Shocking Decision! New Hanover County School Board Chairman Drops Out of Race—What This Means for Your Kids!

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - In a notable shift for the New Hanover County Board of Education, Pete Wildeboer, the current chair, has announced he will not seek reelection for a four-year term in 2026, citing family reasons. This decision comes shortly after he was elected chair for the second time earlier this month, as he approaches the final year of his current term. Wildeboer previously served on the board after being appointed in 2020 to fill a vacancy when Bill Rivenbark was elected county commissioner.

Wildeboer’s tenure has been marked by a focus on educational policy and community involvement. Despite his decision to step back from the electoral race, he has not ruled out a future return to public office. This opens the door for potential future developments in the local education landscape.

As Wildeboer plans to step away, the board prepares for a competitive election season in 2026. Three other Republican incumbents—Pat Bradford, Josie Barnhart, and Melissa Mason—have already filed to run for new terms. Their continued presence on the board will likely influence the direction of educational policies in New Hanover County.

Joining the race is Dr. Amy Dunning, who filed her candidacy on Wednesday. With 15 years of experience in education, Dunning believes her background in teaching students, supporting practicing teachers, and preparing future educators will enhance the board's work. "My leadership in advancing instructional excellence and collaborating with diverse stakeholders will support informed decisions that lead to strong, student-centered outcomes,” Dunning stated in her announcement.

Another candidate, local student-advocate Chris Sutton, also aims to bring his understanding of the district to the board. Sutton, who was on the ballot during the 2022 primary, emphasized his commitment to transparency and accountability. “I’m a lifelong local who truly understands the inner workings of this district. If elected, I plan to provide the level of transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility that our community deserves. We cannot expect our staff members to be miracle workers; we have to provide them with the support they need to give our children a quality education,” Sutton remarked. His campaign focuses on prioritizing children and maintaining politics outside the classroom.

On the Democratic side, three candidates have officially filed to run for the four available seats on the New Hanover County School Board: Brittnei Larue, Nelson Beaulieu, and Margie Gewirtzman. As the filing period for the 2026 elections in North Carolina draws to a close on December 19, the upcoming elections are shaping up to be a crucial turning point in the governance of local education.

The developments in this election cycle reflect broader trends in educational governance across the nation, where local school boards play a significant role in shaping policies that affect students, teachers, and communities. As candidates prepare for the upcoming election, the focus will increasingly be on how they plan to address the pressing issues facing education, including funding, curriculum choices, and staff support.

For more information and to check the current list of candidates who have filed for the 2026 elections, visit the North Carolina State Board of Elections website.