Candidate Profile: Darnell Jackson Jr., Bartow School Board Dist. 2

CARTERSVILLE, GA — Two candidates are running for Bartow County Board of Education District 2 in the May 24 General Primary Election.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as the primary draws near.

Darnell Jackson Jr. is running for Bartow County Board of Education District 2

Name: Darnell Jackson Jr.

Campaign website:VoteForDarnell

City of residence: Cartersville

Office sought: Bartow County Board of Education District 2

Party affiliation: Republican

Education: Cass High School, class of '97

Occupation: Business owner

Family: My wife Jodi of 22 years has multiple degrees and is also a business owner; she graduated from Cass High School in 1999. Cairo is my 22-year-old son, also a business owner. Caliyah is my 19-year-old daughter who is a nanny and a podcast host. Both graduated from Woodland High School.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Previous public office, appointive or elective: No

Age: 43

Why are you seeking this office? To add value and depth to the school board, see how we can further help address poverty, drug abuse and financial literacy.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it. Emotional well-being

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? I actually have a platform and a history of helping the students of this community. I don’t run on the fears and phobias of our community with issues that aren’t relevant here right now in Bartow. We have issues that need addressing right now and I’m not afraid to opening debate or talk about this issues.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign? Poverty, drug abuse and financial literacy

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? 2015 recipient of the Jackey Beavers Community service award. I’ve volunteered for FCA in multiple schools in this county and surrounding counties. I helped with the Teen Pregnancy Prevention program in the early 2000's and I also created and hosted back to school supply drives/events in 2018 and 2019 in which we were able to bless over 1000 families with free school supplies, haircuts, hair styling and entertainment. I also own several businesses, so I know what it takes to manage financials and make a business fruitful.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you? If you’re not being a great example you’re being a horrible one.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I have a history of being a friend in this community and helping to make a real impact. This race is not about the party we may or may not represent but about the students and the future of our county. We need some one who doesn’t have narrow views but someone is level-headed and willing to listen to the concerns of all our citizens, not just the ones who only agree with our views. When elected to the board I plan on adding value, innovation and a fresh perspective.