[Updated 5/3/24] Today GwinnettForum presents, in their own words, unedited answers from candidates in non-partisan elections in the May 21 Gwinnett voting. Each of the candidates were asked the same four questions. GwinnettForum presents this as a public service, and at no cost to the candidates. Unfortunately, several candidates did not take the time to respond.
Judicial candidates with no opposition were not questioned.
This section will appear in GwinnettForum each issue until election day.
Gwinnett’s nonpartisan candidates
OFFICE: Superior Court (Bachelor seat):
Gallant
CANDIDATE: Kimberly Gallant
Why do you seek this office?
Serving the community has always been my passion. When Judge Batchelor decided to retire, I was honored by the calls and messages I received from community members and attorneys across our county encouraging me to seek the opportunity to serve in a new way. I believe that I possess the temperament, commitment to community, legal knowledge, and character to serve our residents as their next Superior Court Judge. My nine years of direct judicial experience and my eagerness to continue advancing Gwinnett County’s commitment to our community is what distinguishes me in this race.
What distinguishes your candidacy?
As a current Gwinnett Magistrate Judge, I handle everything from dispossessory cases to civil matters to sitting by designation in Superior Court on complex criminal and family matters. I am committed to doing the hard work that each case demands. Serving as an elected judge in a county of nearly a million residents requires a commitment to community visibility and outreach. If we are to continue building trust between residents and their criminal justice system, our judges need to be visibly engaged community members. As the SMILE Director and active community mom, I will continue my commitment to Gwinnett’s communities.
Pick an issue. Expand on how you address it.
Justice is not served when judges apply a single uniform ideology and perspective to every case that comes before them. For justice to be served, judges must recognize that accountability does not look the same in every case. I am a firm supporter of Gwinnett’s various treatment courts that help reduce the recidivism rate through intensive outpatient treatment, drug screenings, and court reviews for residents who qualify. I am committed to holding people accountable while also providing them with a path to recovery. I intend to maintain this commitment as a Superior Court Judge.
Provide us with a 100 word summary of your background.
I was born and raised in the metro Atlanta area. I chose Gwinnett as the home for my family in 2005. My legal career has been anchored by four core principles: Fairness, Respect, Hard Work, and Accessibility. I have served as a prosecutor in DeKalb County and Gwinnett County, a Staff Attorney to a Gwinnett Superior Court Judge, and a Gwinnett Magistrate Judge. I am a graduate of Leadership Gwinnett, the Director of the Gwinnett Summer Mentoring in Legal Education (SMILE) program, Board Member and current President of the North Gwinnett School Foundation, and an active Girl Scouts Troop Leader.
CANDIDATE: Rodney Harris
Mr. Harris did not respond.
OFFICE: Superior Court (Beyers seat)
Gutter-Parker
CANDIDATE: Thassanee Gutter-Parker
Why do you seek this office?
Experience matters. I’m the only candidate who has practiced in all areas which come before the Superior Court–criminal prosecutor, criminal defense, civil plaintiffs, and civil defense. Because experience matters, I’m the only candidate who has been endorsed by various mayors in Gwinnett. No other candidate has mayoral endorsements. I’m a Governor Brian Kemp Board Appointee and have been endorsed by our last Democratic Governor Roy Barnes, a U.S. Congressman in Gwinnett, and state Senators/Representatives from both parties. Additionally, I’m the only candidate with a “20 Point Plan” to make Gwinnett Safer. I have experience in building a safer Gwinnett.
What distinguishes your candidacy?
Three things distinguish me: 1. I have the best experience as I’m the only candidate who has practiced in all areas which come before the Superior Court. For instance, I’m the only candidate that has prosecuted criminals on behalf of the State of Georgia. 2. I’m the only candidate with a Safer Gwinnett Plan. 3. I have far more endorsements which is a testament as to experience, community involvement, and service.
Pick an issue. Expand on how you address it.
The biggest issues facing Gwinnett courts pertain to having a Safer Gwinnett. This Safer Gwinnett encompasses the mental health crises. With my “20 Point Safer Gwinnett Plan”, we can decrease crime, decrease the mental health crisis, and decrease court backlog with a Judicial Efficiency Committee. Please refer to my website.
Provide us with a 100 word summary of your background.
Christian, wife, mother, attorney, small business owner. Hobbies: ballroom dancing, traveling, photography, and eating
University of Wisconsin-Madison, JD and BBA (full academic scholarships for both undergraduate and law school degrees)
Practiced in all 4 core areas of the law–Criminal Prosecution, Criminal Defense, Civil Plaintiffs and Civil Defense.
Currently, Governor Brian Kemp Board Appointee, Gwinnett County Board Appointee, Boys & Girls Club Board Member, Rotary Club Board Member, Northside Hospital Leadership Board, Council of Youth Anti-Drug, Inc. Board Member, member of Berean Christian Church, etc. Past community involvement is too numerous to list. www.GutterParkerForJudge.com
Matthews
CANDIDATE: Regina Matthews
Why do you seek this office?
I believe in the power of service to transform communities. I also believe that I have a responsibility, as part of a community that I love, to use my knowledge, skills, experience, and time to do my part in helping the community thrive by serving others. My decision to run is a testament to that commitment. Additionally, I believe that Gwinnett deserves the most qualified candidate for positions of leadership in our county. I’m running because I know that my education and professional experiences are valuable aspects of my candidacy that make me uniquely qualified to fill this judicial seat.
What distinguishes your candidacy?
Experience- extensive experience as a trial attorney who specialized in the types of cases most frequently heard in Superior Court (felony criminal and family/domestic law), experience as a federal law clerk writing judicial decisions as a regular part of my duties; experience as a staff attorney in this very division of Superior Court (developed an intimate understanding of complex legal issues, court processes/procedures that help make our courts run most efficiently); only candidate with training/certification necessary to preside over established accountability courts; only candidate in my race who has any judicial experience, having made hundreds of decisions in Superior Court.
Pick an issue. Expand on how you address it.
Ensuring our veterans and litigants suffering from mental illness and substance use disorders are appropriately supported by proper and effective rehabilitative treatment: I have already received training from the Council of Accountability Court Judges to preside over our Mental Health Accountability and Veterans Treatment Courts. As it stands, when the judge currently occupying this seat retires, these court programs will cease to exist. I have worked with these Court programs for many years, have presided over those courts in the absence of the sitting judge; and I’ve made an unequivocal promise to continue both accountability court programs without interruption.
Provide us with a 100 word summary of your background.
Former: Assistant Public Defender (5 years)- Handled hundreds of major felony cases in one of Georgia’s largest counties; Sole Practitioner (primary focus of practice- criminal defense and family law); Certified Civil Litigation Mediator; Federal Law Clerk, Northern District of Georgia; Senior Staff Attorney, Division 5 Gwinnett Superior Court; Appointed to the bench in 2020. Current: full-time Magistrate Judge- provide judicial assistance to all eleven Superior Court divisions, by designation; also provide judicial assistance to other courts when needed (State Court, Juvenile Court, Recorder’s Court, Probate Court). Has issued hundreds of decisions in Superior Court, including those rendered in jury trials.
CANDIDATE: Tuwanda Rush Williams
Why do you seek this office?
I understand that Gwinnett County residents move here for better schools, safe neighborhoods, and the higher quality of life. I am running for Gwinnett Superior Court Judge because I value those same things and I care about the residents of the county. If I am honored to win the election, I will focus on curbing the incarceration of persons with mental illness and substance abuse issues; community-wide and school safety for residents; facilitating access to justice by members of ethnic and marginalized communities; fighting human trafficking and supporting survivors; and expanding Gwinnett’s accountability courts for true rehabilitation and combating recidivism.
What distinguishes your candidacy?
I am the only candidate in this race who has practiced law for 31 years. Also, I am the only candidate who has been a career public servant for the past 27 years, mostly working for Gwinnett County Government as a Senior Assistant County Attorney and a Deputy County Attorney. Furthermore, I am the only candidate with a diversity of experience, as I am well-versed in over 25 areas of the law, many of which are heard in Superior Court. Lastly, I am the only candidate who has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to civic and public service in Gwinnett County.
During my career, I’ve seen judicial elections dominated by prosecutors, which has produced fine judges. Family law has also been a path to the bench, and I practiced family law during the early years of my extensive career as an attorney, likewise producing fine jurists. But felony and family law cases are only part of the caseload of Gwinnett County Superior Court. My 18 years of legal practice in the Gwinnett County Attorney’s Office and 9 years of legal practice in the City of Atlanta Law Department has touched every aspect of the lives of Gwinnett County residents, including important issues like condemnations, property tax appeals, complex civil litigation, civil rights litigation, elections law, disputes over land, contracts law, and declaratory judgment actions, all of which are heard in Superior Court
Pick an issue. Expand on how you address it.
A significant issue is the large number of inmates with mental illness housed in the Gwinnett County Jail. As of last May, there were in excess of 500 inmates suffering from some kind of mental health condition. If elected, I would expand the county’s accountability courts by requiring all inmates with a medically diagnosed mental illness to participate in the Mental Health Court or Veterans Court (for treatment of PTSD-related issues). I would work with county and state leaders to address the budget shortfalls that limit the accountability courts and make them more available to those who need help.
Provide us with a 100-word summary of your background.
I am currently “Of Counsel” with Thompson, O’Brien, Kappler & Nasuti law firm in Peachtree Corners. Previously, I was a Deputy County Attorney in the Gwinnett County Attorney’s Office, where I led the Litigation Team and supervised attorneys who handle litigation and transactional matters for Gwinnett Government elected and appointed officials and employees. I have worked in private practice, solo practice, and government practice since being admitted to the Georgia Bar. Born and raised in Rochester, New York, but a proud Georgia Peach for 32 years! Lastly, my 30-year marriage has produced an accomplished adult son, adult daughter, and daughter-in-law.
OFFICE: State Court (Bratton seat):
Bratton
CANDIDATE: Shawn Bratton
Why do you seek this office?
I seek to continue to serve as a Gwinnett County State Court Judge in order to serve the community by using the knowledge and wisdom acquired over my lifetime and legal career to solve legal problems. I have been a Gwinnettian since 1973, and am a product of our schools. I was appointed to this bench in 2014 and I worked tirelessly as an attorney for over 11 years prior to my appointment. The last two years in private practice, I worked a second job as a part- time Magistrate Judge.
What distinguishes your candidacy?
Experience, dedication and focus are the distinguishing attributes of my candidacy. I have been a State Court Judge since 2014 and previously served as a Magistrate Judge for three years. Both as an attorney and as a trial judge, I have tried a wide variety of civil and criminal cases. My background as a military veteran, a prosecutor, a civil litigator, and a judge show that I respect the position and the voters by focusing on doing the work necessary to become qualified to seek this position.
Pick an issue. Expand on how you address it.
The Covid backlog. We emerged from the pandemic with an unprecedented resource, a new courthouse expansion. I used retired judges to run trials in tandem. The only impediment was the court reporter shortage, and I told litigants if they could provide a court reporter, I would get their case tried. It worked. Last September Chief Justice Michael P. Boggs on behalf of the Standing Committee on Judicial Workload Assessment awarded our State Court with the Clearance Rate Excellence Award recognizing us for maintaining clearance rates exceeding 100% which placed us in the top 10% of all courts in our class.
Provide us with a 100 word summary of your background.
I am a K-12 Gwinnett County Public School graduate. Class of 1990, Shiloh High School. I served in the US Navy on a nuclear submarine and held a top secret clearance. I then obtained my college degree (German) from UGA in 36 months while working weekends. I was an engineering aide for Siemens and then attended Georgia State College of Law. During that time I clerked in Cologne, Germany, and then for Bobby Lee Cook. I also worked for The Federal Defender Program, and at the Georgia Court of Appeals. My experience includes criminal prosecution, civil litigation and two judgeships.
CANDIDATE: Ramona Toole Sakhanokho
Ms. Sakhanokho did not respond.
GWINNETT SCHOOL BOARD
OFFICE: School Board (District 1)
Ranel
CANDIDATE: Leroy Ranel Jr.
Why do you seek this office? (School Board, District 1)
I am a lifelong community servant. I volunteered within my community on a variety of boards that support our youth. I am a substitute teacher, reserve police officer, mentor/coach, and community organizer in Dacula; therefore, representing District 1 is simply an extension of what I have always done. Because of this history of community service, I’ve built and maintained hundreds of relationships throughout the county and the state. I will leverage these relationships to improve our student, teacher, administrator, support staff and parent experiences within GCPS.
What distinguishes your candidacy?
I am a non-partisan candidate. I want to represent everyone in District 1, regardless of party, ideology, personal beliefs, etc. Throughout my campaign I have met with a variety of groups and individuals across the political spectrum. Ironically, for the most part we all want the same thing. Safe schools, academic success, and teacher support. Because of these relationships and conversations with diverse groups, I am more informed and more connected to the community.
Pick an issue. Expand on how you address it.
I’ve heard of a reoccurring issue of students causing disturbances on buses. I’ve heard from numerous bus drivers that students are increasingly disruptive on buses. I’ve also heard stories that parents challenge bus drivers who attempt to correct the student’s behavior on the bus. I can still hear my bus driver, “If you don’t stop…I am going to kick you off this bus!” Distracted driving is one of the main causes of accidents. Students who frequently created unsafe conditions for other students were removed from the bus. With bus driver support, that is how I would address bus disturbances.
Provide us with a 100 word summary of your background.
I grew up in historically disadvantage community where the choices were join a gang, or sell drugs. Throughout my public-school experience, my teachers, coaches, and community leaders shielded me from those two choices. However, I was never allowed to claim a status of a victim, and I was not raised to believe the system was stacked against me. And it is not because I never experienced challenges because of my race, but despite those challenges, today I manage a cyber security team and have a concurrent 25-year law enforcement career. A school board role allows me to pay it forward.
CANDIDATE: Rachel Stone
Stone
[Added 5/3/24] Why do you seek this office? (School Board, District 1)
I bring over a decade of experience in education teaching, law, policy, and research. Last year, I transitioned from the Gwinnett County Public School system where I served as a full-time certified teacher –at Dacula High School, a Gwinnett District 1 school. Since leaving the classroom, I traveled cross country meeting with local leaders to address some of the challenges facing adults. What has become abundantly clear is this: the solution to our pressing challenges (e.g., the pervasive labor shortage or the homelessness, opioid, and mental health crises), lies in one simple yet powerful principle—unwavering investment in education.
What distinguishes your candidacy?
I am the only member of my race with Gwinnett County Public School teaching experience. I am also the only member in my race with a law degree. I also hold Education Leadership training from the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) It is time for special education teachers, students with disabilities, legal professionals, and Math, History, and English teachers to serve on a school board. I am all of those people. As a school board member in my beloved District 1, I look forward to creating effective and informed policies that improve Gwinnett County’s academic achievement and graduation rates.
Pick an issue. Expand on how you address it.
A critical issue facing our district is the renewal of strategic waivers.. The Gwinnett County Public School (GCPS) system operates as a Strategic Waiver School System (SWSS), which grants flexibility in class sizes, certification requirements, expenditure controls, and salary schedules –in exchange for higher student achievement. I advocate for innovative, compliant solutions that benefit educators and learners.
I encourage all stakeholders—teachers, students, parents, and others—to participate in the May 2024 GCPS Board meeting. This meeting will determine the terms of the strategic waiver, a contract between GCPS and the Georgia Department of Education lasting from July 2024 to…(100).
Provide us with a 100 word summary of your background
Rachel launched her career as a high school math special education teacher pioneering Foundations of Algebra courses bridging learning gaps for 9th graders. She later ventured into government affairs at Emory University, safeguarding the legal rights of children in foster care and education under Governor Nathan Deal. Joining the Georgia Department of Education, she influenced significant increases in funding for public schools. Rachel’s expertise spans grassroots campaigns, legislative research, and advocacy for issues like school funding, education quality, and human trafficking. She currently serves as a State/Local Director of Government Affairs at AAHOA, driving informed policies across 27 states.
CANDIDATE: Karen Mulzac Watkins
Ms. Watkins did not respond.
OFFICE: School Board (District 3)
CANDIDATE: Dominique Cooper
Why do you seek this office? (School Board, District 3)
I seek this office because I believe in the power of education to transform lives and communities. As a member of the Gwinnett County Public Schools District 3 board of education, I aim to advocate for policies that ensure every student has access to a quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances. I am committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive and inclusive learning environment where students can thrive socially and emotionally. With dedication and collaboration, I aspire to contribute positively to the educational journey of all students and staff in the district.
What distinguishes your candidacy
My candidacy stands out through a multifaceted approach rooted in dedication to the district. With extensive experience since 2011 as a parent, community connector, former substitute teacher, PTA leader, and board service member, I’ve encountered thousands of students and hundreds of staff, gaining firsthand understanding of diverse perspectives and challenges. My avid community involvement makes the entire Gwinnett County community my classroom of impact, fostering a deep connection with stakeholders and a commitment to collaborative problem-solving. With personal experience, professional insight, and unwavering dedication, I advocate for inclusive policies, ensuring every student can excel and thrive.
Pick an issue. Expand on how you address it.
I believe in implementing comprehensive drug education programs early on, emphasizing the dangers of fentanyl and opioids. Collaborating with law enforcement and community organizations, I’ll ensure resources and support are available for struggling students. Prevention, education, and support are my priorities in combating the fentanyl crisis, fostering a safer environment in our schools and community. By empowering students with knowledge and resources, we can make informed decisions and resist peer pressure, effectively addressing the fentanyl crisis and protecting our community’s well-being.
Provide us with a 100 word summary of your background.
I’m a Baltimore, Maryland native and a mom of five boys. With degrees from The College of Notre Dame of Maryland, Capella University, and Harvard University, my Federal Government background blends with roles as a former substitute teacher, author, and inspirational speaker. Over 16 years, I’ve led PTA initiatives, served on school councils, and mentored others. As a nonprofit founder and business owner, I connect communities, serving as a board member of CASA and participating in civic engagement. My involvement spans literacy advisory councils, teacher recognition committees, and instructional reviews, reflecting a passion for education and community empowerment.
Cortes
CANDIDATE: Yanin Cortes
Why Do You Seek This Office? (School Board, District 3)
I am running because I want a bright future for our children and communities. Throughout m professional career, I have learned the immense value of compromise and uniting for a common purpose. There is no greater purpose than the education and future of our children. I’m committed to connecting the school board and our communities, amplifying our voice, fostering consensus, and constructing a world-class school system. My commitment will be to seek common ground, not a political agenda. I am running to prioritize our students and teachers, concentrating on the essentials: student achievement, school safety, teacher support and community involvement.
What Distinguishes Your Candidacy?
What distinguishes my candidacy is my experience. I am a mother, a former teacher in Gwinnett County Public Schools, and an entrepreneur. As a teacher at Shiloh High School, I came to experience and witness the same concerns/issues our schools face today. I know what it means to immigrate to this country without speaking the language, and how to succeed in spite of the barriers faced. As the founder and owner of three restaurants here in Peachtree Corners and Norcross I understand the level of hard-work and dedication that it takes to achieve success. I believe that my experiences are…(100).
Pick an Issue. Expand on how you address it.
Teacher and staff retention is vital to the success of our schools. The board must project a stable, forward-thinking and forward-planning culture within our school system. We must adequately support our fantastic educators and faculty. As a former teacher, I understand that teachers and staff need support and transparency from administrators and District Leaders to feel that they can effectively teach and do their jobs. Teachers need planning time, they need proper notice before a new policy is enacted. On the school board, I will make it a priority to show our teachers and staff that we are there to…(100).
Provide Us with a 100 word summary of your background
I moved to this country when I was little, not speaking any english. Throughout these hard times,it was my teachers that supported me. This led me to become a teacher here in Gwinnett County.My husband and I moved here to provide our kids with a world class education. I left teaching toopen and operate our first restaurant and have expanded our business over the past 16 years andcontinue to serve our community proudly today. Throughout my life, I have learned the impact ahigh quality education can have on our lives and the power of hard..(100).
CANDIDATE: Steve Gaspar
Why do you seek this office? (School Board, District 3)
I am seeking this office to do what I can to help restore our faith and belief in our great public school system. I will continue the great work that I’ve led and been a part of over the past many years for our school system. Teacher support, a quality education for all students, safe & inclusive schools, transparency & accountability and community involvement are extremely important to me. I plan to bring a fresh, community-led perspective to our school board and dedicate my time there to making Gwinnett County Public Schools the very best it can be.
What distinguishes your candidacy?
What distinguishes my candidacy from the others is my current and real time involvement in our schools over the past 4 years. I have devoted countless hours to supporting students, teachers, and the community by attending and speaking at numerous monthly school board meetings and by participating in district committee meetings in the areas of Discipline, Superintendent Transition and Planning, and Curriculum Review. I have also collaborated with Gwinnett County elected officials to provide community feedback to proposed legislation that will further enhance our public school system. I have 2 kids that are currently 8th graders in GCPS.
Pick an issue. Expand on how you address it.
A big issue for me is teacher and support staff recruitment, safety and retention. These educators are the lifeblood of our school system and without them, we wouldn’t exist. They deserve the very best that GCPS can offer and nothing less. I will make sure we continue to recruit teachers & support staff with the most competitive compensation packages for their profession. I will support an enhanced discipline program that will allow teachers to teach all students effectively and not have to constantly focus on disruptive students, both in the classroom and throughout the school building.
Provide us with a 100 word summary of your background.
I am a father to 8th grade twins who currently attend GCPS. My wife & I are owner-operators of a vacation rental business. I am a former 4th grade teacher. I have over 22 years of corporate leadership experience. I have also been a volunteer baseball coach for over 8 years and been involved in my son’s local scout Pack and Troop as a member of their popcorn fundraising committee. My extensive background in the corporate space, being a small business owner, a former teacher and community involvement give me the tools necessary to be an effective GCPS Board member.
CANDIDATE: Anthony Mulkey
Mr. Mulkey did not respond.
CANDIDATE: Shana V. White
Ms. White did not respond.
OFFICE: School Board (District 5)
CANDIDATE: Jacquelyn Evenezer-Gold
Ms. Evenezer-Gold did not respond.
Johnson-Morgan
CANDIDATE: Tarece Johnson-Morgan
[Added 5/3/24] Why do you seek this office? (School Board, District 5)
I am running for re-election to continue to courageously advocate for the needs of children in Gwinnett County. I want to ensure our students & their families, educational support professionals, and administrators have the resources, access, and opportunities they need to be successful. I also believe experience in education is very important, and I want to continue to work on relevant policies with the board to ensure more transparency, accountability, and academic and social emotional success for all of our children
What distinguishes your candidacy?
My education, knowledge, skills, and abilities are valuable as I continue to serve on the board. My doctorate degree in educational leadership, teaching / facilitation experience, master’s degree in public policy from Columbia University helps me to understand legislation and the policy making process. I have written policies, procedures, and metrics and I use these as I serve on the school board. My masters in business administration from Emory university also helps as I serve in the board to evaluate our budget and ensure alignment with our strategic plan, legislative priorities, and portrait of a graduate. My undergraduate degree in… (100).
Pick an issue. Expand on how you address it
I would like to continue to work on updating policies to ensure they are relevant, responsive, and realistic to improve outcomes. From equity, to teacher belonging, to literacy policies, I want to work to improve success. One such policy to help ensure success is an implementation policy. An implementation policy will improve the understanding and process of successful policy execution that ensures stakeholder collaboration,acher and ESP empowerment, student voice, and te responsibility and accountability. Policies to support healthy cultural shifts that focuses on implementation and engaging teachers, educational support professionals, students & their families, principals, and other staff.
Provide us with a 100 word summary of your background
I am married with three children including a bonus child. Our son is in a Gwinnett County Public School and our other children at MIT and United World College.
I have a doctorate degree in educational leadership with a focus on multicultural and multilingual learning. I earned a masters in business administration, and a masters in public policy. I went to college in Puerto Rico and I am also multilingual. I have experience in teaching and learning facilitation in PreK through adults. I am also an author, advocate, activist, and business entrepreneur. I currently work as an executive as chief…(100).
King
CANDIDATE: Patrina King
Why do you seek this office? (School Board, District 5)
I am running for the District 5 seat at the request of some of Gwinnett County Public School teachers to help improve student outcomes. As a parent, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that a supportive and enriching educational environment can have on a child’s growth and future opportunities. Having graduated from Georgia’s Public School System myself, I understand the importance of ensuring that every student receives a quality education that prepares them for success.
What distinguishes your candidacy?
My candidacy is distinguished by a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and limits inherent in a board member’s role. I recognize the power to effect positive change within our schools while also understanding the boundaries within which we must operate. I will leverage these insights to advocate for policies and initiatives that uplift our schools while remaining mindful of fiscal responsibility and legal obligations.
Furthermore, my commitment to community engagement and transparency sets me apart. I have a proven track record of actively involving community members in decision-making processes and ensuring that information is readily accessible to all stakeholders. By…. (100).
Pick an issue. Expand on how you address it.
According to teacher and community feedback, school safety/discipline is one of the top issues within our district. Improving discipline in schools requires a comprehensive strategy that addresses various aspects of the educational environment. If elected, I plan to work with other board members and the superintendent to:
-
- Ensure that discipline policies are clearly defined, consistently enforced, and fair to all students. This will create a sense of equity and trust in the disciplinary process.
- Enforce policies that focus on reinforcing positive behavior while holding students accountable for negative behavior.
- Provide ongoing training and support for teachers and staff on effective…. (100).
Provide us with a 100-word summary of your background.
I am a dedicated community leader and youth advocate with over two decades of experience. Running for the Gwinnett School Board in District 5, my focus is on uplifting the school district. My commitment to education and youth empowerment has shaped my career, driving positive change and encouraging community engagement. I bring a wealth of experience in grassroots organizing and leadership, all aimed at improving the lives of students and families in my community. With a passion for education and a track record of community service, I am prepared to make a meaningful impact on the Gwinnett County school system.
Follow Us