03/02/2020
My name is Draper Troy Bullard, and I am a candidate for the 2020 election for the Public Schools of Robeson County School Board Member at Large. As a lifelong resident of Robeson County, I was born and raised outside of Pembroke in the rural community of Union Chapel where the roots of both of my parents are embedded. I am a member of Union Chapel Community Baptist Church, which I have attended all my life. As a proud graduate of Purnell Swett High School and UNC-Pembroke, I am not ashamed to call Robeson County home and look forward to giving back any way possible. As a graduate of UNC-Pembroke (criminal justice major) I am blessed to work in my field of study to give back and help make a difference in the community.
I know first hand what educators go through. My mother and aunt are both retired from the Public Schools of Robeson County and I am thankful for their years of service that they rendered to our youth, as it takes a special person to be an educator. While in college I was able to work with the Public Schools of Robeson County as a bus driver and substitute teacher. I know what goes on in the classroom, and what resources teachers/students had at the time. This is an experience I would not trade for nothing in the world. However, during this same time, I realized that teaching was not my calling. As my college career moved forward, I had a passion for criminal justice and at the time I did not know why. In 2013 I began my criminal justice career with North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS), Division of Prisons, as a Correctional Officer at Tabor Correctional Institution (TCI). During my tenure at TCI, I knew I wanted more and to advance in the ranks. In 2015 I was promoted to Correctional Housing Unit Manager II at Scotland Correctional Institution (SCI). As I still had a passion for criminal justice, I felt as though something was still missing. In 2017 I transitioned within the department of NCDPS to the Division of Community Corrections as a Probation/Parole Officer.
At this point in life I feel this is where I need to be in my career. Over the last 3 years I have had the opportunity to help individuals turn their lives around and make more positive decisions to impact their lives. Sadly, at the same time, I have seen our youth come through the system headed down a dangerous road. As an elected school board member I will make it my goal, to help find more positive alternatives for students so they will not be lead down these paths. It saddens me to see our youth being overtaken by street gangs, drugs, alcohol, illegal street crimes, and the list goes one. Do not let the the streets take our children!
I am a product of the Public Schools of Robeson County and there is potential in our school system. I had the best teachers in the great state of North Carolina. As a school system, we need to back our faculty and staff as well for fair treatment and equality of rights.
I am a very humble person, but on the contrary, I am outspoken. I will speak up for what is right and the fair treatment that our county deserves. There needs to be a unified communication system between the officials of Robeson County, but if no one speaks up for the citizens on their behalf, the elected official is holding that seat in vain. Let it be known, Draper Troy Bullard will not be holding that seat. If anything the seat will remain cold, because I plan on STANDING UP the whole time for the citizens of Robeson County.
I hope my character and demeanor speaks for itself. If the truth be known, I do not want your vote because of friendship, religious beliefs, race, or political affiliation, but more less because you believe in me and trust that I will serve the county well and with equality and justice for our school system.
Candidates give reasons why individuals should vote for them, but I am going to be different. I am going to give you reasons why you should not vote for me.
As a voter you:
-Don’t want a believer in God
-Don’t want change
-Don’t want fresh ideas
-Don’t want someone who will standup for you
-Don’t want to give someone a chance
On Tuesday, March 3, 2020, I encourage you all to go to the voting sites and cast your votes to let your voices be heard. I pray that God gives you the wisdom to make a conscientious decision for the betterment of our school system and county. Thank you all for your support that you have given me thus far an let’s “BRING THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION TO THE FOREFRONT”.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND GOD BLESS ROBESON COUNTY!
