Top two officers face opposition

Election Day could become a referendum on Richmond County school leadership.

Five of 10 positions on the school board are up for election on Nov. 4, yet only two incumbents are being challenged. Those are the seats held by the board's president and vice president.

"I definitely think you're more out in the public's eye, so there is more chance of criticism serving in the leadership roles," board President Jimmy Atkins said.

Mr. Atkins will be challenged by Mary Oglesby in the District 8 race. Mrs. Oglesby served as board president 1999-2000.

In District 5, board Vice President Joe Scott is up against James Williams Jr., who unsuccessfully ran for the school board two years ago.

Mr. Atkins said the highlight of his four years on the board has been hiring Superintendent Dana Bedden, replacing Dr. Charles Larke who held the position for more than 10 years.

"I just feel that this is an exciting time to be part of the Richmond County Board of Education with all of the positive changes that (Dr. Bedden) has brought forth and what he's got still on the horizon," Mr. Atkins said.

He said he has grown as a leader and was honored that his fellow board members elected him president after two years.

"I made promises to the citizens four years ago if they elected me what I would do and I stayed strong to those promises," Mr. Atkins said, adding he promises to continue carrying out Dr. Bedden's vision.

When out campaigning, he reminds constituents of those promises and what he has delivered them, such as a new middle school that will open in August and fewer portable classrooms in that part of the county.

Mr. Atkins said he also promised to hold the superintendent accountable, and the new superintendent's contract has a definite end date with no automatic rollover clause. Dr. Bedden must also earn his bonuses and not just be given them for showing up to work.

But his challenger takes issue with the direction in which the school system is heading.

"There are some things going on within the educational component right here that I just feel that we're just missing the boat on," said Mrs. Oglesby, a former small business owner and rape crisis volunteer coordinator.

She said she saw a trend developing.

For instance, the school system has several programs for special needs children, but similar resources aren't available to all children, Mrs. Oglesby said.

"That child middle line and above we're losing," she said. "Our children are like little sponges. If we don't get them K-5, we've basically lost them."

Teachers should be given flexibility to address the needs of students who are ahead of their classmates, Mrs. Oglesby said. The focus has been too much on testing.

"I got in because we're losing children that can be challenged and can move way beyond," she said.

Mrs. Oglesby wants to change the grade structure of schools. Perhaps, sixth-grade should be in elementary school or ninth-grade should be in middle school.

In Europe, teachers test their students at an early age to determine their career interests and to work with them to reach those goals, she said.

In District 5, Mr. Scott, the board's vice president, believes his record will enable him to keep his seat.

"My record stands for itself," Mr. Scott said. "I've dedicated my life to doing things for boys and girls and to improving this community."

He ran four years ago on a platform of transparency, equity and accountability, and he is doing that again in this campaign, he said.

Schools are holding their ground in meeting federal benchmarks, despite increased standards, he said. And, through its building program, the board has reduced the number of portable classrooms in use, a major concern of his.

"I've always been for improving the quality of life for all children, believing all children can learn," Mr. Scott said.

He helped bring Dr. Bedden to Richmond County and brought the school system into the community through a series of public forums.

"This is not the job where you have on-the-job training," Mr. Scott said. "It's about making a difference right here and right now ... I think we're turning the corner with bringing our schools up to par."

But Mr. Scott's opponent, Mr. Williams, has concerns with how the board is being run and believes he is the better choice.

"I'm not running against Mr. Scott. I'm running for the seat," he said. "I just want to be a servant on the board to the community."

He is concerned that too many students aren't passing required state tests. Students who are struggling need to be reached early through added support, such as Saturday and after-school programs.

Mr. Williams said it will be a priority to address the whole child by involving the whole community, including churches, businesses and parents.

"I think there are ways we can energize (parents) in a way that can get them involved and help their children come to school with a learning attitude," Mr. Williams said.

He wants to hold meetings for his constituents and to establish an open-door policy, but he also wants the public to hold him accountable.

"Hold me accountable to what they expect, and I challenge them to do that. I strongly challenge them to do that," Mr. Williams said. "Those who have a concern, I invite them to bring their concerns to me just like those who feel that I'm doing a good job."

Marion Barnes of District 1, Barbara Pulliam of District 4 and Helen Minchew of Super District 10 are on the ballot, but face no opposition.

Reach Greg Gelpi at (706) 828-3851 or greg.gelpi@augustachronicle.com.