City School Board - District 1
Jerry Tate
Birmingham Board of Education, District 1
Jerry Tate
Age: 50
Residence: Huffman neighborhood.
Political experience: Ran for Birmingham School Board, District 1, 2013.
Professional experience: Project manager at Alagasco; former first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve.
Civic experience: Recipient, Birmingham Department of Youth Services Hidden Hero award; current president, Phillips Academy PTA and Birmingham Council of PTAs; former vice president, Huffman High School PTA; board member, Alabama State PTA board of directors; has served on the Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Committee, Text Book committee and Student Code of Conduct committee; board member, Birmingham Education Foundation; recognized by Birmingham City Schools for volunteering more than 100 hours a year. As advocate for schools and students for more than 15 years, campaigned for electronic learning devices in all classrooms, for city schools to be included in a Title 1 district and for continuation of after-school and new reading programs. Sunday school superintendent, technology coordinator and ordained deacon at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church of Pratt City.
Education: Alabama State University, bachelor’s degree.
Main issues: Tate wants to bridge the gap between the community and the new superintendent and to restore accountability and transparency. “I will ask for a full evaluation of every aspect of the district to identify areas for improvement in order to create a strategic plan and a budget that reflects the district’s priorities and puts students first.” He wants to empower stakeholders while supporting smaller class sizes with more technology and collaborating with educators to address academic achievement. He wants the district to provide incentives and professional development opportunities to attract and retain top teachers and plans to work with local leaders to increase local school funding which would give the system flexibility to reduce class sizes and increase pay to educators. He believes that new businesses and families will want to locate in Birmingham if the city has a good school system that prepares students for the 21st century workplace.
Campaign: http://www.electtate.com/index.htm
