It has been a long time....

I can't believe school has been is session almost a full month. The Gillis family slipped into it like we had never left.



Since I last wrote I have been very active meeting new people and listening to their ideas and concerns for our school system. I keep hearing the same thing, and I am glad. We have one common goal - the very best education for our children! Now, we all need to work together to replace those on our school board with other active and intelligent parents. I say "parents" because we all know that parents are the key factor in implementing positive change in our schools.



I am very fortunate to be running for the School Board in a district where so many parents are very involved and passionate about the schools. I'd like to share our vision and support those in other districts so that there schools can become better.



Here are a few of the things I have been doing to let the public know that I am running for this office and intend to win this seat!



On Thursday, Sept. 19th I stopped by to see Mayor Ray Jenkins of Doraville and while in that vicinity also visited with Ms. Pearch, the Principal of Cary Reynolds Elementary School. Ms Pearch is very passionate about her school and has done an outstanding job of creating an atmosphere of harmony amongst so many diverse cultural groups. Ms. Pearch shared with me some of her accomplishments as principal. The first year she was at Cary Reynolds the school did not meet AYP by merely 2 students. Since that time (9 years) the school has met AYP every year! Fantastic Ms. Pearch! Yes, it can be done and I would like to have more information from you to share with other schools which are experiencing difficulty.



Last Wednesday, I was able to share a cup of coffee with Mayor Ken Wright of Dunwoody. Through the course of our conversation I was able to learn that Mayor Wright and I share a passion for outstanding schools in our district, our county, our state and our country.

I believe this can be achieved. We just need to make it a priority in all our lives. Whether or not you have children in our public schools, it is in your best interest to make certain that our schools "keep kids first." We are educating our future leaders, business people, doctors, lawyers, every position imaginable and some we don't even know of yet! We are also falling short on the education of many, and these children are turning into non-productive adults. Imagine the financial burden that could be eliminated if our children were educated properly.



Each week I have been in my children's schools volunteering my time and getting to know the parents. You are all wonderful! Keep up the good work and don't forget the good news about the DCSS - you have a choice to elect a new board member on November 2nd that shares your passion.