Lauren Hensley

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As a school board candidate, my focus is on ensuring students receive a high-quality education, safe learning environments, and access to support services. Broader questions about reproductive or end-of-life law are determined at the state and federal level and are outside the responsibilities of a local board of education.

Schools should ensure that students facing a crisis pregnancy are treated with compassion, confidentiality, and respect. The role of the school is to provide accurate information, connect students with appropriate support services, and help them continue their education. As a school counselor, I believe schools should work with families and community resources to ensure students have access to counseling, health information, and academic support so they can make informed decisions and stay on track toward graduation.

To me, separation of church and state in public schools means that schools must remain neutral on matters of religion while respecting the religious freedom of every student and family. Students have the right to hold and express their personal beliefs, but public schools should not promote or favor any particular religion. The role of the school is to create an inclusive environment where students of all faiths—or no faith—feel respected and welcome.

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Decisions about student loan forgiveness are made at the federal level and fall outside the responsibilities of a local board of education. My focus as a candidate is strengthening our K-12 schools so students graduate prepared for college, careers, or technical training without unnecessary financial barriers.

I strongly support public investment in education from early childhood through higher education & career training. Strong schools are essential for strong communities and a strong workforce. Funding should prioritize high-quality Pre-K opportunities, well-resourced K-12 schools, and accessible pathways to college, career-technical education, and workforce training. When we invest in education at every stage, we create opportunities for students, support families, and strengthen our communities.

Choose not to answer

Immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility and not within the authority of a local board of education. My focus as a school board candidate is ensuring that every student in our schools feels safe, supported, and able to learn. Schools should be places where students and families trust educators, and where the priority is education, student well-being, and helping young people succeed.

Neutral

Schools should provide students with age-appropriate, evidence-based health education delivered by qualified educators and aligned with state standards and local policy. When outside resources are used, they should be carefully reviewed by the district to ensure they are educational, appropriate for students, and respectful of families and community expectations. The priority should always be student well-being, accurate information, and maintaining transparency with parents and guardians.

Strongly Agree

Safe, orderly classrooms are essential for learning. Students need clear expectations and consistent consequences when behavior disrupts the learning environment. At the same time, schools should focus on teaching positive behavior, addressing underlying issues, and helping students learn from mistakes. A balanced approach, combining accountability with support, helps maintain safe schools while giving students the opportunity to grow and succeed.

Agree

Students should learn about America’s founding documents and the principles they established, including democracy, rights, and civic responsibility. A strong civic education helps students understand how our government works and prepares them to participate thoughtfully in their communities. Schools should encourage students to appreciate our nation’s ideals while also developing the critical thinking skills needed to engage with history and civic life.

Disagree

Public education works best when there is a strong partnership between local communities, states, and the federal government. Local districts should absolutely have flexibility to meet the needs of their students, but federal programs also play an important role in supporting students with disabilities, addressing educational inequities, and ensuring access to resources across states. My priority is making sure schools have the support they need so every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Sex education should be age-appropriate, medically accurate, and aligned with state and local standards. Students should learn about human development, consent, healthy relationships, and the physical and emotional aspects of health so they can make informed and responsible decisions. Schools should also maintain transparency with families and follow district policies regarding parent notification and participation.

Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Civics, American History, Information Technology, Personal Finances, Vocational Learning, Social Emotional Learning, Physical Fitness, Art & Music, Foreign Language

Agree

Public schools should absolutely prioritize strong academic achievement while also helping students develop character, responsibility, and respect for others. A strong education prepares students not only with knowledge and skills, but also with the civic understanding needed to participate in their communities and our democratic system. Schools play an important role in helping students become thoughtful, responsible citizens.

Disagree

Strong public schools are the foundation of strong communities. Rather than diverting resources away from public schools, we should focus on investing in the schools that serve the vast majority of our students. Improvement comes from supporting educators, maintaining strong academic programs, and ensuring schools have the resources they need to meet the needs of all learners.

Disagree

School safety is incredibly important, and schools should have strong safety plans, trained school resource officers, and close partnerships with local law enforcement. Educators’ primary role is teaching and supporting students. Addressing school safety should focus on prevention, mental health support, secure facilities, and trained security personnel rather than placing that responsibility on classroom teachers.

No

No

2014 Democratic Primary 2014 General Election 2016 Democratic Primary 2016 General Election 2018 Democratic Primary 2018 General Election 2020 Democratic Primary 2020 General Election 2022 Democratic Primary 2022 General Election

I believe participating in elections is an important civic responsibility, and I have consistently exercised my right to vote. West Virginia allows voters who are registered as Independent to choose either the Democratic or Republican ballot in primary elections, and I have participated in elections in accordance with the state’s voting laws. As a candidate for a nonpartisan Board of Education seat, my focus is on serving students, families, and educators in our community.

Independent

Moderate

While I have personal views like any citizen, the role I am seeking is a nonpartisan position focused on serving students, families, and educators. My priority is strong public schools, transparency, and student success. I believe good school board leadership requires listening to the community, working collaboratively, and making decisions based on what is best for students rather than partisan politics.

Choose not to answer

Policies related to athletics participation and student facilities should follow state law, district policy, and guidance from athletic associations while prioritizing the safety, privacy, and dignity of all students. My focus as a school board candidate is ensuring schools create respectful, safe environments where every student can learn and participate. These issues should be addressed thoughtfully at the policy level with input from families, educators, and the community.

My values are grounded in respect for others, compassion, service to my community, and a belief that every person deserves dignity and opportunity. In my work as an educator and school counselor, I strive to treat every student and family with kindness, fairness, and understanding. I also believe public schools should welcome students of all faiths and backgrounds while focusing on helping every child learn, grow, and succeed.

Strongly Agree

Parents play a vital role in their children’s health, education, and overall well-being. Schools work best when there is a strong partnership between families and educators. I believe parents should be informed, involved, and respected as key partners in their child’s education, while schools provide the professional expertise and support needed to help every student succeed.

Strongly Agree

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s vision of judging people by the content of their character rather than the color of their skin reflects a core principle of fairness and equality. In education, every student deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and the belief that they can succeed. Schools should foster environments where all students feel valued and where character, effort, and opportunity matter.

Choose not to answer

Marriage law is determined at the federal and state level and is outside the responsibilities of a local board of education. My focus as a school board candidate is ensuring that every student and family feels respected and supported in our schools. Public schools serve families of many backgrounds and beliefs, and our priority should always be helping every student succeed.

Neutral

Mental health conditions should be addressed through evidence-based care from qualified medical and mental health professionals. Schools play an important role in supporting students’ well-being, identifying concerns, and connecting families with appropriate resources. My focus as a school board candidate is ensuring students have access to supportive environments and professional help when they are struggling with mental health challenges.

Neutral

School library materials should be age-appropriate, educational, and selected through a thoughtful review process that includes trained educators and librarians. Districts should have clear policies that allow concerns about materials to be reviewed through an established process. The goal should be to ensure students have access to high-quality literature while respecting community standards and maintaining transparency with families.

Neutral

Election laws are determined at the state level and are outside the responsibilities of a local board of education. I believe in fair, secure, and accessible elections that maintain public confidence in the process. My focus as a school board candidate is on strengthening our public schools and supporting students, families, and educators.