11/04/2020
This election year has been one like no others. Our School Board election has been one of great importance on many levels. For years our community has expected our school system to run efficiently and effectively which it has done superbly. Because of its success, many people have moved to our community bringing new ideas, cultures, and viewpoints to the existing norm. Our economy flourished and families have been able to take advantage of the wonderful quality of life in Gwinnett residents.
During the pandemic, people reacted and became more engaged in the decisions made by the School Board on such things as instructional delivery methods. Many people also raised their voice to expose inadequacies and spoke up to share their opinions through emails, calls, demonstrations, and public addresses at board meetings. For these and many other reasons, this election for School Board has been of great interest. Suddenly, down ballot choices seemed very important.
It has been my great pleasure to serve the citizens of Gwinnett County in my role as the representative for District 1.
I am constantly amazed at the great quality of the teaching corps in GCPS. Our educators are caring, creative, accomplished, skilled, and resilient. They have adapted well to a vast change in teaching methods while keeping the individual needs of students in the forefront while safely providing lessons. Without any doubt they are to be commended for doing a great job under trying and difficult circumstances. Our parents, too, have had to adapt to huge schedule changes and interactions. Of course, our students have endured numerous adaptations and done so beautifully. Our common desire is for all students to resume in person classes as soon as safely possible.
During this campaign, I have had the wonderful opportunity to meet many new people in our community and listen to their concerns, suggestions, and ideas. I have seen firsthand what I already knew that all parents want the very best for their children. There are different theories for optimal ways to deliver the best education to all students. As I finish out my term I will continue to listen and learn and vow to:
R....recruit and retain the best teachers
E...ensure innovation and change
A...assure a safe learning environment: and
D...deliver a quality education to all students
Thank you to all of you who cared enough to make your wishes known by contacting me throughout this election season. I cherish all of these opportunities to learn even from those whose ideas may vary from my own viewpoints. There is no one right way and by being open to other opinions, we can create a better solution for all of us.
I look forward to seeing what direction our new board members take our school system as I leave my post with gratitude for the time I have had to serve our students and community.
With warm regards,
Carole C. Boyce