Gadsden Board of Education candidates Q&A
Candidates for the upcoming Board of Education race were asked to complete a short questionnaire, and their answers to those questions are found below. Candidate responses were limited to 100 words per question, and answers have been minimally edited. Candidates were also asked to submit photos of themselves, but not all did so. The city's Board of Education election will be held Tuesday, April 9.
District 1
Marrell Dixon
Current occupation: Retired educator
Relevant experience: 39 years as coach, teacher and school administrator
Prior elected offices: Mayor of Sardis City, 12 years
Why are you running for the school board? To apply common sense in the education of our students. Not all students are at the same level of learning. This fact has to be dealt with and fixed.
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing the Board of Education? Dropouts. This problem can be fixed. I have a suggestion that would begin in elementary school and continue until graduation.
How should the school system work to bridge the achievement gap between high-performing students and those who are struggling? This is not a difficult problem. This would require curriculum adjustments beginning in elementary school and continuing until graduation.
Adrienne Reed
Current occupation: Financial Advisor
Relevant experience: Board Members must have hearts for public service. I was honored to help over 600 families live better, happier, healthier lives as an application counselor. Many clients became my family. I appreciate them putting their trust in me and knowing my heart was dedicated to helping my community.
Prior elected offices: None
Why are you running for the school board? We need our kids to know we're fighting for them. We need our parents to fully actualize what's at stake. We need our teachers to earnestly put their full heart into molding and shaping the minds of our children. We need our principals to be daring and unafraid to shake up the system. We need our community to strategically, deliberately and enthusiastically work to change the trajectory of Gadsden City Schools. I know our kids. I know what our kids deserve. I know I am the right person for District 1 and this is the right time to make a bold comprehensive change for our kids.
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing the Board of Education? The opportunity we have on April 9th will provide a solution for one of the greatest issues levied against our Board—accountability. As a community, for the first time we have freedom and power over our children’s representation. Board Members are now 100 percent beholden to our children. I know in the most deep and visceral way that I will serve our community with only our kids in mind. I have spoken with so many students, parents, teachers and administrators within our community and they are echoing a powerful response about our new opportunity.
How should the school system work to bridge the achievement gap between high-performing students and those who are struggling? Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with eight of our principals to discuss their action plans for addressing our achievement gaps. I was glad to hear everyone recognizes we must meet our children where they are. I have never met a child that had a sincere desire to fail. I am a firm believer in data-driven strategies and continuous improvement sessions. We have to listen to our children and concurrently study our data to educate them at their appropriate levels. Put simply, all of our kids deserve bright futures. It's our job to make that happen.
Lishala Thomas
Current occupation: Executive Administrative Assistant
Relevant experience: As a student of the Gadsden City School system and parent of a now student, I understand many things about the school system. My experience as a student was unique and now as a parent I am afforded the opportunity to view the system from a different point of view.
Prior elected offices: N/A
Why are you running for the school board? Running for school board will allow me the opportunity to advocate for children and families in the community, if elected. My decision to run has everything to do with the desire to see Gadsden model a City of Champions and not just a section of champions.
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing the Board of Education? Educational performance is one area that should receive more emphasis. Based on scoring and statistics there is an apparent need for educational improvement.
How should the school system work to bridge the achievement gap between high-performing students and those who are struggling? Bridging the gap requires effort, honesty, and consistency. Honesty about the gap that exists will hopefully help promote the effort and desires to work consistently to implement a program or programs that will help to bridge the gap. Creating programs and systems that will help to tutor and advance those students who need the extra push is essential for the entire system.
Eva Adkins Timmons
Current occupation: Retired educator
Relevant experience: Etowah County (Gaston School); Textbook committee-Reading /Math; Supervised co-operative teachers from JSU; Participated in Alabama Reading Initiative Program; Southern Association of school Accreditation Team; Advisory Board of Donehoo Magnet School; President and Vice President of Donehoo P.T.S.O.
Prior elected offices: None
Why are you running for the school board? I have a genuine interest in education as a retired teacher. I would like to be a liaison between the teacher, parents, and students. I want to help keep school on a successful track and set policies that affect and improve all students and schools in a positive way. I will strive to work with board members and support those responsible for improving student achievement for the world of lifelong learning. I would maintain open lines of communication between the school and the community.
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing the Board of Education? Accountability is very important. The school, teacher, student, and parents must be held accountable. The board would serve as a vital link in the educational chain of home, church and school.
How should the school system work to bridge the achievement gap between high-performing students and those who are struggling? Enable an intervention program for struggling students that is evidence-based and utilizes progress monitoring. Increase instructional time for strugglers (three days a week) in small group or individually using clear instruction that is data-driven. Provide professional development for teachers to aid instruction for strugglers. Promote parental involvement opportunities, which have a direct link between school/parent/community. Communication is the key.
District 2
Nathan Carter
Current occupation: Pharmacist in charge at Midtown Pharmacy in Gadsden
Relevant experience: None
Prior elected offices: None
Why are you running for the school board? I look at it as a great chance for me to serve my community by aiding my school district. This community has invested quite a bit in me and supported me as I have pursed both professional academic endeavors. Serving on the school board is a great opportunity for me to give back through service and the sharing of experience.
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing the Board of Education? Focusing on helping all students maximize their full potential regardless of their socioeconomic background or the school district that they belong to. The main objective of any school system should be to produce a world-class product in the form of students who are ready to work or ready for an institution of higher learning. In light of the very competitive landscape that our students will be entering, we have an opportunity to improve in that core responsibility. It is important that this remains our focus now and in the future.
How should the school system work to bridge the achievement gap between high-performing students and those who are struggling? I think this can be achieved by first identifying those students who have fallen behind and then offering additional academic assistance to those students. Data indicates that there is a correlation along socioeconomic lines relative to performance. The opportunity lies in building a curriculum that caters to students who have impediments to learning. This builds equity into the experience and allows all children to succeed.
Robert Hunter
Current occupation: Student/Volunteer
Relevant experience: Seeing the inside of the Gadsden city system as a recent graduate, and growing up in the city system.
Prior elected offices: N/A
Why are you running for the school board? To fight for the underrepresented students, teachers, parents, and all who feel their voice is silent.
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing the Board of Education? Community involvement. I was there when board members walked out. I left feeling unheard. So I'll have monthly meetings so my boss, the people, will be heard.
How should the school system work to bridge the achievement gap between high-performing students and those who are struggling? Find the difference amid the groups. Ask what works / not working for the kids then make an actionable plan. For more on my policies go to Robert Hunter board of education on Facebook.
Warren Alexander O'Meara-Dates
Current occupation: Healthcare Consultant and Foundation CEO
Relevant experience: Understanding curriculum is key. I have co-written enhancement programs and raised funds for youth and college students. I consult with organizations that provide public health information across the country that have youth programming. I also mentor young people across the south.
Prior elected offices: None
Why are you running for the school board? As a product of public education, when we become leaders we have an obligation to reach back and help guide generations after us towards success. I feel I'm poised to do this because I know the value of mentor/mentee engagement and the success it has afforded me. As a present and visible board member, I will be actively involved in the PTAs of my district and the high school to ensure our students are getting support outside of the classroom setting in addition to their daily instruction.
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing the Board of Education? The biggest issue facing the Board of Education is transparency. While it is beginning to be addressed with new leadership, people must be held accountable for their roles in developing our youth. In addition, The Gadsden City Board of Education needs to be intentional with its actions towards diversity and inclusion. When our students see they have equitable visibility of leadership, teachers, and protections, they will respond to their teaching environments more effectively, thus creating higher test scores and graduation rates for all demographics.
How should the school system work to bridge the achievement gap between high-performing students and those who are struggling? The school system should strive to ensure that resources are allocated in a way that the needs of all students are being met. This includes human resources as well as physical resources. Students that need additional support need to have interventions in place at an early age to try to bridge the gap as soon as possible. Consistent, intentional collaboration between the school board members, district staff, school administrators and parent-teacher associations will ensure that the district is doing all it can do to assist in meeting the needs of our students at all levels.
District 3
Z. André Huff
Huff was unopposed in District 3 as no other candidates qualified, and he has already been certified by the Gadsden City Council as the winner. As a result, he will not appear on Tuesday's ballot, and he was not asked to participate in this questionnaire.
District 4
Mike Haney
Current occupation: Lawyer
Relevant experience: I have served on the Board for 20 years.
Prior elected offices: None
Why are you running for the school board? To provide a quality education for all children in Gadsden.
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing the Board of Education? Continuing to create and maintain opportunities for achievement by all students, academically, in performing arts, career tech and athletics. Motivating parents and grandparents to be involved and supportive of their children's education in school and at home.
How should the school system work to bridge the achievement gap between high-performing students and those who are struggling? It is generally recognized that a child who is unable to perform math and reading at grade level in the 3rd grade will likely face educational difficulties. My proposal is the implementation of an individual educational evaluation for each child to identify strengths and weaknesses. From this assessment a "Success Plan" can be formulated and regularly revised to take advantage of strengths and overcome weaknesses so that every child will be ready when they reach 3rd grade to perform at that level. Likewise, concentrating efforts for parental involvement is critical.
Frank Pugh
Current occupation: Retired from Republic/Gulf States Steel
Relevant experience: My experience includes having two sons educated in the Gadsden School system, two grandsons currently enrolled in Gadsden City schools, a wife who taught for 32 years in the Gadsden School system and having taught and coached in the Gadsden system for 13 years.
Prior elected offices: N/A
Why are you running for the school board? As a retired educator, I have the time and the desire to make Gadsden a better place to live, and to me the best place to start is with our young people. I loved working with young people and being in a position to impact so many lives. I am passionate about ensuring that every student has a voice and that every student receives an equal opportunity to learn and become successful after high school.
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing the Board of Education? I believe the biggest issue we face is lack of community involvement with the educational process. I think as our students progress from the elementary level forward, parental involvement and community support dwindles. I believe we need to encourage support from parents, social organizations, and businesses to help promote quality programs in our system.
How should the school system work to bridge the achievement gap between high-performing students and those who are struggling? One thing I would encourage would be to utilize higher achieving students in a mentoring program in association with faculty volunteers to promote study groups in a casual environment. This could be accomplished in the school environment or off campus if practical with adequate supervision and incentives could be offered for mentors as well as those who are being mentored.
District 5
Bill Browning
Current occupation: Retired
Relevant experience: Worked in education since 1998. I teach in the University of Alabama OLLI program in Gadsden; attended graduate school at the University of Florida, 2002-2012, earning a Master's degree in Education and completed all but one academic course required for a Ph.D. and written a book on education issues.
Prior elected offices: None
Why are you running for the school board? I am eminently qualified, degreed in Education, I've served as instructor, program director and academic dean and have done significant research on education issues like remediation, retention, standardized testing and leadership.
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing the Board of Education? Improving student outcomes, raising school grades more quickly and providing students with the necessary skills for current and future job markets; containing costs and improving infrastructure.
How should the school system work to bridge the achievement gap between high-performing students and those who are struggling? Focus attention of teachers on teaching; reduce the amount of non-teaching work they are required to do; attack the achievement gap in early elementary grades providing more aides in the classroom on paid and volunteer basis. Promote creative learning early; add coding classes in 4th grade. Add more vocational education opportunities and school-business partnerships — college is not for every student.
Mark Dayton
Current occupation: We purchase and remodel residential homes to put families into. I also coach kids for tennis on the side.
Relevant experience: First, I actually have children in our public schools in this era! I have dealt with the schools for 15 years from K4 to 12th (oldest, daughter graduated last year) I have showed up, stood, up and spoke up for years for our children, community, district's schools, and its system!
Prior elected offices: None. I do not run for every political office that comes up. I have been on several boards and committees over the years.
Why are you running for the school board? I did not just choose to run, I was asked by over 60 families in our district to be their candidate and represent the people in District 5. I believe, as they do, I can be the best voice for us, our children and our community. We all believe it is time for a serious change for the schools in our district! Even people without children or family in our public schools (or families that have kids that have been lucky enough to attend schools outside our district, private or Mitchell and Eura Brown) want a change to the schools to help their property values and best use of their tax dollars!
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing the Board of Education? Several! I will represent the people of District 5 to the best of my ability. We need to deal with our dilapidated schools, our poor ratings for our schools. We need to help our principals and superintendent with improving programs and getting the word out about them to parents and students, and ending the programs that are not working! We need to improve the number of students attending college, tech or trade schools that millions of our tax payers dollars have gone into! We need to make sure our children ready for their future, not just heading off poorly educated to low paying jobs.
How should the school system work to bridge the achievement gap between high-performing students and those who are struggling? There is a simple saying "no child left behind," we now more than ever need to live up to that! First make sure ALL of our teachers are on board with that idealism, and ALL of them are working hard for every student! We all understand as parents that not every kid is a super star student, BUT we need to address them by their individual needs and dreams. Some may go to college, while others can learn a great paying trade or skill that can help them have a great life for their future families. We must have every child strive to achieve goals by actually teaching them!
Glenda S. Jackson
Current occupation: Semi-retired educator/teacher
Relevant experience: I have a B.S. and Master's in Elementary Education, and a Minor in Special Education, with a Certificate in Administration, and Post Graduate work eventually to receive my Doctorate. Teaching 20+ years in Anniston and Gadsden City Schools gives me a perspective of a Board member's responsibilities.
Prior elected offices: I've never held an elected position.
Why are you running for the school board? My experience as an educator would allow me to expand the knowledge that I've garnered as a teacher to have a system-wide impact on students' learning and academic success. Students have to be prepared academically for the 21st Century globally in education. I want to have a positive influence to see them excel and succeed.
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing the Board of Education? I would like for the Gadsden City Board of Education and the superintendent to work in unity, promoting success and academic prowess for the students in the Gadsden City School System.
How should the school system work to bridge the achievement gap between high-performing students and those who are struggling? Bridging the achievement gap is a work in progress. There are many factors and variables that have to be considered and applied to narrow the gap. For one, each student is an individual and their learning styles are different. There is a consensus in research (Patall, 2008), that when parents are involved with their children in learning, children will soar academically. At an early age, before Kindergarten, children should be exposed to books. Parents should interact with their child and READ! There are reading/math intervention classes taught in Gadsden City Schools for struggling students.
District 6
Kevin G. Rigby
Current occupation: Retired educator
Relevant experience: I have worked in the school system. I have a BS degree in Education, MS (Educational Administration) Ed.S (Educational Leadership) from Jacksonville St. University
Prior elected offices: None
Why are you running for the school board? To help our school system achieve its maximum potential in educating our students. Also to connect the community as stakeholders in education. In the past, the community has often been overlooked.
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing the Board of Education? Students being prepared for careers and college. Many students entering college have to take remedial courses. Those not college bound aren’t prepared for the job market with certifications.
How should the school system work to bridge the achievement gap between high-performing students and those who are struggling? Guide the students in areas where they can be successful. There seems to be more focus on the college-bound student vs. the students more likely to enter the job market directly from high school. Those are the ones that often fall between the crack of success and failure.
Nancy Stewart
Current occupation: Dental hygienist/current Board Member for District 6
Relevant experience: I have served on the Gadsden City Board since 2010. I am a member of the Alabama Association of School Boards Academy, completing all 4 levels of Board Academy training. I have worked with our mayor, councilmen, commissioners and legislators to bring funds to our schools.
Prior elected offices: None. I was appointed as School Board Member for District 6 in June of 2010.
Why are you running for the school board? I am running for the school board first and foremost because I love children. All of my life I have served children in some capacity. I was volunteering in schools long before I became a board member. I care deeply about the education of our children. I also love Gadsden, and I believe in Gadsden City Schools. We've accomplished a lot during my time on the board and yet there is still so much left to do. I want to see it through. It's my desire for every student to reach their potential. I feel my experience on the school board gives our students the best opportunity to make that happen.
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing the Board of Education? I do not feel there is one “biggest issue.” There are several. But the fact that we will have anywhere from four to six new board members is something that could become a big issue. Anyone that has served on a school board will agree that there is a learning curve. Having school board experience matters! Everyone has really good ideas of things they want to do when they become a school board member. But to get things done, we must work together in order to put those ideas in place. So, my answer would be that we as a board must show unity!
How should the school system work to bridge the achievement gap between high-performing students and those who are struggling? We have a very good strategic plan already in place. One area we need to focus on is coming up with a plan to increase parental involvement. Parent involvement is crucial. No matter their income or background, students with involved parents are more likely to have higher grades and test scores. But some parents have to work two and three jobs just to make ends meet. These parents would like to be more involved, but it is sometimes impossible. Research shows the more comprehensive and well planned the partnership between school and home, the higher the student achievement. We must find a solution.
District 7
Glenda Hicks
Current occupation: Retired educator
Relevant experience: Former educator, serving 36 years in four schools of District 7 (Mitchell, Floyd, Forrest, Sansom); graduate of Etowah HS and JSU with B.S. and M.S. degrees in Education and Instructional Media; president of Gadsden Public Library board; active member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society of International Key Women Educators; member of Alabama Education Association and National Education Association
Why are you running for the school board? I believe it is very important that an educator be involved in decision making of the educational issues concerning our schools because these decisions affect our entire city and its greatest resource — the children we teach. I am qualified, experienced, and dedicated with a passion for education and if elected I would serve with a positive mindset to achieve success for our future generation
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing the Board of Education? I believe the most challenging issue is managing the spending and assets wisely and effectively. It is the responsibility of the school board to approve and balance the budget in accordance with system goals. This requires comprehensive planning, prioritizing resources and assets that are already in existence, avoiding wasteful spending all of which is critical to progress and creating additional funding for student achievement.
How should the school system work to bridge the achievement gap between high-performing students and those who are struggling? School achievement should be the focus of every board meeting. The board should advocate for the needs, resources, and interests of all students at all levels in a spirit of cooperation creating conditions for students to reach their potential. A school board should not get so involved in management that they forget the real reason they exist. The basis of every board decision should be whether or not it is in the students' best interest and the community it serves.
Wm. Allen Millican
Current occupation: Retired Presiding Circuit Judge, Attorney at Law
Relevant experience: I practiced law for 36 years. I have administered multimillion-dollar budgets. I have 17 years as a Circuit Judge. I am a trained mediator and negotiator. I am an administrator. I directly supervised dozens of personnel and hundreds of individuals. I am an innovator and problem solver.
Prior elected offices: Circuit Judge, 16th Judicial Circuit, Etowah County, 2000, 2006, 2012.
Why are you running for the school board? I have three grandchildren in the Gadsden Public School System. I have two at Mitchell and one in middle school. I have a vested interest in the success of the system. I want the best opportunities for my grandchildren and your children. As a judge I have seen the results of a poor education. I believe we should put the time, effort and resources in the children on the front end of their educational life to give them a stronger foundation.
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing the Board of Education? Finding common ground and working together is the first issue that the newly elected Gadsden School Board will face. It will take all of the districts working together with a single goal. That goal is to give our children the best education that is humanly possible. We should maximize every dollar and every resource at our disposal. This brings us to the budget. We are not only entrusted with the education of our children, but with the taxpayers' money. I will ensure that it is spent wisely.
How should the school system work to bridge the achievement gap between high-performing students and those who are struggling? I believe that the Sciences, Arts and Trades are equally important. You can't slow down the advanced students to accommodate the struggling students. You can't leave out the struggling students, who are equally as important. Individualized curriculum is the goal. With directions from Guidance Counselors, and input from parents and students, a pathway for success can be found.
