Birmingham Board of Education, District 7

Wardine Towers Alexander

Age: 62

Political experience: Birmingham Board of Education District 7 member, 2013-present, including vice president, 2014-2015, and president, 2015-present.

Professional experience: Training/document control supervisor, BioLife Plasma Services/Shire, 1999-2017; education manager, American Red Cross Blood Services,1977-1999.

Civic experience: President, Alabama State Association of Blood Banks 1990-1992; member, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Omicron Omega Chapter, 1982-present; member, The Links Incorporated, Tri-County Alabama Chapter, 2012-present; member, One Roof Board, 2016-present; recipient, Wonderful Outstanding Woman Award, NAACP Metro Branch, 2013.

Education: Wenonah High School, advanced academic diploma, 1973; University of Alabama, 1973-1974; University of Alabama, Birmingham, bachelor’s, 1974-1978; American Society of Clinical Pathologists, MT(ASCP) certification,1978; MT(ASCP) certification, American Society of Clinical Pathologists.

Top contributors: Block Global Real Estate, $1,000; self, loan, $300.

Main issues: She said that, as a board member, she has supported policies that set high expectations for every student. “I feel that we can succeed as a school system by strengthening business partnerships and supporting increased parental involvement in our schools and community,” she said. Accomplishments she’s proud of during her tenure include attaining systemwide AdvancED accreditation for all schools; attaining financial stability; decreasing the number of schools listed on the state’s failing school list; expanding dual learning programs and career academies; getting voter approval for a tax increase to provide band and fine arts programs and additional pre-K classrooms; adding pre-K classes to allow all wait-listed students to attend the 2017-2018 school year. She said she would continue to support policies to increase the number of pre-K classes, support a robust curriculum to increase student achievement scores in reading and math, and working with local government to increase funding for schools.