What do you see as the role of a member of the Board of Education?
The role of the Board of Education is to oversee the school system as a whole. It is important to provide teachers and all members of the school system resources to provide students the highest quality education possible. All members of the school system should ensure that they are engaging with and empowering the community as a whole.
What would be your top priorities as a board member?
My top priorities as a member of the Board of Education is to insure that students with learning and other disabilities are given the resources needed for success. I am a success story from early intervention with learning disabilities.
Jones County teachers helped me develop lifelong strategies to understand and work with my dyslexia. I know firsthand how important early intervention and finding personalized strategies can be to a student.
In your opinion, what is going right in Jones County Schools?
I believe that the Jones County School system is largely operating very well. The elementary schools have a strong reputation for caring, dedicated teachers. In particular, I appreciate the High School providing a selection of college classes on campus and offering classes focused on the trades. I believe it is beneficial to all to have a well-educated community. Being well-educated embraces not only traditional college tracks, but educating individuals in hands-on trade careers. Jones County High Schools commitment to this diversity is commendable.
What is your motivation to run to represent District 2 on the Board of Education?
I have a unique perspective on modern education which I believe will be a valuable asset to the Jones County School System. That diversity of perspective and opinion will strengthen the ability of the Board as a whole to tackle current issues and to find the best way to serve students and the community.
Board training is required for school board members, and, as a Board of Distinction, Jones County members attend additional classes. Would attending the Georgia School Board Association conferences and classes be a problem?
I am excited at the prospect of attending the Georgia School Board Association conferences and additional classes.
Exploring new subject matter brings me great enjoyment. I have relatively recent classroom experience so I am not intimidated. Additionally, my employer has expressed support of my campaign and I will be sure to use my time strategically to provide both my employer and my constituents with the highest quality of service.
The Jones County School System has received millions in federal dollars over the past few years to help with recovery from the pandemic.
As a board member, how would you help the transition to a future without those funds?
With the pandemic behind us, and the extra federal funding it brought leaving with it, I’m sure that Jones County will feel the absence of those federal dollars. I have every confidence that with a thorough examination of the school system’s budget and wise spending we will continue to provide an exemplary education and learning environment for all students.
How would you support teachers in this climate of accountability?
The Jones County School System shapes our next generation.
This large responsibility involves not only the teachers and staff, but the students. All should be held accountable for their choices. Clear guidelines and expectations should be followed by all participants, staff and student alike, within the school system.
Is it possible to maintain federal and state mandated standards without losing the focus on teaching?
Instilling a love of learning into their students is one of the greatest things a teacher can do. I understand that regulation can make that task difficult to fully embrace all teaching and learning styles. The Board of Education should be open and willing to listen to the participants in the school system to see how to work within the framework to provide the highest quality education to all styles and innovate for the future.
What would you like voters to know about you before casting their ballots?
I would like for voters to understand my fresh perspective with today’s educational system. As a recent graduate who was able to take advantage of what Jones County Schools offer, I am thriving. All of my life I have not been afraid to put in the work required.
I graduated simultaneously from high school and CGTC with an Associate’s Degree. I now work full time in my chosen trade career. My firsthand experience with both pre and post-COVID learning environments, including digital learning, brings a deep understanding of today’s challenges. All of this brings a new perspective to the Board allowing it to better serve the community of today and tomorrow.
