greene County Board of Education. Voters may select up to three candidates in the race.
