{"biography":"Steven Gupton is a teacher and certified EMT who has been active in Franklin County\u2019s education community and previously ran for the Franklin County Board of Education, District\u202f3, in the May\u202f17,\u202f2022 general election\u202f[1]. The Board of Education is a nonpartisan elected body that governs the county\u2019s public K\u201112 schools, setting policy, approving budgets, and overseeing the superintendent\u202f[1].\n\nGupton grew up in a single\u2011parent home and is the son of an incarcerated father, experiences he says shape his approach to teaching and mentorship\u202f[12]. He earned his teaching credentials and returned to his alma mater, Louisburg High School, where he now teaches several career\u2011technical education (CTE) courses, including an EMT basics class\u202f[12]. His dual role as an active EMT allows him to bring real\u2011world emergency\u2011medical experience into the classroom, enriching student learning.\n\nIn recent interviews, Gupton highlighted the digital\u2011divide challenges facing rural students in Franklin County. He described how limited broadband access hampers students\u2019 ability to engage in online learning and maintain communication with teachers, noting that many families lack the resources for reliable internet\u202f[12]. Gupton himself often relies on his cell phone as a hotspot for work, a situation that becomes strained when extended availability is required for remote instruction\u202f[12]. He also recounted personal anecdotes of connecting with students in community settings\u2014grocery stores, ambulance runs\u2014to ensure they receive support despite connectivity barriers.\n\nGupton\u2019s community\u2011focused perspective and personal story have been central to his public outreach. In a podcast episode for EdNC\u2019s \u201cHope Starts Here,\u201d he discussed his decision to return to Louisburg High School as a teacher, emphasizing the importance of showing students that their circumstances do not have to limit their aspirations\u202f[12]. While he did not complete Ballotpedia\u2019s 2022 Candidate Connection survey, his candidacy was officially listed on the ballot alongside Elizabeth S.\u202fKeith and April\u202fLloyd\u202f[1].\n\nThrough his work as an educator, EMT, and former school\u2011board candidate, Gupton seeks to address equity gaps in education, particularly those stemming from technology access, and to serve as a relatable role model for students facing adversity.\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Steven Gupton (Franklin County Board of Education District 3, North Carolina, candidate 2022) - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Steven_Gupton_(Franklin_County_Board_of_Education_District_3,_North_Carolina,_candidate_2022))\n- [11] [Steven Gupton | On Hope Starts Here episode 4, hear from Steven Gupton -- a Franklin County teacher and EMT describe the rural challenges with broadband and his journey... | By Education NC | Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/educationnc/videos/steven-gupton/918114168637478/)\n- [12] ['It\u2019s pretty much non-existent' \u2014 Franklin County teacher and EMT describes rural challenges with broadband - EdNC](https://www.ednc.org/podcasts/franklin-county-teacher-and-emt-describes-rural-challenges-with-broadband/)","campaigns":[{"contest":"county_school_board_district_03","county":"franklin","county_count":1,"electiondate":"Tue, 03 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT","pgr":"general","state":"NC","title":"Franklin County Board Of Education District 03"}],"cf_filings":[],"firstname":"Steven","fullname":"Steven Gupton","lastname":"Gupton","office_history":[{"campaigns":[{"contest":"county_school_board_district_03","contest_title":"Franklin County Board Of Education District 03","county":"franklin","county_count":1,"electiondate":"2026-11-03","office_county":"franklin","office_key":"county_school_board","office_title":"County School Board Member","party":"","pgr":"general","state":"NC"}],"county":"franklin","cycles":[{"general":{"contest":"county_school_board_district_03","contest_title":"Franklin County Board Of Education District 03","county":"franklin","county_count":1,"electiondate":"2026-11-03","office_county":"franklin","office_key":"county_school_board","office_title":"County School Board Member","party":"","pgr":"general","state":"NC"},"party":"","primary":null,"term":null,"year":2026}],"office_key":"county_school_board","office_title":"County School Board Member","state":"NC","terms":[]}],"summary":"Steven Gupton is a Franklin County teacher, EMT, and former 2022 school\u2011board candidate focused on rural broadband equity.","terms":[],"token":"3b3c23beb32c8d11"}