•Education: Colbert Elementary School, Madison County High School (class of ’67), Athens Technical School – Machine Tool Technology and the University of Georgia – Bachelor of Education.
•Work Experience: Cedar Shoals High School and Clarke Central High School, 30 years of teaching experience completed – currently working on year 31 at Clarke Central High School.
•Political Experience: none
1. Why are you the best choice for this office?
First of all, I have 30 years of experience as a classroom teacher. I have seen the changes that public education has gone through over the years and I am very familiar with what it takes to be successful in the classroom. I also know what teachers face daily in the classroom trying to meet state and federal mandates. I also have a vested interest in the public schools of Madison County, two daughters, both of whom are in the middle school.
2. Can you assess the current state of the Madison County School System? Where is it strong? Where is it lacking?
In a conversation with Superintendent McGhee this summer I made the statement that we had a “good” school system with “great” students, and that we needed a “great” system for “great” students.
I truly believe this. We have a good basic school system, but in today’s educational environment we have to be better that just “good.” In test scores and curriculum offerings we are behind most of the surrounding school systems. Madison County only offers two years of a foreign language and most universities now require three. Surrounding counties offer three of more years of language. We also have to offer a more rigorous curriculum for our college-bound students by including more advanced placement courses. We need to raise our expectations of our staff and our students and demand excellence.
We also must communicate with the public more. Most parents really don’t feel that the school district wants them to be a part of the educational experience.
3. What do you intend to do to improve the school system?
As a board of education member I will work to continue the current trend to improve facilities, but facilities don’t teach students. We have to raise the bar so Madison County’s students have the same opportunities that other area school systems are providing and that’s where my emphasis will be. We have to improve test scores and offer a more rigorous curriculum to challenge our students and make Madison County competitive in the education arena. I also want to see the school system operate in a more professional manner. Parents should feel welcome and a part of the educational experience. The school system should work diligently to improve communication with parents.
4. Many school administrators in Georgia say the state is imposing mandates on school systems without providing adequate funding for education. They say this is shifting more of the funding burden for education onto the backs of property owners. The governor responds that more money is being spent on education than ever before. How do you feel about this? Do you think the state is providing adequate funding for education? Why and why not?
It is true that more of the state and federal mandates are shifted to the local system. I don’t think we are adequately funded from the state, but all school systems are in the same boat, so we have to work with what we have. We should be frugal and good stewards of the taxpayers’ money. It appears that some surrounding systems have been able to accomplish more than we have under the same restraints. A full-time grant writer could be helpful and bring in additional soft monies.
5. Is there anything else you world like to address?
Yes. I look at this as an opportunity to use my experience to help advance Madison County’s school system and I truly look forward to serving the residents of Madison County.
