As some of you know, I am not seeking re-election to the School Board for District 5.

With your past encouragement and support I have dedicated the past 15 years working to be a good public servant for our community. We now have three candidates to qualify for this position.

If times were different, I would say any one of the three are qualified to do the job as a board of education member. But after sitting in this seat for almost 16 years, I have to say that John Asbell is the most qualified for the job.

Out of a school board of seven, we will have four new members in January 2017. I can say from experience that this is a big learning curve.

When I was first elected, I had the benefit of having five veteran board members that could help guide and direct me on the job of a school board member with school law, school policy, AdvancED standards, budget, tribunals, appeals and a myriad of other things that come in to play with being an elected school board member.

Seeking election to the Board of Education is not a new thought for John Asbell. It was placed on his heart over three years ago when I said I would not run again.

Although he is not from Troup County, he has chosen it as his home. John was instrumental in making the THINC College and Career Academy a reality, having served as the first chair for this charter school.

He had to work with the school system, work with school policy, school law and work within budgets for a charter school. He is a leader and a problem solver.

John also has four children in Troup County schools, so he has current firsthand knowledge of what is going on in our schools and what the needs are. He knows the importance of preparing our students for 21st century learning and the tools they need for jobs and/or continuing education.

John will still have lots to learn but he is ahead of the curve already with his work with THINC Academy and having children in local schools. Based on this, I endorse John Asbell for school board District 5.

Sincerely,

Debbie Burdette

LaGrange