As shown by our excellent

ranking among Georgia schools, our children are the

recipients of a quality education, but most would agree

there is room for improvement. Through my own personal

experiences, I have observed a lack of consistency among

our county schools, from elementary through high school.

These differences occur in teaching models used,

extracurricular activities sponsored, courses offered,

and facilities provided. While I believe each school can

and should have a "personality," standards for

consistency should be set and maintained on a county-wide

level.

As a school board member, I

will push to strengthen our academic focus to challenge

all students to perform to their highest potential. As my

children have heard many times, my goal is to have them

leave the Fayette County school system with as many

options open to them as possible. Learning to push

themselves to achieve their best is an invaluable lesson.

Many challenges face the

next board, which could include three new members:

- Governor Barnes'

Education Reform, HB 1187, will require diligent effort

to understand its effect on our children and how to best

minimize any disruptions while being phased in.

- Open and improved

communication between the board of education and

parents/citizens is essential. Reworking the format of

board meetings to make them more

"consumer-friendly" would be a starting point.

Comprehensive workshops for the parents of students

moving into middle school and high school would help to

ease that major transition.

- Alternative

scheduling options need to be looked at to allow our high

school students some breathing room. The Community School

might be a viable option for noncredit exploratory

classes for middle and high school students.

- Facilities issues

will not go away - most agree that a SPLOST vote

will come up again. My feeling is that voters will

support a fiscally responsible board that they can trust.

Because the management of

the Fayette County school system has an impact on every

resident in this county, I encourage you to take the time

to vote in the July 18 election. The deadline for

registration in June 19 and the Elections Office

(770-460-5730, ext. 5408) can give you information on

registration and also on absentee ballots. Please

remember that even though candidates run for a particular

post, this is a county-wide election.

I invite you to contact me

with any questions or to further discuss educational

issues. I can be reached by phone at 770-461-6643 or

e-mail [email protected] .

Kim Gatlin

Candidate for Fayette County School Board Post 2