Missy Jarrard, Candidate School Board Chair

News, Politics

CLEVELAND, Ga. — Missy Jarrard is a veteran educator with 23 years experience, including nine years as an elementary and middle school teacher and 14 years as a school counselor. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Education from the University of North Georgia and a Masters in School Counseling from the University of Georgia. She believes the time has come to put her knowledge and experience to work for the citizens of White County which is why she has decided to run for chairman of the White County School Board.

At a recent candidate forum, Jarrard said, “Never have I seen teacher morale so low. We’re at a time when our teachers are in fear of speaking out and giving their opinion. Teachers and parents feel like when they have a concern that no one is truly listening to them. I believe our school system is in need of a voice for transparency and unity.”

Jarrard acknowledged that the school system has won some incredible awards but added that, “When you walk into the school building and talk to the teachers and students and listen to them, you know there are more stories to be told.”

One area where she disagrees with School Board Chair Kendyl Brock-Hunter is on whether or not school board members should spend more time in the schools.

Hunter says school board members are not there to micromanage. “We are there to listen to the administrators, listen to the parents, listen to the students listen to our community and to govern.”

Jarrard said, “I do believe there needs to be a presence by the school board in the school building. Not to micromanage but in order for you to get a full picture of what is going on in each school. To do that, you’ve got to be present.Those teachers need to see you walk down that hall, even if it’s just to have lunch. They need to see you and you need to be approachable and you need to have easy access.”

Both candidates agree there is too much student testing. Jarrard said, “I know a lot of those are state and federally mandated but there are some local decisions being made that add to the testing. We need to make sure we’re using that data in the correct manner. If the test is not a good tool to use to measure child’s ability we don’t need it. Our children are being over tested and it’s developmentally inappropriate.”

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