Buncome Forward, a local conservative activist group, recently announced its endorsement of Brian Freelan, a candidate for the North Buncombe District seat on the Buncombe County School Board.

Previously, the group endorsed three additional candidates, including Jerry Green, at large; Dan Hale, Owen District; and Amy Churchill, Roberson District.

“We have heard from many parents who are very unhappy with the current dysfunctional school board,” Buncombe Forward announced.

“Among other things, the current board has consistently worked against transparency and accountability, has been fiscally irresponsible, has been unresponsive to parents’ concerns and has engaged in questionable hiring practices. Special-interest influence and a general lack of oversight have left our children at the back of the bus.”

Freelan is a 1986 graduate of North Buncombe High School. He served in the military as an M.P. for 20 years and recently retired from local law enforcement with the Asheville Police Department after 15 years of dedicated service to the community, which includes being awarded Police Officer of the Year.

He lives in Weaverville with his wife Christina and their son, who will enter the second grade at Weaverville Elementary.  

For the past two years, Freelan has served on the Weaverville PTO and is currently the vice president.  

This fall, he will serve on the advisory board for the school.

Freelan’s dedication to enriching the lives of children include serving as a room parent and as an assistant den leader for his son’s Boy Scout Troop, Buncombe Forward noted. He will move into the position of assistant cub master this fall and said he looks forward to the opportunity to further serve the students and community through a position on the Buncombe County School Board.