Candidate Profile: Becky Sayler For Cobb County School Board Post 2

COBB COUNTY, GA — Four candidates are running for Cobb County School Board Post 2 in the May 24 General Primary Election, in addition to others running for District 4 and 6.

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

Becky Sayler is running for Cobb County School Board Post 2.

<b>Name</b>

Becky Sayler

<b>Campaign website</b>

https://www.beckysayler.com

<b>City or town of residence</b>

Unincorporated Cobb (Atlanta 30339)

<b>Office sought</b>

Cobb County School Board Post 2

<b>Party affiliation</b>

Democrat

<b>Education</b>

EB.A. from Emory University in 2000 in History and Sociology, M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Teachers College Columbia University in 2007

<b>Occupation</b>

I am a teacher. I have worked within children's education over the past 22 years in various capacities - ESOL teacher in Post 2, high school teacher in Romania, Director of Children's Ministries at metro Atlanta churches, freelance writer for Children's magazines, and preschool teacher.

<b>Family</b>

My husband Aaron and I have children who attend Post 2 schools. Aaron taught math in Atlanta Public Schools for ten years.

<b>Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?</b>

No

<b>Age</b>

43

<b>Previous public office, appointive or elective</b>

No

<b>Why are you seeking this office?</b>

I'm running because I love public schools and I believe in the transformative power of education. I want to see our schools and students thrive. We need informed, dedicated people to set policy, approve the budget, and evaluate the superintendent. I’ve had an inside look at schools as both a teacher and a parent, and keenly see both the amazing and the difficult parts of our school system. I believe I have the knowledge and experience to do this work well.

<b>Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.</b>

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is helping our students recover from three interrupted school years. I intend to advocate for mental health and academic support for all of our students, and to expand programs that right now only focus on a quarter of our student populations.

<b>What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?</b>

I am the only teacher and mother in the race. My background in education will enable me to evaluate the programs and policies from a place of experience. I have been involved in Cobb County Schools since 2007 in various ways and for the past two years have been attending board meetings either online or in person, making public comment, asking questions, and paying attention. I have been endorsed by all three Democrats on the Cobb County School Board and by the Cobb County Association of Educators.

<b>If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?</b>

The current representative for Post 2, Dr. Jaha Howard, is running for State Superintendent and has endorsed me in this race.

<b>What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?</b>

I believe we have room to grow in expanding PreK offerings, improving communication and financial transparency with stakeholders, addressing the infrastructure needs of our schools, and offering high-quality professional development for teachers.

<b>What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?</b>

My job history, volunteer experiences, and educational background have readied me for this position.

<b>What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?</b>

"Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." - Matthew 6:34

<b>Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?</b>

I am eager to serve you in this role. Feel free to get in touch at saylerforcobb@gmail.com