RALEIGH -- Governor Cooper has nominated members to the State Board of Education. "Decisions made by the State Board of Education impact schools, students, teachers and families across North Carolina," Gov. Cooper said. "I'm pleased to nominate as members dedicated, experienced education leaders who know how critical quality public schools are to our state's future."

The State Board of Education supervises and administers the public school system and the educational funds provided for its support. The board has 19 members, including 14 appointed by the Governor.

Members must be confirmed by the N.C. General Assembly and serve for eight years each.

Gov. Cooper has nominated the following members to the State Board of Education:

Reginald Kenan as second education district representative, a reappointment. Kenan is a native of Duplin County where he practices law and serves on the county school board. He is a graduate of Guilford College and Campbell University and is active in his church and community.

Sandra Byrd as eighth education district representative. Byrd lives in Asheville and is a retired Associate Professor of Education from UNC Asheville, where she served as Assistant Provost. She previously taught high school and was Buncombe County Teacher of the Year. She is a graduate of Salem College, Western Carolina University, and the University of South Carolina.

Dr. John B. Buxton as at-large representative. Buxton lives in Raleigh and is the founding principal of Education Innovations Group, an education consulting firm. Previously, he served as Deputy State Superintendent of North Carolina public schools, an education advisor in the Governor’s Office, and coordinator of special programs for NC Teaching Fellows. A former high school teacher, Buxton is a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill and Princeton.