Obie Lee Kirkman JR

Current office and 2026 campaign

Lee Kirkman (Obie Lee Kirkman Jr. in public records) is the Republican incumbent Chairman of the Craven County Board of Education, representing District 2 ¹. He is running unopposed for reelection in the November 3, 2026 general election ².

Background and education

Kirkman was born and raised in Craven County and is "a product of Craven County Schools," graduating from West Craven High School ¹. He earned a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics/Ag Business Management from NC State University and later a Master of School Administration/Educational Leadership degree from East Carolina University ¹.

Career

Kirkman taught Agricultural Education and served as FFA Advisor at West Craven High School for thirteen years, then became Program Director for the Smaller Learning Communities Federal Grant, through which he helped establish the Freshman Academy, AVID, and Link-Crew programs ¹. He later served as Assistant Principal at West Craven High School before leaving for full-time ministry ¹. He currently serves as Pastor/Director at Kirkman Farm Ministries/Kirkman Family Farms in Cove City ¹.

Office history

Kirkman chairs the Craven County Board of Education representing District 2, with a current term of March 2025 – November 2026 ¹.

Family

Kirkman has two children, Grace and Isaac, both graduates of Craven County Schools — the district he governs ¹.

Sources