Candidates for County School Board District 5

The Polk County District 6 school board race will be decided between Christina Robinson and Paul “Drew” Williams Jr. Robinson is a mother and administrative assistant, while Williams is a certified real estate appraiser and father.

School board members are voted on by district, meaning only people that live in a specific district can vote in their board of education district election.

NOTE: The candidates’ answers were taken from the April 23 and April 24 Candidate Forums presented by the Polk County Chamber of Commerce. Answers have been edited for content and length.

Q: What motivated you to run for the school board and what specific experience or skills do you bring to the table that would benefit Polk School District?

Robinson: I believe my decision to run for district six was driven by the lack of response from within our community. As a lifelong resident of Polk County and a graduate of the class of 2017 of Rockmart High School, I have witnessed firsthand the areas that need to be changed within our school system. With my daughter entering the school system this upcoming school year, I feel stepping up to make a change for the better is necessary.

Our children are the future, and it all starts within the education they receive. My skills for this position have developed over the years while working in the front office for Rockmart Slate. I have honed the ability to multitask, manage time, handle finances, stay organized and establish a collaborative process to set goals.

Also I believe that the main focus should be within the success of all of our students in the district. I’m deeply committed to ensuring that our schools provide the best possible learning environment for our students.

Williams: I don’t think most people aspire to be involved in politics. But those that do I think feel a sense of responsibility to give back and I’ve been blessed in my life. I’m the son of parents who both retired from the school system. My father taught for 30 years here with Polk School District. I’m the father of two children, one that has graduated and one that is fixing to graduate. I’m the spouse of an employee and a grandfather to an incoming preschool student.

As far as experience or skills, I have been involved in the community in several different leadership roles. I’ve been involved with the schools as a community coach. I volunteer on several panels as both a parent and a business owner.

I’ve got 25 and a half years of experience as a real estate appraiser and have a successful business.

You think what does a real estate appraiser have to do with the school system? On a daily basis I constantly am analyzing cost value and possible returns on investment. We have to put more effort into our school system and our parents and our students. Not to say that it’s not being done now. But we need to increase the expectations and return on investment of our students, teachers and employees.