Jerome Purdie

Jerome Purdie is a Democratic candidate for the Bladen County Board of Education, District 3, in the North Carolina general election scheduled for November 3, 2026. The Board of Education governs the county’s public schools, setting policy, approving budgets, and overseeing the superintendent and school operations to ensure quality education for local students【1†L1-L3】.

Purdie is a native of Bladen County who worked as an English teacher before turning to community‑focused nonprofit work. In 2022 he previously ran for the same Board of Education seat, appearing on the general‑election ballot alongside Republican challenger Keith Locklear【1†L1-L4】. Although the outcome of that race is not detailed in the sources, his continued candidacy shows an ongoing commitment to local education issues.

In 2025 Purdie founded Project Uplift, a Bladen County nonprofit that awards scholarships to high‑school graduates from underserved areas to help them pursue post‑secondary education. The program, described as a three‑year‑old effort, reflects his personal experience as a former teacher and his desire to alleviate financial barriers for local students【8†L1-L7】. Recipients of the scholarship have included graduates of West Bladen High School who aim to attend colleges such as UNC Chapel Hill【8†L8-L12】.

While specific details about Purdie’s formal education are not provided in the available sources, his professional background as an English teacher and nonprofit founder suggests experience in both classroom instruction and community organization. His prior campaign filing for the 2022 Board of Education race is documented in the state’s candidate lists, confirming his eligibility and party affiliation as a Democrat【1†L1-L4】.

If elected, Purdie would join other board members in shaping policies that affect curriculum, school safety, and resource allocation for Bladen County schools. His platform, inferred from his nonprofit work, emphasizes expanding scholarship opportunities and supporting students from low‑income families, aligning with the broader goals of improving educational access and outcomes in the county.

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