Lori Russell, an Orange County-based lawyer working in biotechnology, is one of six candidates vying for four seats on the county school system’s Board of Education this spring.
In an interview exchange with Chapelboro, Russell said her decision to run was based in-part on her confidence as an effective communicator.
“Clear policies, consistent communication, and real accountability create the stability and clarity that students, families, and educators deserve — especially in times of uncertainty,” she said in response to Chapelboro’s questions. “With my background in policy and law, this felt like the right moment to step forward, listen, and help ensure our schools remain places where every child is seen, supported, and able to thrive.”
She said that while Orange County Schools are doing “a lot to engage families and the broader community,” she aims to continue to improve communication.
“Where I see a real opportunity is in strong, consistent leadership around communication and policy clarity,” Russell said. “Families and staff need to understand not just what decisions are being made, but why, and how policies connect to our shared values and goals for students. When communication is clear and policies are applied consistently, trust grows and people feel more confident and supported.”
According to her campaign website, the areas Russell plans to focus on include the following:
Thoughtful, ethical governance.
Actively listening to diverse communities across the county.
Grounding decisions in both data and experience.
Communicating clearly and transparently.
Holding ourselves accountable for outcomes, not just intentions.
Russell works for bioMérieux, a French company specializing in tools for medical diagnosis, as their Public and Government Affairs & Chief Compliance Officer. She said this experience would make her an asset to the board.
“I earned my law degree from Duke University and have spent my career working at the intersection of ethics, accountability, and social responsibility,” she said. “Much of my work has focused on governance — asking good questions, strengthening transparency, and ensuring that decisions made at the leadership level translate into real-world impact.”
However, she said she traces the origin of this mindset back even further.
“I grew up nearby in Alamance County and was shaped by public schools and teachers who opened doors for me,” she said. “A couple years after getting my degree in economics, I served in the U.S. Peace Corps in Togo (West Africa). That experience fundamentally shaped how I think about leadership: real progress comes from listening first, respecting lived experience, and working in partnership with the community you serve.”
She said that all of these factors would make her a smart pick for those looking for transparency from the board.
“If elected, I would focus on helping strengthen that leadership — ensuring that communication is timely, transparent, and accessible, and that policies are thoughtful, clear, and centered on student well-being and educational excellence,” concluded Russell.
The Orange County Schools Board of Education race is a non-partisan election, but will be on voters’ ballots alongside the primary races in March. Russell is joined by fellow challengers Saru Salvi and Brian Edwards, as well as incumbents Will Atherton, Anne Purcell, and Sarah Smylie. One seat is open as single-term Board of Education member André Richmond will depart the board after four years in the role. Winners of the election in March will be sworn into the Board of Education over the summer ahead of the new academic year that starts in July.
Voter registration for those participating in the 2026 election cycle is underway and runs through Feb. 6 at 5 p.m. in North Carolina. Early voting for the primary and non-partisan Board of Education election begins on Feb. 12 and runs through Feb. 28, with Primary Election Day set for Tuesday, Mar. 3. More details about key dates and deadlines for voters can be found on the North Carolina Board of Elections website.
Image via Committee to Elect Lori Russell.
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