BirminghamWatch contacted the candidates vying for the Birmingham Board of Education to ask them questions about the future of the schools. We asked each candidate we could reach the same questions. A few of the candidates could not be reached for comment. Eight of the 32 candidates responded in writing to our short questionnaire. None of the incumbents responded.  A full list of candidates and their backgrounds is in https://birminghamwatch.org/birmingham-city-election-voter-guide/

District 3

Mary Boehm: I have had 30 years of experience working to strengthen schools in Alabama and other southeastern states – first through my work with the BellSouth and Alabama Power Foundations and for the last 10 years with A+ College Ready. I worked with three State Superintendents to develop and lead successful transformation efforts that brought higher academic performance to hundreds of schools across Alabama. I will bring that passion, knowledge and specific experience to Birmingham City Schools.

I have come to realize that a focus on teachers – giving them the professional development, resources and classroom support they need – accompanied by increased expectations for student achievement is the only way to accomplish the changes needed in BCS. My experience doing this through A+ College Ready, resulted in the state ranking #1 in the country in growth in math, science and English AP Qualifying scores. I will bring a focus on improving academics and schools, teachers and student outcomes will be impacted at every grade level.

 

District 4

Amber Courtney: I bring capacity, credentials (will have a PhD in Education next May and am also an educator as well as a public student) and the ability to understand the plight of those we serve. I grew up in public schools and am currently seeking the path of a Doctorate Degree. I want to help show students what they can achieve to have a better quality of life – be it college or a job at the Honda plant. I want to show them it can be done, despite the challenges they face every day and the naysayers they encounter on the streets. They have to see it to achieve it and that takes being a leader and an example outside of the Board room. I was one of those children.

 

District 5

 Buford L. Burks: I have two graduate degrees in Education Administration: MS and EDS. I am a veteran educator who is a certified: superintendent, principal, and teacher. I have taught in all the district’s high schools and in others.

 

 

 

Martha McDowell: I can bring a work knowledge for successful:  Language Arts in K-12 as the students explore topics to apply reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills outlined in national and state standards. Mathematical thinking and problem solving.  Give students the opportunity to participate in collaborative discussions on how-to knowledge and fluency.

 

 

Michael “Mickey” Millsap: I bring 20 years of diverse experience as an award-winning public school teacher, a professor of entrepreneurship and innovation at UAB, a successful business person and entrepreneur, and as someone who has spent the last six years of my career working at the cross-section of innovation and education through my nonprofit organization k12 Lean Labs.

I have experience building an organization, uShip.com, that we started in 2004. At uShip we raised over $50 Million of capital to grow one of the most innovative and successful transportation marketplaces in the world. I have experience managing large budgets, which is important since the school board is responsible for $270 million of taxpayer money. I also have experience recruiting and hiring dynamic people, evaluating their performance, and building a successful organizational culture where everyone is working towards a common goal.

Better teamwork is something that is sorely needed in our system. As an educator I have worked with students to help them achieve success under some of the most difficult circumstances. I know the challenges students and families face and I know how to advocate for their needs. Most importantly, when we talk about changing the status quo and bringing change to the district, I can back that up with more than words. As I mentioned, I have worked with innovative educators in Birmingham, and across the country, to help them develop, test, and grow their solutions to school and classroom challenges.

 

District 8

 Tyrone Silmon: As a BCS Board Member, I will endeavor to work with other board members and district administration to support the Superintendent in reform endeavors that serve to undergird and strengthen the needs of our students, teachers and staff.

I believe my previous experience as an educator in an urban, public-school district has cultivated in me an understanding of the challenges inherent in public schools at every level. I will allow my experiences and expertise in working with community revitalization projects, managing budgets, and mobilizing support from local businesses and community organizations to ensure that students have access to various resources to include technology. I will work with community organizations and businesses that may be able to provide support to the Superintendent and IT Department to expand and enhance the infrastructure to support student use of the available technology.

Regarding parental involvement, we certainly need to encourage more “parental” involvement but we also need to be sure that children have a support system in place to ensure that they have the tools that they need to thrive in school. I truly believe in the old proverb that says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Our children need a village. They need the support of their teachers, their principals, mentors, business leaders, and individuals from our local colleges to provide the resources and opportunities that they need as they prepare for college, career, and life.

Sonja Smith: First, I bring the experience of an educator. I have taught high school, junior college, written curriculum, and provided instructional support to other teachers. Second, I have strong administrative experience. I have managed staff, written grants, overseen million-dollar budgets, and written policy. Since being a member of the BCS Board of Education is writing policy and supervising our Superintendent, I am well qualified.  Having the added bonus of being an educator gives me a perspective unlike most members of the Board.