Cox's Creek resident urges school board to ‘put students first,’ criticizes decision-making processes

Justin Burton of Cox’s Creek used the board’s public-comment period on Aug. 19 to criticize what he described as inconsistent decision-making and to urge the Nelson County Board of Education to prioritize student-focused investments over hesitation tied to cost concerns. Burton told the board that in his view some past actions had been guided more by “fear and misdirection” than by subject-matter expertise. “There have been instances where approved bids were later denied funding and where the guidance of financial experts was dismissed,” he said. He urged the board to “move beyond financial hesitation and toward meaningful action” and to meet district staff and educators “where we are, committed, focused, and ready to deliver on the promises we’ve made to our students.” Burton framed his remarks as a call for urgency, arguing that the district should not delay investments that support equitable and innovative opportunities for all students. Board members listened; the transcript shows the board moved from public comment to the consent agenda afterward. No formal board action resulted directly from Burton’s remarks. Burton spoke as an individual and identified his residence in Cox’s Creek. His statement is entered in the meeting record as part of public comment.