Seven people have applied to be on the Columbus Municipal School Board. The Columbus City Council will make the appointment at Tuesday night’s council meeting.
Aubra Turner, who has served on the board since 2011, has submitted her name to be considered for the position. Her term ends at the end of this month, creating an opening.
Turner, who has two children in the city school system, has said she is passionate about making a difference in the schools and the community.
“I am passionate about public education and children,” Turner said. “I put my heart into whatever I do. I believe in each child in our district, regardless of the school they attend, race, gender or socio-economic status. I stand for quality education and fairness, and I feel that my influence will have a major impact on determining how the needs of our children and district are met.”
Greg Lewis, programs director for the Columbus Lowndes Recreation Authority, also has a child in the district. If appointed, Lewis has said he would concentrate on raising test scores.
“My number one thing would probably be test scores, definitively,” Lewis said in a previous interview. “We need to bring up test scores to bring the district up.”
Willie Petty Sr., a native of Crawford, is a retired educator and works as a substitute teacher. Petty’s two children graduated from Columbus High School. In his spare time, Petty said he volunteers with senior citizens. Petty said his experience, as a former teacher would be an asset to the board. “Most of the parents I taught back in the day and now they have children in the elementary,” he said. “I am aware of what’s needed and what’s going on in the school system. I think my being on the board will be an asset.”
Clifford Reynolds is a retired principal at West Lowndes. He could not be reached for comment.
James Samuel declined to comment.
Sylvester Marks and David Gatewood could not be reached for comment.
Sarah Fowler covered crime, education and community related events for The Dispatch.
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