Post forum accounting of Board of Education candidate discussion
The Oconee County Georgia Board of Education will be in good hands next year and beyond if the candidates' performance at the Forum Wednesday at Library is any indication of things yet to come. David Weeks and Ashley Hood answered the most questions, with the rest of the group getting in good responses. Business experience, charter schools and financial stewardship were the main topics of questions from the audience.
Former Board of Education member Dr. John Glisson pinch hit for Kyle Martin and Kim Argo's daughter Alicea Flanagan appeared for her European vacationing mother.
Oconee County Assistant Tourism Director Peggy Holcomb seemingly personally attacked Ashley Hood's resume at the end of the three hour proceedings about her supposed lack of experience. The Post Three candidate countered calmly about her teaching experience in Texas, her husband and family of five in the school system and assorted other credentials. I think Peggy is just jealous of Ashely doing something Peggy has always wanted to do and hasn't for whatever reason. Another Oconee County voter from the front row of the proceedings turned around and chastised Holcomb for her ill worded and awkwardly asked question.
Questions and statements ranged from Plum Island Bio-Terror to gym floor surfaces to whether or not the headquarters of the BOE should move. Mack Guest got the brevity award for most concise answers. Chuck Toney would often answer the questions quickest and would directly address what he thought about the topic at hand. Rich Clark was the only candidate who will not have to have a vote. Unquestionably Carter Brank has the most government experience of any one there with his Medicaid Fraud investigatory unit of the GBI and more. Tom Breedlove showed his considerable experience as well in many interesting answers. More later perhaps
Comments
I have taught school for a year and do not have a teaching certificate. Actually I taught second grade at a private school in Waco, Texas. My BA is from Texas A&M University in Political Science and in a public meeting, I have never been asked the question of what field my degree is in. If I was asked that question, I would readily share that information and I included that specific information on all my press releases. Whatever the media chooses to include is their decision.
My point was that I have classroom experience and understand the dynamics of a classroom setting. I think teaching at a private school demonstrates that I was teaching because of my love for children. Obviously, I was not teaching for the income. At the time, I made approximately $12,000 a year. I actually considering going back to school to receive my teaching degree but then we started our family and we made the decision for me to become a stay at home mother.
I am a person who prefers to talk about issues and less about myself. That is just my personality. I have been told by several friends that I should promote myself and my accomplishments more readily, that is not my style.
If you are interested to know a little more about me, I graduated from McAllen High School in 1988 and I graduated from Texas A&M University in 1991. I graduated from college a year early. I was a parapro in a kindergarten class for a half a year. I have taught at St. Mary's School in Waco, Texas from 1992-1993. I was the Chairperson of the Children's Committee of Highland Baptist Church in Lubbock, Texas. I have been the Secretary and President of the Windy Creek Homeowners' Association. I have served on the Hickory Lake Homeowners' Association for the last several years. I have enjoyed keeping an eye on county government and BOE issues for many years now.
If you have any other questions of me, feel free to email me at ashleyhood@netzero.com or call me at (706)310-1535.