School Community

Interesting to note that the endorsement list released yesterday by eduKalb, a group of business and community leaders, and the one released today by the Organization of DeKalb Educators agree.

Here is the ODE release on who they endorsed and why they got into endorsements this election:

The 4,700 member Organization of DeKalb Educators, the largest local professional organization in Georgia, announced its endorsements for candidates for DeKalb County School Board Seats in districts 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9.

This is the first time in over 20 years that ODE has made endorsements in School Board Elections.  “This is a step we have taken cautiously and with some hesitation,” stated ODE President David Schutten.  “However, in light of the problems and challenges the DeKalb County School System has faced over the past year, we believe it is important to make our voices heard.”

Interviews were conducted by a team of ODE members on  October 8 and 9.  Each candidate was asked to fill out a questionnaire with 10 questions.  12 of 15 candidates responded and were interviewed.  “We focused on issues important to employees and students,” said ODE 1st Vice President Nicole Duff who lead the interview team.  “The interviews also gave us an opportunity to get to know the candidates and educate them on issues important to our members.”  The ODE Executive Board held a called meeting on Saturday, October 9 to make the endorsements.  Candidate rankings, survey responses, and incumbent records were taken into consideration.

The endorsed candidates include

District 1 – Jim Redovian (Incumbent)

District 3 – Corey Wilson

District 5 – Dr. Kirk Nooks

District 7 – Donna Edler

District 9 – Dr. Eugene Walker (Incumbent)

“Our members and their families as well as Georgia Association of Educators’ members and their families living in DeKalb County constitute a significant voting block,” emphasized ODE 2nd Vice President Lisa Morgan.  “Our outreach will be primarily to GAE members living in DeKalb County, which we estimate to be over 5,000 educators.”

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