General  |  Qualifications  |  Platform

Q & A - Platform

Q:  What do you think are the three biggest challenges our public schools face today?

A:  “I think the three biggest issues are:

1)  Improving student achievement — especially for middle and high school students,

2)  Addressing the low graduation rate and lagging test scores,

3)  Increasing fiscal and operational efficiencies — putting more money in the classroom and decreasing Atlanta’s property taxes.”

 

Q:  What do you hope to accomplish as a member of the Board?

A:  “Through effective Board governance, I will support and contribute to the mission of APS:
one system, one goal, one focus —  Student Success.

I will advocate for marked increases in the graduation rate for APS students, and through open communication and collaborative efforts, I will facilitate initiatives that promote increased parental and community involvement in APS.”

 

Q:  How do you expect to achieve those accomplishments?

A:  “I expect to achieve these goals by keeping the focus on student achievement, and having the associated accountability discussion on a regular basis. With a frequent review of student data, I believe we can identify all struggling students at an earlier stage in their education, and provide them with the needed resources to get back on track. I think the accountability discussion looks at the benchmarks that track a student’s progress to success. Accountability is also an evaluation of the effectiveness of instructional programs and teaching methodology. Finally, I will reach out to parents and the community to promote education, interaction, and working towards a unified and comprehensive approach to public education in the district.”

 

Q:  What criteria will you use to determine your own effectiveness at the end of your four-year term?

A:  “I will use an increase in graduation rates, improvements in student achievement as measured by AYP (Acceptable Yearly Progress) and standardized test scores, measurable progress from the various reform efforts, and a marked increase of parental and community participation as goal posts to evaluate my performance.”

 

Q:  What should the Board’s role be with respect to the Superintendent and the community?

A:  “The Atlanta Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools should work in cooperation to achieve the mission and goals of the Atlanta Public Schools. The Superintendent is the CEO, and has day-to-day responsibility for the management and operations of the school district. The Board is responsible for hiring the Superintendent and overseeing his or her performance. Ultimately, both the Board and the Superintendent are responsible and accountable to the community as a whole.”

 

Q:  How can I make a difference in my child’s public education?

A:  “Parents are a child’s first teacher. Parental involvement is critical to a child’s success throughout the education process. Parents must hold teachers, principals, the Superintendent and the Board accountable. Accountability means being accessible to parents and other members of the community. I invite you to call or e-mail me with your concerns and/or suggestions.”