Candidate Profile: Irene Holly Berens For Marietta City Schools

MARIETTA, GA — Thirteen candidates are running for seven seats in the Marietta City Schools Board of Education election Nov. 2, one of which is running for the Ward 7 seat.

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

Incumbent candidate Irene Holly Berens is running unopposed for Marietta City Schools Board of Education, Ward 7.

Age (as of Election Day)

67

Party Affiliation

Independent

Family

Husband: Bob

Adult children and spouses: Ryan Berens (Carmen), Lauren Hughes (Todd), David Berens (Laura)

Grandchildren: Claire (10), Hudson (8), Jaxson (7), Olivia Grace (5), Mason (4), Jacob (4)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Bachelor of Science in Management from Georgia Institute of Technology

Occupation

Ballet teacher for 35 years, office manager for seven years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Marietta City Schools Board of Education, Ward 7: 20 Years

Campaign email

irene.berens@gmail.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I want to continue to serve our Marietta community.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

COVID-19 learning loss. We will need to provide all resources necessary to help our students succeed.

What are your short- and long-term goals if you are elected?

Continue to respond to student needs and support student and faculty success.

What do you like best about living in your city (or county)?

Sense of community.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Do your best and be kind to yourself while trying.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I love Marietta and our Marietta City Schools.