Parents demand investigation into Cabarrus County's child protective services actions

During the recent Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners meeting, community members voiced urgent concerns about child welfare, education funding, and downtown parking challenges, highlighting the pressing issues facing residents.

Eric Hux, a father from Cabarrus County, passionately addressed the commissioners, alleging that the Department of Social Services (DSS) had unjustly taken his five children under the guise of protective custody. Hux described his experience as a "system of corruption" that he claims targets families who live differently. He called for an investigation into what he described as a failure of the system to protect families, urging the commissioners to uphold their duty to serve the community rather than the power structures he believes are harming it.

Tim Taylor, principal at Hickory Ridge Middle School, echoed the need for increased funding for public schools. He emphasized the difficulties in recruiting and retaining qualified teachers, noting that many educators could earn more in alternative jobs. Taylor urged the commissioners to prioritize funding for schools to ensure that students receive a quality education, especially in one of North Carolina's wealthiest districts, which he noted ranks low in local school funding.

Stephanie Hooks shared her own distressing experience with child protective services, recounting how her children were taken from her without due process. She expressed frustration over the authority granted to these services and the impact on her family's well-being, emphasizing the need for accountability and reform in the system.

Gina Earhart raised concerns about parking in downtown Concord, stressing the importance of accessibility for businesses and visitors as the area continues to recover from recent infrastructure projects. She urged the commissioners to develop a long-term parking strategy to prevent future shortages that could hinder economic growth and community engagement.

The meeting underscored the community's demand for accountability and support from local government, with residents calling for immediate action on issues that directly affect their lives. As these discussions unfold, the Board of Commissioners faces the challenge of addressing these critical concerns to foster a thriving and equitable community in Cabarrus County.