Atlanta Public Schools Celebrates School Board Appreciation Week

Staff Report From Metro Atlanta CEO

Wednesday, March 16th, 2016

Atlanta Public Schools is celebrating members of the Atlanta Board of Education during School Board Appreciation Week (March 14-18, 2016), a weeklong observance that recognizes the contributions of local boards of education.

With nine members representing six geographical districts and three "at-large" districts, school
board members establish and approve the policies that govern Atlanta Public Schools. One person
is elected per district to represent schools in a given district for a four-year term. The district’s
current board was seated in 2014. Courtney D. English (At-Large, Seat 7, Districts 1 & 2) serves
as the chair. Other members are:

·       Leslie Grant, District 1
·       Byron D. Amos, District 2
·       Matt Westmoreland, District 3
·       Nancy M. Meister, District 4 (Vice Chair)
·       Steven D. Lee, District 5
·       Eshé P. Collins, District 6
·       Cynthia Briscoe Brown, At-Large, Seat 8 (Districts 3&4)
·       Jason F. Esteves, At-Large, Seat 9 (Districts 5&6)
 
As constitutional officers of Georgia, school board members are responsible for setting educational policies, employing school personnel, providing buildings and equipment, operating a transportation system and disbursing school funds. As community leaders, school board members serve as advocates for the children in local public schools and must study, evaluate and decide what actions are in the best interest of those students.
 
Not only do members of the Atlanta school board serve on behalf their respective geographical districts, ABOE members also lead various board committees such as:

-Accountability Committee – Courtney English, Chair

-Audit Committee – Leslie Grant, Chair

-Budget Committee – Matt D. Westmoreland, Chair

-Policy Review Committee – Eshé P. Collins, Chair

-Legislative Liaisons – Jason Esteves and Matt D. Westmoreland    
 
Board Chair English and Vice Chair Meister are currently the longest serving board members.  Both began their terms in 2010.
 
Additionally, members of the ABE represent the district on several external organizations including the National School Boards Association, Council of Urban Boards of Education, Council of Great City Schools and Invest Atlanta.
 
School Board Appreciation Week is sponsored by the Georgia School Boards Association. Governor Nathan Deal signed a proclamation declaring the week for school board members who are dedicated and committed to providing a quality education and resources for the students they serve.