A new member of the Caldwell County school board was sworn in at a special called working session Tuesday night.
LeAnne Orange, the Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent, administered the Oath of Office to Jamie Bates to fill the vacant District 1 school board seat.
click to download audioBates was appointed to the seat during the February 25 board meeting, following interviews with two applicants in a closed session. Her appointment comes after Josh Ramage, who was elected to the District 1 seat in the November general election, resigned before the first school board meeting in January.
According to Lizzie Wynn, the district’s Public Relations & Community Engagement Coordinator, Bates is a lifelong resident of Caldwell County and graduated with the Caldwell County High School Class of 1988.
She noted that Bates was deeply involved with the Caldwell County Middle School soccer team, where she served as the booster club treasurer while her daughter was a team member.
In a written statement, Bates expressed that, as a parent, she feels it is her duty to advocate for the students and families in the district. She emphasized her deep commitment to public education and her passion for serving others, noting that this opportunity will be among her most rewarding achievements.
Bates also expressed her gratitude to the other board members for their confidence in her.
Bates is married to her husband, David, and they have three children: Lindsay, David Bates, Jr., and Nunie. Their youngest daughter, Nunie, is currently a freshman at Caldwell County High School.
Bates will complete the current term and will appear be on the ballot in November 2026.
