I am a 51 year resident of Jones County, 32 year resident of Haddock, 25 years as a teacher in Jones County, 15 years as a Discipline Chairman, and 12 years as Chairman of Board of Education. I have 3 grown children who graduated from the Jones Co. Schools system and a grandchild who is currently attending a school in Jones Co.
What or who was your inspiration to run for Board of Education Chairman? Is there a reason you opted to run for chairman rather than represent one of the BOE districts?
I was a teacher in the Jones County System and started attending board meetings. I had spoken before the board a few times on issues that concerned teachers. When the massive teacher evaluation was introduced, I asked to speak to the board on behalf of teachers. Later, Mr. Ted Stone retired as Chairman and I decided to run for his position.
Mask mandates have been a hot button issue nationwide. What is your stance on masks for students if another COVID wave hits?
I support parent’s making decisions about their children’s health. If another COVID wave hits masks should be recommended. Parents will be able to make the decision concerning if their child will or will not wear a mask. I will add that bullying or teasing a child about wearing or not wearing a mask will not be tolerated
Jones County got a small dose of a school shooting in an incident earlier this year. Do you agree with the steps taken to increase security and what would you like to see more and less security at the schools?
This was a wake-up call for the Board of Education and the community. The Board members decided the safety of our children must come first above all else. The Board members and Superintendent Lundy have formed a plan to upgrade the security, not only at the high school, but also at the middle and elementary schools. I support an ongoing plan to review and revise our security as needed.
Sports are huge in Jones County. What are your views on balancing support for sports with supporting other extracurricular activities like band, chorus and arts and science Programs?
Just as all our students have different talents, our school system provides many different activities from which to choose. I am very proud of our football team, but everyone cannot play football. I support all extracurricular activities which are important to the development of our children.
The JROTC program at JCHS has been struggling with its leadership. Do you support the program, and if so, what needs to be done to secure its place in the school system?
Yes, I totally support this JROTC program for our students. I have been asking for this program since the first year I was elected in 2010. The problem is finding a leader with a military background. Hiring comes through military channels and we select a Senior Army Instructor out of a group that has been recommended to the school board. I am glad to say that we have just hired a new instructor.
Each candidate has a platform of issues they would like to see addressed if they are elected or re-elected. The chairman does have a vote but needs two additional votes to make any changes. What is your plan to convince Board members to work with you?
The board deals with many different situations. As chairman I must make sure that all members have all the information they need to make good decisions. All board members must be allowed to express their views on issues in question. The question that all decisions must answer is: how does this decision improve our children’s education and help them to be prepared for the next level of life?
The Board of Education receives more taxpayer money than the county and city, and school districts have literally received millions of dollars in funds from the American Rescue Act. Do you believe those funds have been well spent, and what else would you like to see done with the additional money?
Yes, I believe that these funds were used to benefit our children’s education. Most of the money was used for upgrading our technology needs. Tablets, chrome books, software, school safety and also to address the learning loss that COVID created in our children. During COVID our educators and staff members stepped up to the challenge and took on many extra duties. They were on the front line and that is why our school system survived. A retention stipend was issued for all educators and staff members.
What would be your top priority as chairman?
My top priority is and will continue to be to ensure that every child will receive a quality education. I am an advocate for all children in Jones County. My teaching background has taught me to respect students and to love them no matter what their background. I am an advocate for educators and for them to be able to teach their students what they need to know. I am an advocate for parents and this community. I am humbled that this community has allowed me to represent them at the local and state level.
Why should voters cast their ballot for you rather than your opponents?
I am committed to FULL TIME Chairmanship. I am a retired teacher and available at any time to talk. I visit schools and touch base with principals, teachers, and staff members. I am a good steward of taxpayer’s money and making sure it is used to benefit the education of our children. I am an advocate for Educators at the local and state levels. On the local level I listen to concerns that educators and staff members have and on the state level I am a member of the Operational Governance Committee of Georgia School Boards Association, working on school legislative issues that affect what our teachers can teach in their classrooms. Georgia legislators create laws that may cause teachers added paperwork and burn out. I understand that our teachers just want to teach. I voted for the College and Career Academy and to keep schools open during COVID. I have worked with the Maggie Califf committee to make part of the school a historical sight and supported the athletic upgrade of the Jones Co. High School.
The reason voters should cast their vote for me is EXPERIENCE.
I have walked the walk so I can talk the talk.
