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The Nov. 3, 2026, election for the Wake County school board District 9 seat features board chair Tyler Swanson running against Cheryl Alexis and Brian Olson for the seat representing much of Cary and parts of Morrisville and Apex. The News & Observer asked all candidates in this race to complete a questionnaire to inform voters about their opinions on key issues.
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Political party: Republican
Age as of Nov. 3, 2026: 72
Campaign website: https://www.cherylforwakecounty.com/
Current occupation: Employment Specialist
Professional experience: 8 years practicing Labor and Employment Law; 20+ years experience in Human Resources management
Education: Bachelor’s degree from Harvard University, Cambridge MA; Juris Doctor from University of Chicago Law School
Please list any notable government or civic involvement: Worked for MassHire, and American Jobs Center that is the Massachusetts equivalent of NCWorks
What do you see as the most important issue that you would have control over if you win, and what is your position on it? As part of a team, I would not have control over most issues, with one notable exception: accountability and transparency. Unless prohibited, I would share with the public all that we do as a Board — our decisions, our priorities, our successes, our failures. I will also invite questions and feedback from all stakeholders.
Wake’s academic performance on state exams has returned to pre-pandemic levels. What more should the district do to try to improve achievement? (1) Prioritize spending that improves reading and literacy at the K-3 grade levels. (2) Prioritize classroom spending, including teacher salaries, as opposed to administrative expenses; (3) Explore what other school districts have done to improve academic performance and learn from them (e.g., Smithfield-Selma High School and other Johnston County public schools; Mebane Middle School; Alamance-Burlington schools; and schools outside of North Carolina).
Many Wake County schools have had HVAC problems. What would you do to try to address the problem? Many of these problems can be attributed to the Board’s failure to spend money previously granted for HVAC and facility improvements — instead, funds were re-directed for other purposes, kicking the proverbial can down the road. Second, we need to ensure that we are buying high-quality HVAC systems and maintaining them. Finally, we need to hire facilities staff to maintain our HVAC investments. Do we really need six Assistant Principals at Panther Creek High School rather than more facilities staff?
What is your position on the $680 million school construction bond referendum on the Nov. 3 ballot? My vote is NO. I do not have confidence that the Board spends money wisely and appropriately. While financial audits may be “clean”, they do not show that every program, contract and expenditure has delivered the greatest possible educational value for taxpayers. We must be certain that taxpayer dollars lead to visible and measurable student outcomes before we ask for any further funding. This is simply sound fiscal practice.
How should Wake County handle the distribution of computers and their use by students in school? We are well beyond the COVID shutdown that necessitated a Chromebook for every student. We no longer get federal funding for these computers, so we cannot afford a computer for every student. Grades K – 3 should primarily be using books, not computers. Older students can use computers that stay at the school.
How should the Wake County school system respond when parents want to opt their children out of a class taught by a transgender and/or non-binary teacher? Parents of elementary-age students should absolutely have the right to opt out of such classes. I’m inclined to give parents of older students the same right.
Political party: Democrat
Age as of Nov. 3, 2026: 53
Campaign website: www.olsonforwakecountykids.com
Current occupation: Operations Management Professional and Community Advocate
Professional experience: Nearly 20 years of executive and operational leadership experience spanning corporate operations, telecommunications/digital media infrastructure, multi-state licensed client services, small business ownership, and real estate management. Proven expertise in large-scale logistics, cross-functional team development, project management, and budget oversight.
Education: Pepperdine University: Graduate coursework, Human Resources and Public Administration University of Denver (Daniels College of Business): Professional MBA Program coursework University of Phoenix: Bachelor of Science in Business Management Defense Language Institute, Presidio of Monterey: Certificate of Completion, Spanish and Latin American Studies
Please list any notable government or civic involvement: Twice-elected public education board member and multi-term Board President/Chair (Palomar & San Diego districts); managed multi-million dollar institutional budgets and public policy. Elected School Site Council President (CA & CO). Current vice president of West Cary Middle School PTA and Fine Arts Booster member. Grassroots candidate for Wake County Board of Education (District 9) focused on fiscal responsibility, student-first allocation, and parent-driven exceptional children’s advocacy
What do you see as the most important issue that you would have control over if you win, and what is your position on it? Putting our kids and teachers first. As a multi-term board president, I know real change requires a functional board, not solo grandstanding. My position is simple: stop the budget band-aids and redirect funds where they belong. We need to audit top-heavy bloat, back our teachers, and make Wake County a place where educators want to stay and every child thrives. Real leadership for our kids, by parents who actually live it.
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Wake’s academic performance on state exams has returned to pre-pandemic levels. What more should the district do to try to improve achievement? Prioritizing student achievement and responsible stewardship. Returning to pre-pandemic baselines isn’t enough; we need higher standards. My position: refocus district resources on front-line classrooms and robust support for exceptional learners by streamlining central office operations. We must back our educators with real tools, respect parents as partners, and ensure every dollar directly drives student success. High accountability, zero bloat, and a thriving school community.
Many Wake County schools have had HVAC problems. What would you do to try to address the problem? If you can’t keep the heat out of the classroom, get out of the boardroom. AC failures force school closures, stealing instructional time and disrupting working families. My position: audit facilities funding and redirect central office dollars into urgent capital repairs. Let’s stop letting bureaucratic waste shortchange our schools and ensure every student has a safe, climate-controlled classroom to learn without interruption.
What is your position on the $680 million school construction bond referendum on the Nov. 3 ballot? An absolute yes, with zero blank checks. Our kids and teachers deserve safe, modern schools, and this bond replaces reactive band-aid budgets with real solutions. My position: I am an enthusiastic supporter, but as a fiscal steward, I’ll demand transparent oversight to ensure every cent goes into urgent capital projects without waste. We will rebuild our failing infrastructure, protect taxpayers, and finally get it right.
How should Wake County handle the distribution of computers and their use by students in school? Purposeful tools, not lazy budget cuts. Stripping technology without a plan creates an equity nightmare for families who can’t afford devices and a logistical mess for teachers. My position: technology must serve as a focused instructional tool, not a default screen-time substitute or a casualty of central office fiscal failure. Instead of whack-a-mole cuts, we must properly fund essential classroom tools while partnering with the state to do it right.
How should the Wake County school system respond when parents want to opt their children out of a class taught by a transgender and/or non-binary teacher? Prioritizing parent transparency and student stability. Schools must respect parental rights while maintaining a safe, inclusive learning environment for all. My position: parents deserve clear communication about classroom assignments and curriculum. If a genuine conflict arises, standard district transfer policies should apply fairly without disrupting the classroom. We must keep the focus on academic excellence, operational transparency, and mutual respect for teachers and families alike.
Political party: Democrat
Age as of Nov. 3, 2026: 32
Campaign website: swansonforwake.com
Current occupation: Nonprofit Consultant
Professional experience: As a former Wake County educator, I understand firsthand the importance of strong public schools. Today, I have the honor of serving as the Chair of the Wake County Board of Education, where I work every day to advocate for our students, families, and educators.
Education: Master Degree in Public Administration
Please list any notable government or civic involvement: I served on the North Carolina School Boards Association Action Center Board of Directors, I am member of the Cary Rotary Club
What do you see as the most important issue that you would have control over if you win, and what is your position on it? The most important issue I would focus on is recruiting and retaining high-quality teachers and school staff. Our educators are the heart of our schools, and students deserve a strong, supported workforce. As a former high school teacher, I understand the challenges educators face. I will continue advocating for competitive compensation, supportive working conditions, professional development, and opportunities for educators to grow and build their careers in Wake County.
Wake’s academic performance on state exams has returned to pre-pandemic levels. What more should the district do to try to improve achievement? WCPSS saw meaningful progress with proficiency rising from 64.4% in 2025 to 68.2% in 2026 (highest rate since 2012). This progress is not the finish line. Our goals include continual investing in educators, using data for targeted support, strengthening early literacy and math, and providing schools with the resources they need for these purposes. Imagine what educators could accomplish if the North Carolina General Assembly fully invested in our schools instead of asking teachers and school boards to do more with less.
Many Wake County schools have had HVAC problems. What would you do to try to address the problem? We must continue addressing aging HVAC systems via ongoing maintenance and capital improvements, while prioritizing schools with the greatest needs. The upcoming bond includes aging HVAC systems funding and addresses critical facility needs. I want to establish a “Grow Your Own” program, similar to our Future Teacher program, to encourage students to pursue careers in HVAC or other skilled trades via the WakeTech dual enrollment program to build our own workforce needed for school maintenance.
What is your position on the $680 million school construction bond referendum on the Nov. 3 ballot? I support addressing the needs outlined in our Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), including new schools and critical facility repairs. While school boards do not collect revenue or determine how it is raised, we do know the importance of providing students with a safe and healthy learning environment. I am confident that Wake residents will review the CIP facts while keeping in mind our community’s growth, the school facility needs, and the positive impact our schools have on our local economy.
How should Wake County handle the distribution of computers and their use by students in school? Our board has directed staff to develop a plan to reduce technology use in the early grade levels and ensure devices are used intentionally in instruction. Technology should support learning, not replace hands-on instruction, collaboration, and relationship-building. We will regularly review if technology is improving student outcomes and supporting healthy learning environments. Also, we will provide devices to students without access at home to ensure all students have equitable access.
How should the Wake County school system respond when parents want to opt their children out of a class taught by a transgender and/or non-binary teacher? As this matter may involve potential legal proceedings, and pursuant to the advice of counsel, I am not at liberty to provide a comment to this particular question.
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This story was originally published October 9, 2026 at 2:32 PM.