Carolinas Academic Leadership Network (CALN) is proud to announce the formation of School Board Advisory Committees, comprised of six highly motivated and effective school board members from North Carolina and South Carolina.
The committees, assembled by CALN director Bryce Fiedler, bring a collective wealth of educational expertise and a steadfast commitment to advancing academic excellence. All members currently serve on school boards in the Carolinas, with several representing some of the largest school districts in the region, including Wake, Charleston, and Berkeley Counties.
The newly formed committees will provide strategic guidance to CALN, helping further elevate its school board services through critical insight and the real-world experiences of local education leaders. They will also ensure CALN remains adaptive to rising challenges and opportunities in the K-12 landscape, while staying fiercely committed to student achievement.
North Carolina School Board Advisory Committee Members
- Cheryl Caulfield, Wake County Board of Education
- Pat Bradford, New Hanover County Board of Education
- Brad Camp, Burke County Board of Education
South Carolina School Board Advisory Committee Members
- Pam McKinney, Charleston County School Board
- Christina Rucker, Lexington District Two School Board
- Cindy Coats, Berkeley County Board of Education
“The organization has seen its institutional knowledge grow tenfold with the formation of the Advisory Committees,” said Bryce Fiedler, Director of CALN. “Each member brings a trusted perspective that will make us more effective, more informed, and better positioned to foster school improvement.”
When asked why they believe CALN’s work is important for school boards in the Carolinas, our Advisory Committee members shared:
- Pam McKinney: “With so many political and social issues clouding schools and school board meetings, it is refreshing and very necessary to have CALN’s voice. Why? Because CALN supports the community focus where it should be: the education of every student.”
- Christina Rucker: “Serving on the advisory committee is a true honor, and I am confident that CALN’s resources will make a meaningful impact in South Carolina. We are dedicated to advancing student achievement and uplifting communities across the state. I am excited for what’s ahead in South Carolina!”
- Cindy Coats: “Connecting with groups like CALN and reform-minded peers across the Carolinas is so important in helping me as I make decisions that impact our students.”
- Pat Bradford: “I have been involved with CALN since its inception, leaving every interaction as a richer school board member. I depend on its timely education for insight into the issues affecting children that are critical to my day-to-day decision-making as a school board member. I also appreciate the iron-sharpening-iron collaboration with fellow board members in the trenches of their respective counties. I hold high expectations for the future with CALN as a partner.”
- Cheryl Caulfield: “I am honored to be part of this endeavor. I have been working with the John Locke Foundation and CALN while serving on one of the largest school boards in our nation. I appreciate their nonpartisan approach, focusing on student achievement and academic success to raise standards in education. They are always current and relevant to the needs of school board members. I look forward to collaborating with partners who strive for such academic excellence.”
This milestone comes alongside another exciting announcement—CALN’s 2025 Annual Dinner and Networking Event, set for November 6 in Charleston. Hosted in partnership with the Leadership Institute, the gathering will welcome reform-minded school board members, education leaders, and engaged parents for an evening of learning, fellowship, and a first look at CALN’s upcoming events and initiatives for 2026.
About Carolinas Academic Leadership Network (CALN):
CALN is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting academic excellence and effective school board governance. We strive to equip North and South Carolina school board leaders with the tools and training necessary to navigate today’s educational challenges and effectively serve their districts. Our mission is to be the foremost advocate for student achievement, parental authority, and exemplary school board service throughout the Carolinas.
CALN launched as a joint initiative between the John Locke Foundation (Locke) in North Carolina and from South Carolina the Palmetto Promise Institute (PPI) and the South Carolina Policy Council (SCPC). All three are nonprofit public policy organizations dedicated to liberty and human flourishing.
For media inquiries relating to CALN, please contact Bryce Fiedler at bfiedler@schoolboardleader.com.