2017 Voters Guide by the Council for Intown Neighborhoods and Schools (Cins)

2017 VOTERS GUIDE BY THE COUNCIL FOR INTOWN NEIGHBORHOODS AND SCHOOLS (CINS)

The Council of Intown Neighborhoods and Schools (CINS) ATLANTA MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS supports the Grady cluster of schools through advocacy, investment and community engagement. More than 6,500 APS students live in this community, which includes In early September, CINS sent questionnaires to 68 candidates seeking to Downtown, Midtown, parts of the West Side, Ansley Park, represent the intown neighborhoods zoned for Atlanta’s Grady cluster of Piedmont Heights, Old 4th Ward, Morningside, Inman Park, schools. Virginia Highlands, Candler Park, and Lake Claire. Our schools are Grady High, Inman Middle, Centennial Academy, Kindezi Old 4th Ward, and Hope-Hill, Mary Lin, Morningside, The questions came from CINS members and other intown neighbors, and and Springdale Park elementary schools. To learn more most fell into one of two categories: about CINS, please visit www.cinsatlanta.org.  Quality of life  Collaboration between the City and the Atlanta Board of Education REGISTER TO VOTE DEADLINE As of August 25, 2017, the last candidate qualifying date, there are 13 October 10, 2017 candidates running for Mayor of Atlanta, 36 seeking seats on the Atlanta City Council, and 19 for the Atlanta Board of Education. We are grateful to all of EARLY VOTING them for their willingness to serve our community, and we thank those who responded for the time and thought they put into sharing their views with us. Monday, October 16, 2017 to Friday, November 3, 2017 The candidates’ responses, which are listed in alphabetical order by office, are published as they were received without editing or verification; however, fonts ELECTION DAY were changed and extra spacing was removed in some cases. Questions are repeated every few pages to minimize page flipping. Click the page numbers Tuesday, November 7, 2017 on the “Inside the Guide” section below to jump to the desired page. Polls open 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, CINS does not endorse candidates. This RUN-OFF DAY Voter Guide is provided instead to encourage voter awareness and participation. Readers can learn more about the candidates through their Tuesday, December 5, 2017 campaign websites and news sources such the Atlanta-Journal Constitution, Polls open 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. www.atlantaloop.com and www.voteatl.org.

HELFUL LINKS Atlanta Board of Education

 Voter registration, districts, and polling locations at: My  Six seats on the Atlanta Board of Education serve all or part of the Grady Voter Page  City Council Districts and Precincts cluster: Districts 1, 2 and 3, and At-large Seats 7, 8 and 9.  City Council & Board of Education Districts  CINS sent questionnaires to 19 candidates running for the above seats  General Atlanta Municipal Election Information and received responses from 17.

INSIDE THE GUIDE Atlanta City Council and City Council President (Clickable Page Numbers) Board of City Council  Nine seats on the Atlanta City Council serve all or part of the Grady Education At-Large Post 1 25 cluster: City Council President, At-large Posts 1, 2 and 3, and Districts 2- District 1 2 At-Large Post 2 26 District 2 4 At-Large Post 3 27 6. District 3 6 District 2 27  CINS sent questionnaires to 36 candidates running for the above seats At-Large Seat 7 13 District 3 31 and received responses from 18. At-Large Seat 8 18 District 4 32 At-Large Seat 9 21 District 5 35 District 6 36 Atlanta Mayor City Council President 23 Mayor 41  CINS sent questionnaires to the 13 candidates and received 8 responses.

Atlanta Board of Education

Question 1: Please describe your Question 5: As apartment and Question 7: Major events staged in Question 9: Though the City of Atlanta experience with public schools. (150 condominium construction continues in Piedmont Park during the school year and Atlanta Public Schools have long words) areas served by Grady cluster schools, to have a significant negative impact on been separate entities, the City still holds what extent do you think increased density Grady High School. From set-up to strike, the property deeds to approximately 50 Question 2: What is the Grady cluster’s will lead to increased enrollment, and how the largest events can last up to two APS properties. In recent years, the City greatest asset? What is its greatest would you suggest Atlanta Public Schools weeks, during which time it is often difficult has withheld deeds, making it impossible challenge? (150 words) plan for this growth? (250 words) for students and faculty to get to and from for APS to sell vacant properties. What is school on time and participate in after- your take on this situation, and what are Question 3: Grady cluster stakeholders Question 6: Do you support the current hours activities on campus. This affects your thoughts on remedying it? (250 include not only educators, students and proposal to annex Emory University, the drivers, walkers, cyclists and those who words) parents, but also businesses, community Centers for Disease Control and take transit. What would you do to mitigate organizations and residents who do not surrounding properties into the City of the impact of such events? (250 words) Question 10: Property taxes collected by have children in Atlanta Public Schools. If Atlanta? If so, do you believe A) that those Fulton County account for nearly three elected, how would you be accountable to annexed areas should be served by Question 8: What is your assessment of fourths of the APS budget, so when the all constituents? (150 words) Atlanta Public Schools, and B) that they public charter schools? What can County reacted to the outcry over 2017 should be zoned for Grady cluster traditional public schools learn from them? assessments by returning to 2016 Question 4: How would you address the schools? Please explain your reasoning. What can they learn from traditional public assessment levels, this put APS in a bind. overcrowding and disrepair/aging of many (250 words) schools? (250 words) Is there a different school budget Grady cluster schools (e.g., Morningside procedure you can recommend to protect Elementary and Grady)? (250 words) our school revenues from future actions of this kind by the County? (250 words)

successful k-12 clusters with this level and renovations to the Grady Cluster work/study programs for older District 1 of diversity. alone. This will seek to solve Middle students, as well as possible School capacity issues, High School grade reconfigurations in order Leslie Grant The greatest challenge is to going to capacity and repairs, Morningside ES to “fit and stay” in the Grady be maintaining this healthy mix while http://www.electlesliegrant17.com/ Renovation and eventually provide for Cluster once the 2021 build-out we maintain adequate capacity at all Incumbent additional capacity once the Inman is complete is an interesting grade levels with the rapid growth, building is vacated. By the end of the conversation that needs to take and not displace our less-resources SPLOST cycle, I believe there will be place very soon. Answer 1: I personally attended families. need for additional space and there DeKalb County Schools grades 1-12. will need to be some innovative Answer 6: I do not appreciate Answer 3: Accountability means lots My two children have attended APS thinking as to how best to use the how the legislation was written of things to lots of folks. To the schools K-12 (my daughter is an IB additional capacity to allow as many and the reflection is screams taxpayers, businesses and Diploma Holding freshman at GA families as possible to remain in their about the current Council and community organizations, I will TECH – mom brag!!!) and K-9 (my home cluster. Administration’s value (or lack son is a freshman at Maynard continue work I began in 2016 as thereof) of our public schools. If Jackson HS). Both attended K-8 at Audit Committee Chair to reassert the Answer 5: I do believe we have the expansion helps the City to Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School board’s role in oversight of the district. many more new families who provide quality services, extend in Grant Park. I’ve served in I will also continue my Community are choosing to live in smaller, transit and increase the tax leadership positions including: NCS Coffees on the First Friday of the more dense dwellings along the base AND the proposed Transition Governing Board and Month at Blueprint Church on Rankin Eastside Trail of the BeltLine annexed areas WANT to come ANCS Board as Parent Involvement Street at 8:30am. I started the and that we’ve been playing into the City of Atlanta, I don’t Committee Chair, Maynard Jackson Coffees in 2015 to provide a neutral catch-up as a system by trying think it is a bad thing. I do Local School Council and currently space to discuss any issues the to stay in front of development. I believe that the law and intent of serve as the District One public would like, and I will work to think we will need to have early the law is to co-terminously Representative on the Atlanta Board expand the Coffees in my next term. and often discussions, with expand the boundaries of the of Education. I’ve also pitched the idea of community stakeholders, about City of Atlanta (if the city incorporating a customer service how to best grow, redistrict, and expands, so does the school Answer 2: What is its greatest platform that would provide holistic rethink “schools.” The Grady system). However, I think it challenge? The greatest asset is the accountability for our staff and Cluster sits between the urban would be prudent to assess the diversity of its student population– families and will continue to advocate “spine” of Peachtree and the enrollment and give a healthy many races, ethnicities, family for meaningful accountability from the Beltline. These two innovative lead time to make any changes structures, income levels, beliefs and Superintendent. urban design growth areas CAN necessary for both districts (it’s cultures are still to be found in our provide opportunity to rethink not as simple as moving kids Answer 4: We appreciate the support rapidly gentrifying city core. In large our school campuses and from one bus to another) AND I of our SPLOST V referendum in 2016 urban districts, it is rare to find such traditional programming. also would enjoy a discussion that will provide over $100M in repairs Incorporating more flexibility, about more autonomously

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Atlanta Board of Education managed clusters that might be than the board in order to technology and ideas are at our what each school can support, able to operate a bit more ensure quality oversight. fingertips. It is lack of utilization but how to have equitable flexibly within our current rigid B) Cross-check the Audit of the entire community to access for all parents to high “boundaries.” A more “metro- reports from previous years for accomplish our mission that is quality education. We must wide” approach is something the Fulton County Tax Assessor our challenge. This problem is decrease the disparity in worthy of discussion. Back to and ensure that all exacerbated by the constantly educational outcomes at earth…I do think that if areas recommendations for changing demographics which schools throughout the district are adjacent to a cluster, and improvement have been leads to insular thinking is many so parents are comfortable legally we accept them into followed thoroughly. C) Assume cases. sending their children to any of APS, they would necessarily be less-than-realistic growth for a the public schools both in our zoned to the closest schools. It year and place the increase, Answer 3: Because everyone cluster and in the district. makes for a very difficult when/if, in reserves to build a benefits from the education of argument to leapfrog over a buffer D) The Board, as a students we should all have Answer 6: As an Emory cluster or go around our elbow whole, must demand greater "skin in the game." The entire graduate I am clear on what the to transport kids to another, accountability for expenditures – community must be informed of school did for me as a student non-adjacent district. what is the purpose, measured what in happening in the and a member of the outcome, timeframe and tool to schools. I would inform our community. That being said we Answer 7: We need a City monitor. community by attending have to look at all the Councilmember and Mayor who neighborhood meetings implications of the annexation, will prioritize communication quarterly to give updates, including changing the voting with our schools so that the Ade Oguntoye having meetings in the mix and zoning issues. I think impact is negotiated, not forced http://www.ade4education.com/ community at businesses and there are both benefits and upon the school community. A increasing apprentice and challenges of the proposal and I Answer 1. I have extensive plan that allows for manageable internship opportunities in the have not seen a plan for how involvement in Atlanta Public access, limited timeframe and surrounding businesses. this would impact the schools Schools since 2001, including compensates the school financially and program development, tutoring properly for the disruption Answer 4: We have to take a programmatically. I think it is and mentoring in over 35 should be inked as soon as serious look at the needs of worth it to slow the process schools. I started advocating for possible. each school. Number one, down and answer questions parents and students of recent safety issues as it relates to related to how the annexation immigrants. I went on to Answer 8: I have had a great schools must be addressed would impact APS. experience for my family manage a AmeriCorps team immediately. Disrepair is not just through our involvement with that provided math and reading an esthetic issue. APS has a Answer 7: We have to be ANCS over the years. APS has supplemental instruction daily budget to provide many of these involved in the planning a pretty good a track record of as well as after school programs repairs. Number two, develop a process. I would advocate for approving quality charter at Hands on Atlanta. Later I plan and a budget with the each organization or event to schools and being willing to write two grants and received involvement of the community of include a plan for how they will close down others when they federal funding for two what we would like to see these mitigate the impact on the are struggling too hard. I think programs, one focused on arts institutions look like (physically school and community as a part the culture that is manifested in education and the other and practically to support of the approval process. Each most of our charter schools is providing tutoring in STEM growing populations) and what festival is unique in their extremely important to attracting tutoring. For the past nine years is would cost to get us there. utilization of the park, so having and retaining great quality I have run my own non-profit In these interactions, I would a representative on the teachers, families and staff. providing mentoring and share the resources we have at committee from the school Being able to pilot and grow delivering social entrepreneur APS and make a plan, with the community would benefit great initiatives like the training for students in APS, community, to get the additional everyone. We don't have to be CREATE grant, in the Jackson Fulton and Clayton County resources needed to accomplish at odds with the community Cluster, showcases some of the Schools. the improvements. because some of the benefits of best, most innovative practices attending Grady High School is Answer 2: It is the city of that have expanded into Answer 5: We must be the proximity to the park and Atlanta itself that is Grady's charter/traditional partnerships. proactive in our planning interaction with the people that greatest asset. If we did an because there is not an utilize it. Answer 9: Ridiculous. New asset map of the cluster would unlimited amount of space at Mayor. see technology companies, our schools. We can assume Answer 8: Charter schools are entrepreneurs and infrastructure that as Atlanta grows, so to will designed to address a specific Answer 10: A) Consult with around to support a world class the population of students in the community concern. They were outside financial sources who school system. Atlanta is a cluster. Now is the time to have originally designed to spark understand “this space” better growing city and new conversations not only about innovation that can be shared

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Atlanta Board of Education with other schools. My homeowners and assessing facilities. We have not been able Answer 6: (No response.) experience with charter schools branding opportunities in and to find the correct formula of in APS has been a mixed bag. around our properties. These delivering access to an Answer 7: I better partnership There are stellar examples of actions in addition to increasing equitable education to all of the between the City of Atlanta, charter schools and some grants and community students in the Cluster. Then Atlanta Public Schools and the charters that have floundered investments can make up the there is the overcrowding issue. promoters of these events is and not produced optimal 49%. At the end of the day, we The Grady Cluster is a desired what is needed. There should results (some have even closed need to grow our school educational designation for never be an event in the park down). Ultimately each school, populations back to around many but our facilities are not that compromise the learning charter or not should be held to 100,000 students so that we can able to accommodate the need. environment of our students. All the same minimum standards. grow the proverbial pie and take events should be plan around How they address them does advantages of economies of Answer 3: As an elected our schools and the needs of not have to be dictated. I feel scale. member of the Board of our students and families. Then that charter schools can also Education, I will be accountable I also believe that an “impact” benefit from looking at District 2 to my student population first, fee should be discussed that traditional public schools as an then to their parents. As other should go to address the needs institution and ask how their stakeholders look to support our of our student. In this programs could be utilized in all Byron Amos students and their families, I will partnership, our students should schools. www.byronamos1.homestead.com be held accountable by all to also be given the opportunity to ensure that we have a complete Incumbent be an active part of the event in Answer 9: In order for us to plan of action, that is student a learning capacity. make the case for complete Answer 1: I am a product of the focus and family grounded to Answer 8: (No response.) autonomy we have to make Atlanta Public Schools, achieve student success. sure we are able to fully attending M. M. Bethune Elem., Answer 4: I have begun to Answer 9: (No response.) manage the process. Our case J.F. Kennedy Middle, graduating address this issue by supporting is not helped with the recent from Booker T. Washington Answer 10: (No response.) the upcoming SPLOST. halting in the sale of a property High School. As a proud father Although the monies that have due to alleged ethics concerns of three daughters, all graduates been earmarked for future Tony Burks of one of the board members in of Booker T Washington High remodeling and expansion is on the sale of a property in our School and one son that attends www.drtonyburks.org the way, we must do more. We district. The governing board an APS school, my experience need a plan that speaks to the Answer 1: I started teaching must be above board on all with public schools is extensive. proper growth of the Cluster and when I was 22. I taught at interactions as it relates to its I have served my children and the ability for others to transfer The Branson School in Ross, properties before we can expect their schools as PTA President into it. I will support a CA, and the University School of the dynamic to change. Once and Vice president on several comprehensive plan that will Nashville, both top tier we show we have our house occasions. I have been a address the structural growth of independent schools. I fully in order we can confidently member of Band Boosters, the Cluster and its needed became an elementary school make the case that is is not only Athletic Boosters and Alumni repairs but inside of this plan, principal when I was 27 right but prudent for us to hold Associations. Currently, I am we must also begin to address (Crockett Elementary School, all of our deeds. serving as the Atlanta Board of the equity issues of Atlanta Brentwood, TN). I am the Education District 2 Board Answer 10: The public should Public Schools that in many founding principal of The Early member, where I am finishing always have skin in the game ways supports the overcrowding College at Guilford, North my sixth year of service. but I would like to see our of the Cluster. Carolina’s first early college high properties taxes account for Answer 2: I believe that the school and one of the first such Answer 5: I will advocate for a 51% of the budget so that we Grady Clusters biggest asset is schools of its type in the world. comprehensive plan that most understand that we are funded its parents and its long history of I’ve served schools and districts include APS expansion data primarily by the community and academic achievement. All of in various roles over the years: and data from the City of Atlanta have a responsibility to said the schools in the Cluster have + Guilford County Schools: and other governmental community primarily. The a robust PTA and a parental Magnet Director + San Diego agencies. In regards to APS, remaining 49% should come engagement process. The Unified School District: School our plan must include designs from grants, utilizing our assets parents and caregivers of the Improvement Officer, Executive for new or remodel building as more including looking at Cluster ensures that the Director of Small School well and the moving of revenue generators. For students are equipped for Innovation, Executive Director of attendance zone lines to example, revitalizing abandoned success. The biggest Charter Schools, Area achieve our goals. A plan of properties we own and renting challenged of the Grady Cluster action the will ensure smart out units to businesses and is equity and overcrowded growth is needed.

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Atlanta Board of Education

Superintendent + North everyone shoes to wear and improve and our children schools are established by the Carolina Department of Public those shoes fit each person succeed. Atlanta Board of Education. One Instruction: School (e.g, my shoes would be Size way to address overcrowding is Transformation Coach + North 14 and yours might be a Size Answer 4: (Answered together to rezone or redistrict to balance Carolina Central University: 10). The whole point of equity is with Question 5.) student enrollment at schools. adjunct instructor + APS: Area to remove roadblocks and Of course, this hasn’t been Answer 5: At the core of Superintendent (i.,e Regional barriers so our children popular any time I’ve seen it questions 4 and 5 are Executive Director), Principal succeed. over my 25 years as an conversations that can become Mentor, Principal + National educator; but, from time to time heated very quickly: SPLOST, Center for Urban School Answer 3: Diane Ravitch, an it is simply necessary. Another school attendance zones, and Transformation: Superintendent- educational policy analyst and a unspoken reality is the redistricting. in-Residence research professor wrote, “The perceptions we have about goal of accountability should be SPLOST: On May 24, 2016, people, neighborhoods, and Answer 2: The Grady Cluster’s to support and improve schools, voters approved our district’s E- schools. Therefore, another way greatest asset and challenges not the heedless destruction of SPLOST, the penny sales tax to address overcrowding is mirror those of the district as a careers, reputations, lives, used to pay for school improving the performance and whole. People (our students, communities, and institutions.” construction, renovations and perceptions of individual schools our parents and our staff) are It's important for me to other improvements. By law, it and the Atlanta Public Schools our greatest asset We advocate, inform, listen, learn, expires after five years unless overall (all of this is in addition transform schools into places represent, translate, and voters agree to renew it. Almost to ensuring all schools in our where children and adults thrive question when representing 50% of this new E-SPLOST is district are safe and welcoming by supporting the adults who District 2. Of course–beyond earmarked to address places of learning for all support children. The core work advocating for District 2–I will overcrowding in the Grady children). of education involves advocate for all students in Cluster including expanding relationship and human effort. APS. All students, regardless of AND YES, increased density will Grady High School, making the We must ask critical questions the area in which they reside, most likely lead to increased closed Howard School a middle about how we are supporting must have access to a quality enrollment. school, and renovating students, teachers, and staff, education. Ultimately, I wish to Morningside Elementary School. and how we are engaging be judged by and held Answer 6: Over the years–as Our charge as a body of nine parents. Our greatest accountable for my collaborative early as 1846–various parts of board members is to ensure we challenge is equity. We operate work with my fellow board what are now Fulton and support this work of the district in a system that is still a tale of members creating policies and DeKalb Counties have chosen through policy and governance. two school districts: The Haves conditions that our sole annexation into the City of Atlanta. When people chosen and the Have Nots. Equity is employee–the superintendent– ATTENDANCE ZONES AND to be a part the City of Atlanta, just a big word for making sure help educators help students. REDISTRICTING: We know they typically have been “all in” students and schools get what When we remove roadblocks official zone boundaries for our with every aspect from taxation they need to be successful. Put and barriers, our schools elementary, middle, and high another way, equity is giving to representation to schools.

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Atlanta Board of Education

Although this is ultimately a City neighborhood school is not Answer 10: About 72% of the Answer 3: If elected, I will make of Atlanta decision, Emory automatically low performing budget comes from local taxes decisions that put our kids’ should not be excluded or because of its location. We must and about 26% comes from the needs first. I will be accountable exempt. It is very unusual to continue trying innovative things state. We simply need to spend to all constituents through annex property in a city and to help our students in all less that we receive. transparency and resource exclude or exempt the property educational settings. Likewise, Additionally, as is the case with stewardship. A school board from the school district. A we also must simply do the right our relationship with the City of ensures fiscal responsibility in question to ask is, “why this was things well to help our students Atlanta, we must look at its budget planning process by done?” Another question to ask achieve excellence. improving our relationships with creating a high return on is, “Where will children in this those in Fulton County taxpayers’ investments. That area attend school? ” As a One key goal innovation is government. would mean that all students are board member, I would ask actually incubation–and this is reading at grade level, “why?” and “where?” and so something both types of schools Keisha Carey graduating on time, going to should the voters of Atlanta. can learn from each other. The college and becoming adults www.keishacareyatlantaboard.com The annexed areas should be flexibility given to schools is who contribute to society. These meant to encourage a deeper served by APS. I think it would (Did not respond.) are discrete goals that we can be important for the Board of exploration of innovative achieve; we owe it to students Education–as a governing body practices so that they can be and taxpayers. Thriving schools of nine members–to review the replicated at other schools. All District 3 help ensure we have thriving zones before determining if the schools–not just charters or communities that benefit all annexed areas should be themed schools–must have Adzua Agyapon constituents. freedom and flexibility, connected to an existing cluster www.adzuaforaps.com or be identified as a separate challenge and choice coupled Answer 4: APS and the cluster. with strong coaching, ongoing Answer 1: Special Education Superintendent have a solid professional development, and Teacher, Midway Elementary, plan in place to address the Answer 7: Grady isn’t going face-to-face support using data Fall 2011-Spring 2013 New overcrowding and disrepair of anywhere, nor is Piedmont as a flashlight to illuminate what Teacher Coach, Teach for many of the schools in the Park. It will be essential for APS works and what does not work. America Summer Institute, cluster. This includes renovating to develop stronger ties and Sadly, many schools operate Benteen Elementary, 2013 Grady and creating a new connections with the City of with a “Elephant tied to a Chair” New Teacher Coach, Teach for middle school at Howard, Atlanta and various city mentality; that is, they perceive America Summer Institute, however, we must ensure that departments and agencies. that have policy barriers and Slater Elementary, 2014 Lead the plans are implemented in a Also, it will be important for restrictions where such barriers Teacher, Grade Level Chair, timely manner and reflect the groups like GO Teams or the don’t exist. Instructional Coach, and city’s projected growth and PTSA to connect with increased school enrollment. I would really like school choice Member of the Extended organizers of annual events in Academic Leadership Team, to be about a child attending a Answer 5: The Grady cluster advance to discuss concerns KIPP STRIVE Primary School, school that has something that will certainly face increased and seek win-win solutions to Fall 2013-Current Founding strikes their interests and enrollment as a result of the challenges. For example, it Coach and Site Director, KSP learning style as opposed to a continued housing construction. may be possible to establish a Girls on the Run, Spring 2016 child leaving because the school Advanced planning for a shuttle service through MARTA. School Director, Teach for in their neighborhood is a low growing population requires It might be a dilemma–given the America Summer Institute, achieving school (or perceived consistent collaboration with city cluster’s focus on College and Cascade Elementary School as such). council. We must create a Career Preparation–for a class Director, 2017 of students to work through and structured communication Answer 9: There wasn’t talk of solve in partnership with the system between APS and the these property deeds until Answer 2: One of the Grady event organizers. city’s planning department to recent history (about the last 5 cluster’s greatest assets is strong parent engagement. inform APS of new zoning and Answer 8: Innovation can be to 7 years). Over the years the permitting agreements as well City of Atlanta has given deeds Parents are an essential part of found, nurtured, and sustained dedicated communities of as growth projections before in public education from to Atlanta Public Schools when construction begins, so APS has the deeds have been requested. students, families, and traditional neighborhood schools educators that can transform time to plan for a growing to public charter schools. A A better set of questions about student population. the matter might be: What has students’ lives and propel them charter school designation does toward and opportunity-rich life. happened to cause a Answer 6: While annexing not automatically translate to One of the greatest challenges breakdown? What can be done Emory, the CDC, and innovation and excellence for of the cluster is overcrowding. the students we serve, and a on APS’s part to improve surrounding properties into the things? city of Atlanta could heighten

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Atlanta Board of Education the prestige of our city, I cannot size and adjust previous had the pleasure and However, if this single fully support the annexation assessments, APS and our responsibility of forming annexation request creates proposal until we have more students cannot wait. relationships with all interested future ones from the information about the cost of parties. As these relationships surrounding residential serving that area. To avoid a similar shortfall in the are the definition of community, neighborhoods then it will be future, APS should audit the I will continue to be open, APS' responsibility to have Answer 7: I would mitigate the budget to ensure we are transparent and available for inclusive and thoughtful negative impact of events at spending taxpayers’ dollars everyone. conversations with all Piedmont Park by collaborating effectively; create a stakeholders about how this with the City of Atlanta to conservative general fund Answer 4: With respect to would potentially affect student advocate for an event set-up budget for future years that overcrowding in the Cluster, the population in nearby schools. schedule that works around the includes austerity planning to bringing online of the new school day. Arrival and accommodate mandatory costs Howard facility is very much Answer 7: To mitigate the dismissal typically occur at the increases for expenses such as needed, and the completion can impact of Piedmont Park same time each day, so set-up rising health care costs and not come fast enough for the activities on Grady High School, should occur outside of those pensions; create an alternative communities being served. I believe we need to bring hours so events can enrich our budget to be used in the event Once up and running this will together a representative from community without detriment to that Fulton County adjusts tax then allow for future capacity those that suffer from these our students’ learning assessments that lead to growth usage at Inman, and the events, the City Council environments. in the overall tax digest. impacted communities must be representative as well as both involved in the conversation concerned neighborhood Answer 8: Charter schools Lewis Cartee about how the Inman building associate and NPU leadership. were initially created to be can best serve the Grady As these festival permits work learning labs, untethered from www.lewiscartee.com Cluster. their way through their prescribe the slow pace of public school Answer 1: BURGESS- process we often are having bureaucracy. This allowed Answer 5: Increased density PETERSON ACADEMY ES decisions made by those least innovative teachers and leaders will lead to increased Governance Team Chair, (2016- impacted. We need to create a to implement changes and enrollment. Atlanta Public PR) Local School Council specific dialogue that focuses discover best practices. Schools needs to be at the table Chair, (2013-2015) PTA on how the city can work to with respect to issues normally Academic Enrichment Chair, create a better situation for the I know firsthand that some viewed as being City of Atlanta (2015-PR) East Atlanta school. While understanding charter schools and some owned. Affordable housing, RunFest Committee, (2014-PR) the desire to have these events, traditional public schools are transportation and public safety JACKSON CLUSTER Cluster we need to make sure that all serving kids and can be models are just as much school policy Advisory Team, (2016-PR) parties involved completely for others. These best practices issues as they are City Council Jackson Cluster Planning Team, understand the impact created include strong teacher and and Mayoral matters. We must (2015) SOUTHEAST from setup to breakdown, not school leader recruitment and elect members to all three that ATLANTA COMMUNITY FOR just the day of the event. training, a culture of high understand that our schools are SCHOOLS (SEACS) Board expectations and joy, in addition the key driving force in getting Answer 8: Charter Schools Member, (2015) Officer, (2014- to a rigorous, integrated the equity we all want, the are meant to be small schools of 2015) academic curriculum. diversity we all need and the city innovation, not separation, we all deserve. within our communities. By Answer 9: The City of Atlanta Answer 2: The greatest asset of the Grady Cluster is its remaining flexible and nimble should transfer all remaining Answer 6: In supporting the engaged and involved parents Charter Schools can alter, edit property deeds to Atlanta Public annexation of Emory University, that continue to advocate for and correct actions when not Schools, especially now that the CDC and the surrounding every child in the cluster. The working. Inversely, when true APS has adopted an affordable properties, I believe this can Grady Cluster's biggest innovation is created and housing policy for the land. only be an all-or-none challenge is, quite simply, proven successful, APS must proposition. Just as one would Answer 10: Atlanta Public space. As the cluster gained work to better communicate not expect the affected areas in Schools’ $12 million dollar strength, lack of building these successes to all our the proposed area of annexation budget shortfall was the result of capacity became an issue. school communities in an effort to request not to have APD or poor planning by Fulton County for school leadership to city garbage service, one should Commissioners office and Answer 3: As an engaged determine if a particular piece of also expect that this area to be under-assessing property member of both our local innovation can stimulate part of APS. Today, given the values across the county. While schools (LSC/GO Team Chair, increased academic small amount of residential Fulton County plans to create Cluster rep) as well as the achievement for their students. property, zoning them for Grady an equitable solution to right- community at-large (Community Regardless of structure we can Association President), I have should not have an impact.

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Atlanta Board of Education all learn from one another. We district levels, as well as service Answer 3: The best way to be capacity, enrollment and need to break down this false on local governance teams, accountable to all constituents is facilities. borders, create relationships state, district, and cluster by continuing to be engaged in and share any and all ideas that advisory panels and committees the community. Speaking with Answer 5: In the past APS will move us to what should be positions me as the longest, people, sending and responding stated with certainty that these our one and only true goal, most engaged and active to emails, attending types of developments would increased student outcomes. candidate: President, neighborhood association and not attract people with children. Morningside Elementary School school meetings, and local We now have proof that these Answer 9: When actions are PTA — 2015-2017; VP of events are the ways I will be types of construction do attract taken simply for political Communication Ga PTA District accessible to all stakeholders. people with children if the reasons, problems are created. 10, 2016–2017; Member, State schools are desirable. We must We need to elect leaders at Advisory Panel, Georgia DOE, Answer 4: Recently both understand that if there is every level that share the same 2015–Present; Member, Springdale Park and Mary Lin increased density how does it goals, and not politicians that Student Success Stakeholder Elementary schools received relate to the city’s infrastructure wish to create roadblocks that Committee, Georgia DOE, expansions to support their as a whole - city services, do not allow APS to make the 2015–Present; Grady High growing enrollment. In the fall roads, public transportation and decisions needed to produce a School Cluster Advisory, 2016– of 2020, the Howard building in schools and if it is doable and stronger system, both Present; Inman Middle School the Old Fourth Ward will open sustainable. We cannot be educationally and fiscally. Go Team, 2015 - Present; as the cluster’s new middle informed after the fact. Special Education Advisory school with a capacity for just Answer 10: In order to create The mayor, the city council, the Committee , Atlanta Public over 1400 students. When solutions they must be done superintendent and the board of Schools, 2014–Present; Howard opens, Morningside proactively while emotions are education need to have some Principal Selection Committee Elementary school will move calm. We must create rich dialogue about the Tier 3 - Morningside Elementary into the Inman building while relationships of trust prior to continued focus of construction School, 2015 and Inman Middle Morningside undergoes a emergencies happening. With in certain areas of the city School, 2016 renovation. Hopefully by the fall sincere relationships proactively of 2022, Morningside will be versus the city as a whole and working on matters we can non- Answer 2: The Grady cluster’s open again. As soon as take into consideration where emotionally discuss different greatest asset is its community. Howard is up and running the there is limited access to school strategies because in the heat The Grady cluster hosts a Grady cluster community will seats and where there is an of the moment political moves diverse set of neighborhoods. need to engage in abundance. As we know large are made, not thoughtful ones. The residents in these conversations on what it real estate tracks are very From ideas such as capping the neighborhoods are engaged believes will be the best use of limited in the Grady cluster and percentage increase that can be and supportive of all of the the Inman building. It could come with a very high price. applied any given year to, as in Grady cluster schools. revert to an elementary school, Answer 6: It is my the case with Fulton County for or can be used as another understanding that under the this one year, staggering the The Grady cluster’s greatest configuration depending on current proposal the annexation collective amount owed over X challenge is its schools what the educational reasoning of Emory University, the Centers number of years, there are capacities. As the will be and the feedback from for Disease Control and solutions that can create a neighborhoods in the Grady the community. Grady High Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta compromise for both parties. cluster continue to attract all School is also slated to have a are exclusively asking for these However, having conversations types of families, and knowing renovation and additional properties to be annexed into prior to the problem occurring that the Grady cluster building added to its campus. the city of Atlanta. Thus, in the will produce much better results. community values smaller class The Walden property is being annexation proposal, no taxes sizes, our greatest challenge is transformed into an athletic will be coming into the city, yet ensuring that we have facilities complex mainly for the Grady Michelle Olympiadis city services like police, fire and that meet our continued cluster’s use. www.michelleforboe.com enrollment growth. Our schools sanitation will be required. With are the center of our community Continuous monitoring of the no tax revenue coming into the Answer 1: An APS parent since and we need a comprehensive Grady Facilities Plan and on city, careful consideration 2007 with three children - one facility plan for the next 10 years enrollment in the cluster schools should be given to understand each in high school, middle that addresses facility will dictate where adjustments how these entities plan on school and elementary school, management, maintenance, and may need to be made. A Grady supporting the city through along with my experiences at capital improvements and Cluster Facilities Plan with public and private partnerships. the state and local levels of supports our educational community input should be Furthermore, Dekalb has education and leadership roles framework for 21st century made for the next 5 - 10 - 15 requested to keep its school in Parent Teacher Associations learning. years with “triggers” based on buildings. If the properties are (PTA) at the local, council and annexed into the city and have

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Atlanta Board of Education residents with children wanting additional bicycle parking should making it a priority to provide need, high poverty district - over to attend APS schools, it is be implemented; encouraging the resources and supports 75% qualify for free and under the recommendation of folks to use the beltline and necessary for clusters to reduced lunch. the superintendent with broad enhancing other pedestrian succeed, we will see new approval as to where and when paths to the park; issuing processes evolve and yield the We must do a better job of children will be zoned to neighborhood parking permits excellence we know can be driving dollars into our clusters schools. will all assist in relieving the achieved for all students. and schoolhouses to address impacts of events in the park. the unique wants and needs of APS is a district of choice and Answer 9: When the school our schools and communities. offers families the opportunity to Answer 8: Atlanta Public system parted with the city, it When the budget is aligned to apply to any schools that are not Schools is a district of choice. should have received all the the programs and needs of the at capacity. Several of the Any school that is not at deeds. The city is requesting clusters and schools; when the Grady cluster’s elementary capacity offers families the that APS consider affordable accounting structure is clear on schools are at capacity including option to apply to transfer. housing options with the vacant how dollars are being spent; its middle and high schools. Since the opening of APS’ first properties. APS has received when an audit determines that Until the cluster’s capacity charter school in the early 10 deeds in the past six month funds were used appropriately, issues are properly addressed 2000’s, we have seen the and should continue to work we should see a direct for its current zoned areas as benefits of public and private with the city council and the correlation between money well well as potential new areas partnerships, the positive results mayor to secure the balance of spent and great educational being zoned into the city that of providing birth to preschool the deeds. outcomes for students. are contiguous, any new zoned education, offering Saturday areas should be assigned to school, as well as, an extended Answer 10: APS’ greatest Antoine Trammell clusters with capacity. Once the calendar and school day, the strength is its budget. When the www.antoineforatlanta.com Grady cluster has a long-term benefits of extra recess and the total of government funds are facility plan to manage long- options of various added together APS has Answer 1: I am a product of term capacity, consideration can extracurricular activities, the roughly $1 billion to serve public education and have be considered to move areas requirements of family approximately 50,000 students. positive recollections of the into the cluster. engagement, and the power a Both Fulton and Dekalb experience. I was educated in community can have in driving counties receive roughly the the public-school system of Answer 7: APS, the city the direction of its school with same $1 billion and serve closer Nashville, TN. I graduated from council, the city’s Office of strong leadership and flexibility. to 100,000 students. Parks, and the Piedmont Park Martin Luther King Jr Magnet Conservancy must work Charter schools must continue With respect to budgeting for High School with high honors as together to better support the to learn and incorporate fiscal year 2018, it would have a distinguished scholar and was surrounding neighborhoods and practices that promote all been prudent for the budget well prepared for collegiate schools impacted by various students the opportunity to process to follow the same academics. I graduated from activities at Piedmont Park. attend a school closest to their budget as in year 2017 with Fisk University with honors and More consideration should be homes and recognize inclusive consideration to a few was inducted into Phi Beta given in the logistics of how practices for all students, contingency plans: 1) How Kappa. In addition to college events are managed. Recently including those whose would we spend last year’s preparation, a diverse student even the handicap parking in aspirations may be high but budget differently; 2) If an body was an integral aspect of front of Grady High School was whose talents are not yet as increase in dollars came in, how my public education experience. completely blocked by event obvious, as are the duties of would the incremental dollars be I made lasting friendships with trucks. This is not acceptable. traditional schools. budgeted; 3) if a decrease was people of many cultural, ethnic, the outcome, where would cuts and religious backgrounds that In order to mitigate the impact of Now that we are in a charter be made. It was apparent very has served as a foundation for such events, better system, the ability for clusters early on in the budgeting meaningful interaction with consideration and planning and the schools within them to process that the newly released people of different perspectives should be given to street gather to ideate and innovate on property taxes with increases as an adult. I remain closures; traffic signal timing an educational framework which were not being well received by enthusiastic about public should be assessed and works best for its community will property owners in both the city education. My children attend realigned with street closures; leverage the “best practices” we and throughout Fulton county. APS and I have been active in information dissemination see in successful charter various volunteer capacities before events and in real-time schools. By allowing APS’ greatest challenge is the ranging from room parent to for drivers to understand the communities the flexibility to budgeting, accounting and room parent chair. I impact; better city transit to and define their expectations and auditing of the budget to reflect wholeheartedly believe that from events; the bike lane deliverables - Strategic Plan - APS’ educational mission and world-class education can occur should not be blocked and with the BOE and district goals. We know APS is a high- within publicly funded schools.

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Atlanta Board of Education

Answer 2: The Grady cluster’s for increased capacity within schools are often packaged by reliance of education funding on greatest asset is the people of schools. Aging of buildings developers to attract potential the property tax structure the surrounding communities. within the Grady cluster is a buyers to construction within a through partnerships with local The cluster is situated in a challenge that may be community. Investing in the business and professional coveted in-town location with addressed by comparison of community that is presented to entities. A fruit of quality proximity to exceptional long-term maintenance costs potential buyers or a potential education is the ability to apply institutions (e.g., Georgia Tech, against demolition and business lease can be an knowledge in the discovery of Emory University, and the CDC) construction costs. It is also incentive for developers to solutions to problems. that attract highly-educated important to consider collateral encourage the success of their people of diverse backgrounds. health effects associated with project. Answer 7: The impact of The Grady cluster’s greatest aging facilities including water events at Piedmont Park on challenge is also its coveted contamination from pipes, Answer 6: My position on the education-related activities can location, which can attract asbestos for construction, and annexation is that regardless of be mitigated by establishing business and real estate prior use of lead-based paint. the outcome, whether the areas designated hours for set-up. developers. Unabated growth Communication would further are served by Atlanta Public Ideally, set-up times could be and development within the permit stakeholders to approach Schools, or whether they served limited to hours outside cluster can impact education investors and developers about by the Grady cluster there is education time including quality for our children by investing in the community by room for improvement within our weekends. Events at Piedmont straining resources. contributing funds to building school system. Regardless of Park may financially benefit the maintenance. Investors have an the number of children involved city, but a firm commitment to Answer 3: The best assurance interest to secure a return on or cluster specifics, our schools quality education by us as a city of accountability to all investment that could be must provide quality education is necessary. It is important to constituents is to maintaining threatened by constructing new to our children. In 2016, our express the importance of this effective relationships that are buildings in near dilapidated district as a whole received a commitment to policy makers rooted in communication, structures. Resulting decreases grade of D from the state beyond the school board to transparency, and availability. in property valuation could despite a budget of more than ensure the implementation of Schools can be a source of impact the return on investment $685 million dollars for 50,399 measures proscribing set-up cohesion within communities. and future project financing. students. The budget translates during learning time by our Well-performing schools have to $14,242 per student which is students. positive impacts on housing and Answer 5: Residential impact nearly double the average land values as well as promote studies and analyses can be spending per student across the Answer 8: The label of a economic stability through performed to project growth in state including districts with school system is secondary to business viability. It is important the area related to housing better performance. the goal of preparing children for to establish regular construction. The availability of college or career and seamless communication for all this information to Atlanta Public Approximately 41% of societal integration as constituents to know that their Schools could facilitate planning graduates from Atlanta Public productive members of the property tax contributions are for changes in school Schools are ready for college, workforce. Whether public funding a leading and innovative enrollment. This emphasizes the thus we seem to get less for charter or traditional public, curriculum. It is also important to importance of communication more. These educational education must be student- utilize regular meetings to foster between stakeholder and shortcomings have significant focused and student-centered. ongoing awareness of developer. An area with well- long-term societal and public This objective can be achieved successes and challenges performing schools and health effects on our city and by adapting an evidence-based, facing the school elements nearness to higher academic region. We face increased cutting-edge, and industry- within their communities. As all institutions and major hospital health spending, decreased leading curriculum to the needs constituents are stakeholders, centers is likely to attract economic productivity from a of our students. they have a right of participation professionals with developing or inadequately trained workforce, Both models have advantages in matters that impact the established families. Thus, a decreased local pool of future and disadvantages. Regarding stability of their community. increased school enrollment educators, and a decreased the underlying issues of secondary to more housing local pool of future leaders. accountability and governance, Answer 4: Planning and availability is nearly certain as Cultivating talented and well- public charter schools are communication are important well. educated leadership within our initial steps for successful civic children maintains our granted waivers aimed at growth. Overcrowding that In addition to providing growth investment in our city. improving accountability but are results from development projections to APS, it is also managed by non-profit boards requires communication reasonable that developers The issue of property taxes is thus local governance is not between developers and financially contribute to the implicit in the discussion of promised. Waivers can facilitate stakeholders to permit planning expansion costs for increased annexation. However, there is flexibility and autonomy for enrollment. Well-performing an opportunity to lessen the curricular innovations, but a

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Atlanta Board of Education

subtle potential to fail students properties may reflect a an immediate interest in the am pleased to have the support and communities is present. divergence of goals and school system. It is therefore of many former classmates and Prior to the current school year perspectives between the two crucial to creatively supplement teachers. 19 charter schools either closed entities. This divergence may be education funding to lessen or gave up charter contracts. In driven by differences in need reliance on property taxes. I I’ve served on several non-profit comparison, traditional public considering the current budget have consistently stated that our boards that directly impact APS schools although not immune to for APS ($777 million) is greater city is affluent with resources of students, such as Cool Girls Inc. closure offer operational than the budget for the City of major corporations and a which supports APS and stability, local governance, and Atlanta ($605 million). It is prospering entertainment DeKalb Title One schools, less flexibility to implement therefore important to establish industry that can be leveraged including the Grady Cluster. I curricular changes. and codify a framework of to invest in the education of our also serve on the board for shared operational goals that children. These resources Center For Puppetry Arts, which In contemplating the more includes fiscal matters such as include Fortune 500 companies, opens it’s doors to students favorable model, the water property deeds. Prudent fiscal professional sporting franchises, across the district to experience problem in Flint, MI offers a management of any system the music industry, and learning through the wonder of poignant lesson on local requires balancing short-term professional film and television puppetry and arts. I’ve been governance. The unanimous needs without compromising enterprises. These entities must personally responsible for decision by the Flint City long-term growth. The creation exist in an economically thriving directing individual and Council to return to Detroit water of separate and independent market and have access to a corporate dollars in excess of was overturned by an appointed entities may prevent qualified workforce to maintain $200,000 to programs that city manager that resulted in the mismanagement through viability. Investing in the support education and early exposure of many residents autonomy but cohesive action education of our children is an childhood success and touch including children to lead remains a necessity. Whether investment in Atlanta to APS students. This year, my poisoning. Constituents have an property deeds are held by APS continue as a thriving market firm created a public-private investment in their schools and or the City of Atlanta should that safeguards long-term partnership between City of local governance affords never subtract from the larger business productivity. Atlanta and SunTrust and stakeholders greater goal of serving the people of Citizens Trust bank to bring participation in processes Atlanta. Ultimately, what Rashida Winfrey local students into bank impacting their children and benefits the City of Atlanta branches across the city to www.winfreyforaps.com community. should benefit Atlanta Public teach banking habits and

Schools and vice versa. financial responsibility. (Note: Answer 9: The City of Atlanta Answer 1: I am a both a remainder of response and the Atlanta Independent Answer 10: Education funding graduate of Atlanta Public exceeded word limit) School System (APS) have the should have less dependence Schools and a current APS common functioning of serving on the property tax structure. A parent. I attended school in the Answer 2: The Grady Cluster’s the people of Atlanta. The community or county may have Grady Cluster and served as greatest asset is the presence of different differing viewpoints on property Inman Middle School SGA involvement and dedication of perspectives on vacant APS taxes as not all members have president, many moons ago. I its families and also the physical

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Atlanta Board of Education proximity to major multi-national cluster. There is no anticipated it remains difficult to determine I would, however, like to ensure corporations and top-tier slow down in metro-area what a solution that best works that our traditional schools are university systems. The growth, and APS has to respond for Atlanta Public Schools looks increasingly amazing. I want to greatest challenge of the cluster proactively and accordingly. If like. It is my hope that all see traditional schools with is the exponential growth that we say small apartment and parties will keep in mind the increased student performance, comes with such proximity. condo units don’t bring families power of partnership and the parent participation, focus on Without proactive planning and with school aged children, we education needs of these actual teachers and community oversight, overcrowding and are kidding ourselves. APS students. I firmly believe that a engagement. As a Grady inadequate funding will remain a needs greater connectivity to final solution should take into Cluster parent, it’s hard even for challenge. In addition, the planned growth projections 5-7 account overcrowding within the me to imagine that this doesn’t correlation between our years down the line, so that Grady Cluster. exist across the system, but I’ve desirable location and lack of such data is used to inform visited may schools where this affordable housing may lead us decisions around closings, Answer 7: Set up and is just not the case. I believe down the road of a cluster that building acquisition/expansion breakdown for events should traditional schools in is increasingly less diverse. and general capital occur outside of school hours underserved communities thrive improvement projects. For this and on weekends whenever with wrap-around services Answer 3: I see a greater reason, my campaign has possible. Each organization (former Whiteford model), direct opportunity for communication worked to create a development desiring a park permit is connection to early childhood targeting all stakeholders. Again council that ensures a symbiotic required to apply with the City of centers and greater parent and one of the great characteristics relationship between local Atlanta Office of Special Events. community engagement. of the cluster is the community developers and the education That team goes through a Through public-private of residents, schools, process. As such, we will end detailed plan that explores event partnerships we must create corporations and small up with developers that are needs such as fire, safety, traffic more of the aforementioned businesses that exist together in more engaged in APS and and sanitation. Leaders from traditional school models that one geographic area. search for ways to support both each group are brought to the increase success for students Enhanced community their neighboring schools and table to discuss each Piedmont across our city. engagement is necessary also their student residents. Park event. Cluster or APS system-wide and must exist in a The most important outcome of representatives should be Cross pollination of ideas way that reaches out and invites such a relationship is that included in the team, permit between charter and traditional in business, education, faith, developers inform APS during approval process so that impact schools should increase with non-profit and community the pre-development process to Grady can be considered and more opportunities to create leaders. Our current system is and not after breaking ground. concerns can be voiced. In greater alignment and sharing of already structured to lend itself This process ensures that addition, APS should explore information between leaders in to greater accountability, but we resource planning occurs based receiving a percentage of the both co-existing APS should consider a few on density projections not permitting fees to cover the cost communities. I believe one adjustments. I think GoTeams density actuals….once it’s a bit of transit contingency plans. outcome of this will be greater should be expanded to include too late. student success resulting from 1-2 more leaders from outside Answer 8: I believe there innovation and creativity pushed the parent community. This Answer 6: I anxiously await a continues to be a place for a through all APS schools. helps to foster a both a sense of set date for Atlanta City Council system that includes both accountability to all constituents to vote on this matter. I have charter and traditional schools. Answer 9: APS and City of AND a sense of responsibility been in consistent conversation APS charter schools have Atlanta must have greater around education for non- with city leaders in order to succeeded in a few areas where partnership and connectivity. parents. In addition, we should better understand updates and APS traditional schools continue For this reason, I’ve taken the increase our effort to invite and changes to the unveiled plan. to struggle. Even within the opportunity to speak with 7 of welcome all stakeholders into Before Council makes a Grady cluster, CINS reporting the leading 8 candidates for the Superintendent’s Cluster decision to move forward with shows the disparity in Mayor about the importance of and Town Hall meetings. As annexation, a solution around performance when you examine this partnership and their stance member of the Board of the currently estimated 9-10 Milestone subsets. Milestone on education. I plan to speak th Education, just as I do as a students must be determined. I data and parent feedback with the 8 next month. I’ve candidate… (Note: remainder of have not seen a comprehensive indicate that many of our local asked each to strongly consider response exceeds word limit) plan that includes final charters have seen great a written position on education residential demographics, success in educating students and APS and how they will work Answer 4: (Did not respond.) residential and commercial tax from disadvantaged to improve the current impact, transportation plans nor communities. I see no reason relationship. Handling of deeds Answer 5: Increased density defined infrastructure to stop any program that we can should be part of the APS will absolutely lead to increased challenges and needs. As such, mark as successful. position each mayoral candidate enrollment within the Grady is openly speaking about.

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Atlanta Board of Education

Answer 10: APS must find an example, we must get ahead educational system for our this approach as a district, event innovative sources of new of the curve when it comes to children. planners will be sensitive to our revenue streams. The current the transport and safety of our process and present our process, with primary focus only children. We must also be Answer 5: With no doubt, the schools with a respectable and on cutting expenses, is not prepared to accommodate our Grady cluster schools will be effective plan for around their sustainable. Increasing expanding student population. bursting at the seams. It will functions. This will make the revenue, while actively also create a situation that could event more of a pleasurable managing out budget overages Answer 3: I know and impact how children get to and situation as opposed to a and system inefficiencies, understand that the position is from school in a timely fashion. heartache for our community decreases risk of a budget that not about me but how we, the The school board must schools. can’t weather the storm of a tax board, can improve the Atlanta communicate closely with the system that we don’t fully Public Schools (APS) for all city council and the business Answer 8: I believe that public control. children. I have been heavily sector to be alerted of all charter schools have an involved with the system for the projects coming into Atlanta. advantage over traditional public last 12 years and I have These strategy sessions would schools in the sense that they At-Large Seat 7 witnessed what a lack of focus mainly on residential are not educating the general accountability looks like. It construction. We must stay population of children. Most of Patricia Crayton creates instability and division ahead of the curve as to how the children are taking through a within the system which results development can negatively lottery. Traditional public www.newmenu.org/electpatricia in a lack of equity and impact our children and schools have the ability to do (Did not respond.) transparency. My approach has communities. the same thing as public charter always been solutions oriented schools. They just refuse to do and building consensus. I have Answer 6: I do not support the it. Under this new construct of a Nathaniel B. Dyer never been one to dodge the annexation at this time. I will be charter system, we supposedly www.nathanielbdyer.com tough issues. I thrive on blunt in saying that APS has no have flexibility but there is too working with people especially stability to support this measure much instability to truly make it Answer 1: For the last 12 when it is about bringing the which would bring a successful advantageous for the students. years, I have worn many hats best solutions to our children’s outcome. With the crisis within public schools. I am an needs. involving the budget, private The current board has not advocate which supports organizations running schools effectively implemented student issues in regards to Answer 4: This is a great and of course overcrowding, the strategies for traditional public academics and discipline. I have question! It’s truly amazing that surrounding communities would school success. In comparison supported parents in parent we have overcrowding and reject the thought of being tied to most public charter schools, teacher conferences to bring disrepair/aging of schools within to APS. This was proven with APS is in a unique situation resolution to problems involving APS while the city of Atlanta is the proposed annexation of which still reels from the their children. I have also been in pursuit of world-class status South Fulton where the topic of cheating scandal. A large a Boy scout master and a PTSA with developments in the schools was the deal breaker. majority of children are behind Vice President. I have billions. There has been a Although, Grady cluster schools in upper grades because they volunteered as a hall monitor complete lack of vision to the do not suffer from this sort of were not taught the basics. It and mentor. I have served as a overall structure of APS. They backlash academically, it would will take some time and a sense judge for the Georgia PTA’s close schools because they are be a tough hill to climb while of urgency to stabilize our Reflection program. not full and have no solution for equity is lacking throughout the schools and make the children schools that are bursting at the district. I am committed to whole. Answer 2: Grady’s greatest seams. I believe that board working with the board to asset is the location of its should implement a short-term implement policies that will take Answer 9: Coming from a schools. They are nestled tightly plan to bring balance within the our school system to a world- family of educators and being into the fabric of the community. system as it relates to these class level in which our currently an artist, I believe we can find However, this will be catalyst to issues. We must get the served communities are proud innovative ways to use the its greatest challenge. As the business sector involved as a and see the results. buildings for educational city continues to develop, it will true partner. If companies are purposes. We should be bring good growth with some willing to come to the City of Answer 7: The Atlanta Public expanding educational bad side effects. The population Atlanta and get tax breaks, the Schools must make it clear that opportunities as opposed to trend in Metro Atlanta’s is financial benefits to APS must our children’s quality of life must closing or selling them. It rapidly approaching 5.8 million. be a priority of discussion. This come front and center. Any creates a very bad perception The politics in Atlanta seem to will allow us to effectively plan activity around our schools when you sell schools and claim overlook the probability of our projects and aide in our should be vetted and organized that children are not reading on immobility that comes with this development of a world-class as if it were the evacuation from level. A great example of growth. Using the interstate as a hurricane. When we practice school reuse is in San Antonio,

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Atlanta Board of Education

Texas where they created a Answer 2: The Grady cluster’s APS (or even if they still believe effectiveness and student College Cafe. However we greatest asset is its people – its in the negative stereotypes achievement. When developing utilize the properties, It should students, administrators, about APS). This also means a timeline for the completion of produce a successful outcome parents, and community- making the case for APS to projects, we must prioritize which would be beneficial to our members. Grady’s reputation those residents and student learning above all else. children. for fostering active, concerned, organizations who, whether or This may mean putting participatory, and engaged not by choice, are deeply immediate measures into place Answer 10: The business stakeholders is noteworthy, and involved with APS, but, for to ensure that all classrooms sector should take on some of certainly an asset worth various reasons, have lost faith are appropriately filled. It could the burden of assisting APS by investing in and leveraging. In in the system. I will work to also mean preventing proposed matching funds to the budget. this regard, however, restore and maintain their trust annexations or other proposals Billions and billions of dollars consistency is key; the Grady that every decision we make is that might result in additional are put toward developments cluster – as do all clusters – one with their child’s best students being zoned into the around our neighborhood deserves to have consistently interest at heart. Grady cluster until all renovation schools. More often than not, engaged, active, excellence- projects are completed. these businesses get a tax driven leaders who are Answer 4: I would continue Community input in this regard break in the process. As a developed and encouraged to APS’s outlined plan for is key. board, we must hold the city and remain in the cluster for as long renovations and improvements state accountable when these as they want. to many Grady cluster schools. Answer 5: According to recent deals are made. A plan for This would include expanding studies, Atlanta is one of the supporting our schools should The cluster’s greatest challenge Grady High School to help fastest growing cities in the always be rudimental to the is addressing capacity and address overcrowding and country, and it is projected that conversation. When this facility issues, while balancing capacity issues, as well as Atlanta will have the sixth occurs, Atlanta can realize its the priority of providing high- utilizing as efficiently and largest metro area by 2040. potential as a world-class city. quality education, the realities of equitably as possible the And one drive through the where people are moving in the SPLOST 2017 funds to Grady cluster neighborhoods Kandis Wood Jackson city, transportation, traffic and complete major renovation makes clear that much of congestion, safety, the historic projects for Grady cluster Atlanta’s growth is happening www.kandiswoodjackson.com value of its schools and schools. As to renovations at right here. I hope increased

neighborhoods, the equitable Grady and Morningside, I will be density will lead to increased Answer 1: My primary distribution of funding for actively involved in the enrollment in all APS schools – experience with public schools construction and renovations, establishment of a neutral, and in Grady cluster schools. is my experience teaching Sixth and the efficient use of taxpayer experienced design committee; We should strive to create a city Grade Social Studies at KIPP dollars. the selection of a cost-efficient, where sending your child to their WAYS Academy in West Atlanta experienced, and trust-worthy local public school is the from 2008-2010. My experience Answer 3: Accountability to all architect; and the legal and expectation, not the exception; as a teacher in an almost all- constituents - no matter their fiscal oversight over any and we should seek to increase Black Title I school, where many level of activity or personal contracts entered into by APS enrollment as a means by which of my students received free or investment in APS – will be a as a part of the renovation to measure our success as a reduced lunch, formed my belief top priority. I will do this by process. Most importantly, system that attracts most that various social, political, and listening. I will do this by however, I will actively seek-out students from most economic factors can often leveraging my unique ideas, opinions, and feedback neighborhoods. undermine the community-wide background and experience to from Grady cluster stakeholders goal of providing quality public “make the case” for APS. This at every step of the renovation Of course APS should plan for education to every student. In means making the case for APS process. To the extent this growth. Here’s how: by other words, we cannot educate to the groups of citizens, permissible, taskforces and implementing prospective, in a vacuum; we must also including businesses, other stakeholder committees forward-thinking policies and account for the issues occurring organizations, and residents, must be established. plans that are not simply outside of the classroom that who are not actively invested in reactions to solve past problems impede a child’s ability to learn. our public schools. It will be I will also put into place more- but plans to have solutions My experience as a public part of my job to outline for them immediate solutions to the ready before the problem arises. school teacher also reinforced in the social, economic, and moral capacity and facility issues at The Grady cluster renovation me the importance of hard work, case for investing in high-quality schools in the Grady cluster. and construction projects are a high expectations, dedication, public education – from cradle My experience as a classroom good start in this regard. But, and compassion – particularly to college and career – even if teacher made it very clear that a we must also continue to for all our children. They’re they are not actively involved in thoughtful and proportionate collaborate with the City to worth it. the day-to-day operations of student to teacher ratio can be consider how transportation, directly linked to instructional traffic, and safety will play a part

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Atlanta Board of Education

in the analysis, especially as transportation and crowd- around safe routes to school Atlanta grows. management algorithms and Micah Rowland and cleaning up the community decongestion models. www.vote4micahrowland.com around the schools called Answer 6: While I have Community Blitz. followed this story closely, and Answer 8: Under the APS Answer 1: I currently maintain a certainly have opinions about system, public charter schools STEM/STEAM lab centered Answer 2: Grady Cluster’s the potential annexation, I have are public schools. From my around gardening and greatest asset is its teachers. not come to a concrete position experience teaching at charter technology at BAMO E.S. In the Teachers set the tone of the day on whether or not I support the school, as well as working with past I’ve volunteered with for the students to learn. If we proposal. I hope to have a other charter and partner Project for a Day and engaged can invest in our teachers, we concrete position on this issue schools as a volunteer, the students on career path can build the greatest once the arbitration process is charter and partner schools that identification at Brown M.S. and educational system in the world finished. APS supports provide financial management at to teach our kids. When we innovative, high-quality Maynard Jackson H.S. While have teachers who are Answer 7: Piedmont Park has education to its students. serving as the chair of NPU-V dedicated to teaching, engaging a long and rich history of serving Generally speaking, our charter supported our community the parents and working with the as a location for special events and partner schools have been leaders in the fight to keep our community, the schools flourish. in Atlanta. While I would not effective at: recruitment, schools open and supported the Crowding and the congested work to prohibit most of these retention, and development of Leader In Me program. I assist community that the feeder productive, popular, and effective teachers and leaders; in read in for children around schools currently reside are its appropriate major events at setting high expectations for various APS schools. Since that greatest challenge. Enrollment Piedmont Park, I would work students and staff; establishing time I have been working to find in the Grady cluster will continue with the City to establish policies cultures of trust, collaboration, how we can improve our to rise, we must find higher and protocols to minimize their and excellence; making tough schools through engaging the capacity facilities and the impact on students and faculty. decisions when necessary to communities around them. In partnerships to sustain this Some such protocols might prioritize student achievement; the past I worked in a research growth. I’ve read the concerns include curfews, road blocks, and putting kids first. lab at a Kennesaw State from the Grady High School student transportation University and through my Local School Council submitted assistance, and the optional Answer 9: This is a experience I have students not by Sharon Bray and understand contribution of attendance fees complicated issue, involving prepared for their major course the concerns of patchwork to fund such efforts. They might legal issues of ownership and work. As such through a non- solutions that don’t promote a also include the use of new other dynamics, and I expect to profit I founded we provide holistic approach to resolving technology to assist with have a concrete position on it exposure to Science and Math this challenge. A holistic solution parking, transportation, and soon. supplemented by Art. I have will need cooperation from the crowd control; as well as created a community Atlanta City Council and our Answer 10: (No response) experimentation with revitalization project centered communities.

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Atlanta Board of Education

Answer 3: I’ve founded a modern workforce where operations, this fund is tax and nursing that are in high community organization and I employees like those at Amazon deductible. Build a cradle-to- demand in today’s workforce, on do not traditionally have or Dell are working from home. career pipeline where business a vocational track type of career children, I like to think that I Another opportunity arises out join the model and invest in their readiness again supported by have 54,946 children who all of the fact that these are Atlanta futures by investing in the Emory University. We should attend the great schools of APS. Beltline areas. A SPLOST can educational platform that trains look at the opportunities and I want to build an APS that provide the needed financial their future employees. Utilize challenges optimistically. Emory engages the community and resources to meet the needs of alumni and have them invest has a commitment to the global build partnerships with overcrowding. Similarly, like the into the schools that started perspective on the human businesses to help leverage the tax fund used to finance their futures. Schools could condition. Again another cost of teaching youth through Mercedes Benz Stadium, much also be built near transportation opportunity for the creation of a after school programs or of the revenue will come from centers. Families could take cradle-to-career pipeline. vocational training to get people who visit the park, advantage of this close children career or work ready. beltline or sanctioned events. proximity to skip the bus and Answer 7: Community benefits For those who want to go to These newly generated use rapid transit walking to and agreement. Let’s not limit the college identify educational revenues can then be used to from the rail lines, then taking a use of community benefits support to have them prepared acquire new land or facilities bus or pickup to get home. This agreement with just those for life and assuring they are then used to build a higher could give families access to regarding the building of contributing citizens to our great capacity technology driven lower capacity high performing stadium’s. This concept has society. I want to open the doors school. These funds could be schools. many different potential ways to to our stakeholders, these used throughout the entire supplant the resources that the facilities are public property. At cluster where the SPLOST is Answer 6: Yes, I believe that it events Piedmont Park allows. the same time maintain safety created. This should be looked is critical to Atlanta becoming a Again, never should leisure and accountability to our at as an investment into the world class city with residents activities receive priority over students who these external future of Atlanta and APS. who are among the most education. The cost for stakeholders will engage. By affluent in the Metro-Atlanta entertainment should be higher continuously monitoring how Answer 5: A review of the APS region. Yes, I believe the area than the cost of education. If public dollars are being spent, capacity and utilization study should be served by Atlanta entities want to work in that maintain APS assets and shows that APS will experience Public Schools. Regarding space, we should work with City ensuring youth are receiving a an enrollment growth that will zoning them to the Grady Council to draft legislation that quality education we can bubble around 2021-22, in cluster that would require more requires these entities to provide better fiscal particularly in areas where there research. We need to look at compensate the disruption of responsibility. is no current capacity for the impact of zoning children to the schools and local accepting new students. One the Grady cluster knowing the community. Whether it be by Answer 4: The immediate area way of resolving this issue current issues of overcrowding providing additional where the Grady Cluster would be looking at building or and disrepair of current facilities. transportation resources, schools reside are prime real obtaining larger facility higher This would be one of the funding that build new forms of estate for businesses in retail, capacity schools. One ways of scenarios where is the accessibility like a light rail to entertainment and food this acquisition could be looking population dictates redrawing the area similarly to the street services. These areas are at SPLOST’s to fund these the zoning maps to align with car, restricting vehicle traffic or seeing significant growth and critical projects. Build schools in highways and build around the primary methods of crowd along with population increase the center of boundaries like cluster with the school in the control that directs the event comes sales. A SPLOST major highways to center the center. If you look at the cluster promoters away from critical particularly for the repair of population of the schools in their now it is split by I-75/85. If we areas used by the school and these facilities can make these created man-made geographic currently look at Centennial local communities. Other repairs and creation of newer areas. If areas are beyond Place (CP) we see it is the only methods include restricting higher capacity schools are a capacity split the difference in school in the cluster that is Piedmont Park events possibility. We don’t have to the geographic area and create across the highway. Rezoning scheduled around the APS build out, we can build up. an additional facility that feeds CP and zoning the newly calendar. The City of Atlanta Creation of virtual schooling is into the cluster that support the annexed area, then building a has many different venues that also a possibility. In those population need again from a higher capacity school could these events can take cases, where the option can be mechanism like a SPLOST. lead to relief. In addition, an advantage of, maybe the cost to provided, a sense of “home- Another method could be an endowment and even a hold the events are just too low. schooling” can be implemented, endowment fund model that can commitment from Emory could A special fee can be added in through the creation of the be created focusing on business also lead to opportunities that these areas where they are in virtual classroom. That that need human capital as a could also include a potential close proximity of the schools to experience also lends to the critical part of their business new program track like medicine offset the disruption. We can

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Atlanta Board of Education look at other cities like New activity. It is possible that the who feel they are being “taxed” The Grady Clusters greatest Orleans during carnival season school’s properties must be out of the community and the challenge is managing current to see how they have mitigated used for education and that if schools can continue to mitigate and future growth in the area. In the large events and still provide the facilities aren’t being used the issues of the lack of funding short, it is a victim of its own access to daily operating for the purpose of APS that the including paying back the resent success which supports my entities like Public Schools. deeds would rightfully remain in necessary loan acquired by premise that good schools are the control of city. However, APS. Extension and creation of essential to thriving and vibrant Answer 8: I believe that even if this is true, my concerns additional SPLOST doesn’t add communities which become the charter schools are a great have been in regards to the a burden to the property taxes bedrock for all the great things a option for parents and their payments that the Atlanta of Atlanta property owners and city can become. children. They allow for more Beltline owed to APS. Even if Atlanta’s economic growth can innovation that isn’t bogged the previous is true, APS should lead the growth of APS. Answer 3: I bring practical down by red tape. When the be provided the deeds to these Through an endowment, APS knowhow as a former as a charter is created with the properties to offset the loss in can take advantage of its former board president of a local community in mind and to funding that the Atlanta Beltline alumni, business partners and neighborhood charter school. In progress the educational growth has failed to pay, it is not philanthropist who believe in that role, I was able to inspire of children. They work well. I meeting its promise. It seems education as the source of the trust, and at the same time, don’t think that traditional only a good faith swap. APS improvement of citizen’s socio- recognize that the pace of schools should be closed to should receive all the deeds of economic status to provide the change required a new level of create charter schools because all the vacant or surplus needed financial resources for fiduciary engagement. In an these traditional schools often properties as a result of the APS. We believe in investing in environment of constant have support of strong parent defaulted repayment of tax our future’s what other perfect challenges, I practiced strategic networks. Replacing those funds. APS will basically loose way than for the hundreds of governance-which means traditional schools with charters approximately $90 million of thousands of APS alumni to forming far more robust affectively disrupts parent what should have been tax donate back to the educational partnerships with institutional engagement when present. funding for the growth of APS. system that brought them leaders. Lastly in my current Traditional schools can learn the Any other business would success. It will also give role at DCSD, I regularly opportunities of innovation. basically be bankrupt after business a way of investing into interface with parents, teachers, Stepping outside the confines of losing such critical funding their future capital with a nice administrators, and community older learning models, sources. I served as the Chair of and neat tax write off. An stakeholders as we address traditional schools can learn the Atlanta Beltline Tax endowment fund will also keep issues regarding design and new ways of teaching youth that Allocation During this period and graduates of APS engaged construction of school facilities can be fun and exciting. In felt that the promise of the through their life, as they will be in the various neighborhoods in addition, they can learn by the Beltline did not outweigh the financially contributing members the District. adherence to a more confined responsibility we have in of a newer stronger Atlanta Answer 4: Overcrowding budget created to reduce waste educating our children. Never Public Schools with the financial issues almost always come and meet the needs of its should children be a bargaining stability to make dreams a down to the amount of space scholars. Charter schools can chip for greed and wealth. reality! needed and what the budget learn about the focus on special Buildings can be replaced our can accommodate. The Grady needs children and children who children’s future cannot. Our John Wright Cluster has/is evaluating the 3 may need the “extra help” that children must be ready for the www.johnwright4kids.com options: New Construction, don’t necessarily fall in the global city we want to build for Major Addition; and Temporary guidelines of the charter them. It is their’ s to inherit. This Answer 1: My wife and I APS Classrooms. And there are school’s focus. All children need can only be done through Grads (North Fulton and BE sound arguments for and access to equitable and equal education. quality education enjoyed by Mays High School). I also against each one of these their peers and funding Answer 10: Two methods I can attended Continental Colony ES options. However, I would be shouldn’t be a detriment on how think of currently are SPLOST and King MS. My children, Leah more comfortable if there was a the school engages children and/or Endowment. Through a and Jack, both attended ANCS greater evaluation of the growth who need sensitive educational SPLOST/E-SPLOST during a and currently attend Maynard H. trends for the area so a support. Charters have to look period like this, the financial Jackson HS. I am also the son comprehensive informed long- at schools like a need of society support of APS would be shared of a public school educator. term solution can be as traditional schools do, not by all those spending their implemented that’s right for the Answer 2: The Grady Cluster’s just a mission of its charter. disposable income in the entire cluster community. This greatest assets are its schools county. The county commission would include the engagement and all of the amenities that Answer 9: There are still some will be able to find a way to of a city planner that really looks community provides. legal concerns around this provide relief to property owners at the census data, new

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Atlanta Board of Education construction (Condos, Renters, Answer 7: I live in a park understanding the level of outcomes among at-risk APS New Homes, etc.) and industry community and one of the dysfunction and the need for all kindergarteners. On the ABOE, I trends happening in the region. reasons we are drown to these three entities to work have supported the cluster areas to live, work and play is collaboratively to solve these model, Social Emotional Answer 5: This is definitely a the access to eclectic most complicated issues. I hope Learning, signature programs, determining factor contributing experiences only these types of to bring my skill set to the board and career education. I helped to the overcrowding issues that environment can provide. With to help right some of these create a career exchange with are currently affecting the Grady that said, there needs to more situations. Toulouse, France schools, Cluster. As I mentioned in the careful consideration given to opening a world of possibilities previous question, I would be the residents of these popular Answer 10: APS like most to our kids. more comfortable if there was a communities and their venues. major school district should greater evaluation of the growth The Mayor, City Council, NPUs have the ability to float bonds to Answer 2: The Grady cluster's trends for the area so a and APS all have to work account for projected budget greatest asset is its strong, comprehensive informed long- together to understand the shortfalls. Often times, tax committed base of parents and term solution can be communities concerns and then receipts lag and depending of community members who work implemented that’s right for the implement more equitable use the budget cycle might need to not just for their kids but for ALL entire cluster community. This of venues across the city. This be augmented. kids in the cluster. I have would include the engagement approach would lessen the worked for so many years with I think this is management and of a city planner that really looks impact on the schools and these dedicated men and at the census data, new messaging issue and that the women who raise money, tutor, students and a safer board should utilized a more construction (Condos, Renters, hold office, plan events, host environment for all. robust software tool to help New Homes, etc.) and industry town halls, and make sure all demonstrate the District’s fiscal trends happening in the region. Answer 8: I believe charter health. our kids have what they need to schools are just another public be successful in school and in While there are plenty of short- school option parents have life. As the neighborhoods in the term options available, I think as when it comes to choosing the Grady cluster continue to grow leaders, it is incumbent upon us right learning environment for At-Large Seat 8 and change, the cluster's look for long-term solutions that their child. Charter by their greatest challenge will be to integrates stakeholders needs design are learning laboratories Cynthia Briscoe-Brown maintain that commitment to the and wants (understanding for trying new innovative www.cynthiabriscoebrown.com whole community. Capacity space and budget constraints) teaching and learning issues, achievement gaps, Incumbent while making the best use of techniques while being held to changing demographics, and taxpayer dollars. the same high achievement transportation all affect the way Answer 1: I've been privileged standards as district schools. we feel about our neighbors. It Answer 6: This is an uber to serve in ABOE Seat 8 At Innovative approaches that is essential that the cluster complicated topic that includes Large since 2014. I have 30 prove to be successful can be continue to live the high school's issues around the annexation years experience as an APS used at other schools as an motto: "Individually, we are processes itself, equity, volunteer, parent & community alternative or new means of different. Together, we are MARTA, City Hall, taxes, and leader. I was a member of the teaching. Grady." On the ABOE, I will schools. Before I can fully PTA Executive Boards at all my continue to support all those support the annexation I would children's schools. I served Successful charter schools learn who support all our kids. like to know the financial impact to be successful by utilizing the three years as co-President of to incorporate all the non-profit resources and affiliations that an NAPPS, providing leadership in Answer 3: As an At Large organizations that make up established district already has. the community and citywide ABOE member, I represent Emory Health System that do during the cheating scandal, every student and every citizen not pay taxes. Answer 9: This issue is at accreditation crisis, and of Atlanta. I am sworn to act in heart of my platform which redistricting. I've served since the best interests of every child However, if annexed and the includes Governance, Pre-K the 1980s on boards of in APS, and I take that very residents and schools are part and K-5 Education, and Blight. numerous organizations which seriously. I meet with every of the annexation it could This is the reason why this positively impact APS. I stakeholder who reaches out to provide a significant piece of the election cycle is so critical. The provided legal assistance to me. In addition, I actively seek long-term strategy to alleviate APS BOEs ability to work with found over a dozen school- out opportunities to engage with cluster overcrowding. It should the Mayor and City Council is based foundations, and I civic associations, small groups, be noted that it would take the critical to addressing the frequently help students with nonprofits, businesses, retirees, full collaboration of Mayor, City overarching issues that affect all college and scholarship legal and young professionals to Council, and APS to complete three entities. However, I am issues. I helped design and educate them about our the annexation. encouraged by this slate of implement an arts-in-education triumphs and challenges in candidates and their program to improve reading

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Atlanta Board of Education

APS. I have spent many years vertical density, is bound to without representation for the creating a spirit of cooperation involving stakeholders (including increase enrollment in the annexed residents, which is and mutual respect. several in the Grady cluster in Grady cluster schools as well as against the core values of our the past four years) in our APS other schools throughout the city and our nation. Further, Answer 8: I support great schools and programs so they city. APS is already planning for allowing annexation as schools which provide have firsthand knowledge of growth in the Grady cluster by: proposed could have severe opportunities for all our kids to how APS benefits our city. My adding 18 classrooms, 3 labs, negative repercussions on the succeed. There are good and accountability comes from my and a new office suite to Grady ability of other parts of DeKalb bad charter schools, just as willingness to actively engage, HS; building an entirely new County (such as Druid Hills) to there are good and bad my following through on every middle school at Howard with a annex into Atlanta and join APS, traditional schools. Charter commitment I make, and my capacity of at least 1450 since the required contiguity schools as a group do not belief that strong schools make students; and significant would not be present. Under a outperform traditional schools, strong communities. renovation/expansion of policy enacted by the Board on however, and charter schools Morningside ES. The new which I serve, the are not the answer to every ill of Answer 4: The Board on which Howard MS will also free up the Superintendent assigns and education. This BOE has not I serve has committed well over Inman campus to use as redistricts all students according approved a single new stand- $100 million to address capacity additional capacity which best to guidance we provided. I am alone charter application in the and facilities issues in the Grady meets the cluster's needs. We confident she will make past four years. We actually cluster. The $52 million have a new APS data team appropriate decisions, taking have one fewer charter school renovation/expansion of the which has dramatically into account the current capacity than we did when I took office. Howard building for a new improved our ability to track and issues at Grady cluster and the We have made great progress middle school is currently in the anticipate enrollment trends, needs of current students as in strengthening both charter design phase. The $33 million and we are also doing a much well as possible future students. and traditional schools by Grady High better job of consulting cooperating, sharing and renovation/expansion will begin principals such as Audrey Answer 7: APS has no integrating best practices. in early 2018. We did systems Sofianos at Morningside and authority to control the use of Finally, our partnerships allow renovations at Morningside ES Betsy Bockman at Grady, who Piedmont Park, and limited us to take advantage of the over the summer which have proved their knowledge of ability to mitigate the effects of innovativeness of proven provided reliable HVAC and their communities and ability to events on individual schools and providers while keeping the corrected other facilities issues. predict future growth. As I have students. We have continuously traditional structure of schools The $20 million Morningside for years, I will closely monitor advocated for Grady and other which meet the needs of every renovation/expansion project all capacity issues in the Grady schools with City officials and child in the community. Our first will begin in 2019, and we are cluster and ensure APS have achieved some small year of results demonstrates the actively seeking options to responds quickly and successes in both minimizing success of the partnership relieve overcrowding there in appropriately as conditions disruption and receiving model in our schools of greatest the meantime. All these plans change. compensation for the affected need. were developed, revised, and campuses. The best way to finalized through an extremely Answer 6: By law, APS has no mitigate the impact of events Answer 9: We have achieved extensive community say in whether any property is such as Music Midtown is some success in obtaining engagement process over annexed into the City of Atlanta. improved relations with City those deeds, so the current several years, including That said, my colleagues and I officials, especially City Council. number is actually closer to 36. dramatic changes to the plan are committed to the principle I hope and expect that the This should never have been an based on input from parents, that APS will educate every significant changes at the City issue, however, and had never teachers, students, and child who enters our schools. If as a result of this year's been an issue from 1973 until community members. While the Emory and environs are elections will allow APS to 2014 when the deeds were meetings were sometimes annexed into the City, I believe become a true partner in improperly inserted into another contentious, I was pleased to strongly they should be served planning for minimal disruption dispute between APS and the see the Grady community work by APS. We create a dangerous to our schools. Further, I would City of Atlanta. APS has together to develop a precedent if a single elected like to see our students become prevailed on every single point comprehensive plan for world- official, or a few residents, get to involved in appropriate events, raised so far in the dispute, and class facilities for all our kids. pick and choose which services as interns with school credit, to I am confident that our record of they want to access. Decisions enhance their career skills and success will continue. I also Answer 5: As a member of the like that affect not only current opportunities. Such a program hope and expect that changes BOE, I am committed to residents but future families, would benefit our kids while in City government from this providing each and every child who may feel very differently. In raising awareness at both year's elections will result in a with a world-class education. addition, such a system government and sponsor levels, speedy resolution of all issues Increased density, especially effectively creates taxation and prompt transfer of all deeds.

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Atlanta Board of Education

Once we have the deeds, I look Organization Promoting Answer 5: The first step is to quality of education in all APS forward to benefitting Education (2011-2012) work to repair the tarnished schools. It is imperative that communities across Atlanta by Lakeside High School Debate relationship between the Board both charter and traditional using surplus property to Coach (2010-2012) Teacher of Education and the City of schools are put on a level support safe, secure housing for Member of the Henderson Mill Atlanta. We may then work playing field and treated equally. our students, their families, and Elementary School PTA (2007- together to address issues such Resources should be distributed APS employees. 2009) Teacher Member of the as proper zoning of new equitably. The Board must Lakeside High School PTA apartments and condominiums. recognize that non-charter Answer 10: First, I believe that (2009-2012) Member of The BOE must also take into schools face unique challenges public education is a public P.A.G.E. (Professional account high density population and consider these challenges good, which every citizen should Association of Georgia shifts to the Grady Cluster when when making budgeting, support for the benefit of all Educators) Bullying Awareness considering zoning and planning infrastructure, and other citizens. In the past the county Coordinator (Lakeside High for new school buildings and/or resource decisions. has been responsible for setting School) expansion of existing assessed values, billing infrastructure. Answer 9: Once we have property owners, collecting Answer 2: For too long, the repaired the tarnished taxes, and distributing funds to Grady Cluster has been Answer 6: The City of Atlanta relationship between the BOE receiving entities. Having the neglected in the allocation of will make the decision regarding and the City of Atlanta, we individual entities take on this infrastructure and other capital annexation. If the annexation should be able to have an responsibility has been tried in improvement monies distributed occurs, the new students should "adult" conversation to reach an other municipalities, but has by the Board of Education. This absolutely be served by the appropriate solution. To date, proved to be extremely complex should be rectified immediately. Atlanta Public Schools. To allow the current BOE members and and met with limited success. a subgroup of students to be the City of Atlanta Since APS has plenty to do Answer 3: We must recognize exempted from certain school Administration have acted like without taking on the Tax that all students, parents, districts sets a bad precedent. children fighting on a Commissioner's job, the current teachers, and schools have Once annexation occurs, the playground. This irresponsible system is probably the best one unique challenges. The first step Board of Education should zone behavior does nothing more for our purposes. It is important will be to end our philosophy of these new students than to punish students, that tax assessment and a one size fits all approach. appropriately, taking into teachers, parents, and collection not become Instead, we will seek input and account the overcrowding and taxpayers. It's time for the BOE subservient to personal political guidance from all stakeholders. lack of funding issues the Grady members and the City of Atlanta agendas or used as a weapon We will no longer push Cluster already experiences. to act like the adults in the room against political opponents. It is institutionalized policies from and resolve this problem. also important that elected Central Office. Instead, we will Answer 7: This issue speaks officials, who have a duty to act listen to what our teachers, directly to the lack of a workable Answer 10: Property taxes in the best interest of their students, parents, taxpayers, relationship between the current should be based on, and frozen constituents, not simply "kick the and business leaders tell us that Board of Education and the City at, the sale price of a house-- can down the road" on difficult they need. The Board will of Atlanta. With proper rather than an arbitrary and issues. Doing so creates become responsive to these coordination related to ineffective assessment process problems not only for APS but needs. permitting, public safety through Fulton County. also for future public servants personnel, etc., it is likely that Under this proposal, property Answer 4: We must hold the who will have even larger issues many of these conflicts could be taxes may only increase Board and Administration to deal with in the future. resolved. In the instances which annually in an amount which accountable for the appropriate a compromise cannot be made does not exceed the Cost of use of school dollars-- between the BOE and the City Living Adjustment provided by Charlie Stadtlander particularly those appropriated of Atlanta, the education of the Social Security www.charlieforeducation.com for new infrastructure and students should take priority Administration. We must also building improvements through over entertainment festivals. accommodate seniors, working Answer 1: Elementary Teacher ESPLOST initiatives. This middle-class families, and other (3rd Grade) Dekalb County includes directing ESPLOST Answer 8: Since APS is a at-risk members of our Schools (2007-2009) 9th and funds to the Grady Cluster for charter system, we must try to community to ensure that our 10th Grade English Teacher- the immediate construction of navigate the system in a way neighbors do not lose their Dekalb County Schools (2009- Midtown Middle and any other which benefits all students in the homes due to gentrification. 2012) Lakeside High School necessary projects to alleviate Atlanta Public Schools equally. This proposal will end APS' Bullying Awareness Coordinator overcrowding at Morningside Charter schools are a part of the reliance on Fulton County. (2009-2012) Lakeside High and Grady. conversation to a larger plan Taxpayers and APS will be able School Founding Faculty involving many other Sponsor of the Hispanic components for improving the

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Atlanta Board of Education to properly budget based on we deploy the resources that outlook for rising property limited, which is why APS stable revenue. come along with the growth. values and tax revenue. The created and implemented a plan key, as I said before, is to be to ease overcrowding. It is Ben Stone Answer 6: I do believe smart with the resources. We do imperative that we continue to welcoming this relatively small not have an issue of a lack implement the plan with fidelity no website area into APS and Grady is a orrespurces, but the harder task and then adjust as necessary. good thing. It could open the is to make the most of what we Answer 1: I have always door to some partnerships do have. Answer 3: Businesses, attended public schools between Grady students and community organizations, and including schools in North metro Emory which could put students constituents are key to a vibrant Atlanta and the University of in a position to succeed after schools system. I plan on Georgia and believe strongly in At-Large Seat 9 graduation. expanding partnerships with the value of our public school businesses and community systems. Answer 7: Proper planning is Jason Esteves organizations to ensure APS really all you can do. Piedmont www.jasonesteves.com Answer 2: Grady benefits from has the resources it needs to Park is not going anywhere, but a diverse community that Incumbent provide students with the good thing is that it provides provides opportunities to wraparound services, which many benefits to all of the Answer 1: I am a product of prepare students to compete in ultimately leads to increased community that more than public schools that provided me a rappidly changing global student achievement. I also makes up for the inconvenience. with a quality education and economy. The greatest plan on leveraging businesses opportunities to grow and for opportunities to provide challenge is to make the best Answer 8: We have more than succeed. A vibrant public students with learning use of the resources and quadrupled the number of schools system is essential to experiences. Similarly, opportunities to make sure students in charter schools in ensuring that Atlanta is the great residents can potentially provide everyone, including the APS schools during the last four city that so many people want it students with mentorship and teachers, staff, students, and years for which the current to be. other opportunities to learn--we their families have what they school board has been in place. I have also taught in a public just have to make the school need to make the most of theit The most recent annual school, so I have seen firsthand sites more welcoming. experience as a Grady cluster assessment is that half of these how bureaucracy and a lack of stakeholder. charter schools are performing resources in the classroom can It is vital that we keep all better than traditional schools Answer 3: I swear that I did not inhibit teachers and learning constituents informed with what and half are performing worse read this question before I wrote opportunities for students. As a is going on with APS. I intend than traditional schools. I would that last answer, but this was board member, I have fought to on consistently communicating call for a moratorium on any just on my mind. I would keep send more money to school with residents, community new charters until we see strong these stakeholders interests in sites and classrooms and less members, and businesses evidence that these schools are mind with every vote I cast. You to the central office through newsletter, townhalls, outperforming our APS can't please everyone, but we bureaucracy. and industry-specific information traditional schools. sessions. all deserve to be considered Finally, I look forward to sending and represented. Answer 9: We should pursue my son to an Atlanta public Answer 4: APS has a plan to all possible legal avenues to Answer 4: There are already school, so that he can be address this very issue over the maximize our interest wherever improvement plans in place and enriched by the diverse next five years and I am hopeful possible. However, generating I would support any actions that experiences and quality learning that it will bring relief to capacity more revenue is only helpful if are in the best interests of that public schools should issues in the cluster. The plan we spend it wisely. We already supporting these institutions provide. consists of remodeling and spend around 17k per student which are some of the strongest adding to Grady High School, which exceeds the state Answer 2: This cluster’s in all of APS schools. moving the middle school to a average of 12k and are under greatest asset is its students larger building, and renovating Answer 5: We must plan performing the state as a school and engaged parents. Morningside. The plan also Together, parents and their ahead because it is too late district. It doesn't appear to be a calls for exploring options for, once the buildings are open. money problem. students have made Grady a what will be, the former Inman The good thing is that property vibrant cluster that has forced building. Answer 10: It should be taken values (i.e. revenue) is also on APS and the schools within the as a lesson not to count your cluster to improve over time. the rise. The desirability of this Answer 5: Historically, chickens before they hatch. The apartments and condominium community does not appear to good thing is the community is The greatest challenge is construction has yielded fewer be waning which is a good thing desirable and the home prices capacity. As interest in the students than single family as long as we are smart in how are rising. This short term hit cluster grows, space will be does not change the long term housing, particularly in higher-

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Atlanta Board of Education income communities. traditional schools, can Nevertheless, as density transform a school system. increases, it is inevitable that the Grady cluster will continue Answer 9: The City should to experience capacity issues. I transfer all deeds that relate to am hopeful that the plan as laid APS properties to the school out in community meetings to system. To the extent the City expand capacity at every level is concerned about any future of the cluster will provide the uses for the property, the City relief the cluster needs. should work with APS and the existing permitting structure to Answer 6: I believe that APS ensure development is in line is the City’s school system. As with the neighborhood and the such, it should expand City’s vision. We need a Mayor concurrently with the City of and Superintendent that can Atlanta. I therefore believe that work well together. APS should be serving all annexed areas. I also believe Answer 10: There are a that the Grady cluster is a couple of things that we can do: natural choice for those 1. we can budget more students to be zoned. conservatively than we have in Fortunately, it appears that the past; 2. we can anticipate there are only a dozen students issues with Fulton County and or so that would be added. We start a fund that pay for any fees must ensure that as the City that are incurred by Fulton’s expands, we monitor the issues; and 3. we can build our capacity issues and adjust reserves to a level that can accordingly. serve as a stop-gap. More importantly, it is critical that Answer 7: APS and the CIty of Fulton County address and Atlanta have to do a better job resolve its issues related to coordinating on a number of property valuations and issues, including events at assessments. Piedmont Park. The City can aso required organizers to coordinate with APS and Grady more than they do to work towards alignment. Finally, APS should do a better job of anticipating events and planning accordingly with our city partners.

Answer 8: Generally, APS- approved public charter schools have done a great job at providing a quality education to its students. Traditional public schools can learn a lot around culture, talent recruitment, and rigor. While charter schools can learn how to manage a diverse student population from traditional public schools.

Charter schools are not a silver bullet, but they are a tool that, when combined with high quality

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Atlanta City Council

Question 1: Please describe your Question 4: When the Trust for Public making it impossible for APS to sell vacant Question 7: Property taxes collected by experience with public schools. (150 Land released its 2017 ParkScore Index, properties. What is your take on this Fulton County account for nearly one third words) Atlanta ranked 50th among the 100 largest situation, and what are your thoughts on of the City’s general fund, so when the U.S. cities. One way to increase the city’s remedying it? (250 words) County reacted to the outcry over 2017 Question 2: As a member of City Council, score is to partner with schools to open assessments by returning to 2016 how would you support public education? their facilities (gyms, track, football and Question 6: Major events staged in assessment levels, this put the City in a (150 words) soccer fields, pools, etc.) to the public Piedmont Park during the school year bind. Did the City of Atlanta make a outside of school hours. Would you have a significant negative impact on mistake in stepping away from the tax Question 3: Do you support the current support such partnerships, and if so, how Grady High School. From set-up to strike, assessment function in the 1990s? How proposal to annex Emory University, the could City Council facilitate these the largest events can last up to two could the City be involved in preventing Centers for Disease Control and arrangements? weeks, during which time it is difficult for this kind of misstep in the future? (250 surrounding properties into the City of students and faculty to get to and from words) Atlanta? If so, do you believe that those Question 5: Though the City of Atlanta school on time and participate in after- annexed areas should be served by and Atlanta Public Schools have long hours activities on campus. This affects Question 8: How would you address the Atlanta Public Schools? Please explain been separate entities, the City still holds drivers, walkers, cyclists and those who continued rapid growth of Atlanta's intown your reasoning. (250 words) the deeds to approximately 50 APS take transit. What would you do to mitigate neighborhoods and its effects on properties. In recent years, the City has the impact of such events? (250 words) transportation and affordable housing? withheld property deeds, (250 words)

strong and productive continues to create hardship for built by projects receiving public City Council relationship. the areas around Piedmont dollars. President Park. I believe the numbers and Answer 3: I do not believe the types of festivals held in the park Felicia Moore APS boundaries need to be need to be re-visited on a more www.votefeliciamoore.com Henry Anderson expanded if the Emory frequent basis. The safety of https://www.facebook.com/Vote annexation goes for ward. Less students and pedestrians is than 10 students are within the (Did not respond.) HenryAnderson/ critical. expanded area. Importantly, the Certified write-in candidate impact on adjacent APS school Answer 7: The assessment Alex Wan clusters and communities has process needs to be reviewed (Did not respond.) not been adequately assessed. and adjusted as necessary. I am www.alexwanforatlanta.com not convinced that the City C. T. Martin Answer 4: I support increasing taking on that responsibility Answer 1: I am a proud access to and the percentage of would mean it will work more graduate of the DeKalb County www.ctforatlanta.com park/recreation space to City efficiently. I do, however, believe Public Schools and Georgia

residents. I feel this proposal the current process is not Tech and have always been Answer 1: Representing District requires more study to working well. State law governs strong advocate for the public 10 since 1991, I have long determine how this would work the way property is assessed schools system. In my capacity advocated for excellence in logistically and what the impact and taxed. As such, I would as the Atlanta City Council APS. What is clear is that would be on the schools. support examining changes that District 6 representative, I have schools on the southside are in can be made to the State law to worked closely with my dire need of greater attention Answer 5: I believe the City better protect homeowners from counterpart on the Atlanta Board and investment. Graduation should release the deeds. But a spike in taxes, but also to of Education to ensure that our rates for African-American the future use of the parcels by protect the entities that rely on actions (rezonings, students is too low. I will APS would need meaningful and property taxes (like the City and infrastructure, etc.) on each continue my advocacy for robust input from the APS) from being negatively respective body is coordinated increasing graduation rates surrounding communities. It is impacted by a freeze. and communicated as best as across APS, but with particular important that Atlanta School possible. I have also been emphasis on struggling schools. Board and the City Council work Answer 8: I support the engaged with the elementary, closely with the residents of continuation of the T-SPLOST Answer 2: Building a strong middle, and high schools in my neighborhoods where the land as a reliable way to fund and relationship between the Mayor district with educational sits to ensure the future use is build out the City's transit and Council and APS' s programs and transportation compatible with the surrounding options. I also support superintendent and Board is safety concerns. Finally, I have community. inclusionary housing laws that paramount. We serve the same participated in numerous joint attach a required percentage of constituency and must support Answer 6: The Council has meetings between City Council affordable housing units to be positive outcomes for our youth. studied and worked to address and the School Board to discuss I am committed to building a this issue for many years. Yet it issues of mutual concern

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Atlanta City Council

(legislation, attendance being construed as a position as pressure on both the Mayor’s exercise this political will, rezoning, etc.), and I have a council member.). office and the departments particularly if we need to attended many Atlanta Public (particularly the City Attorney, as overcome a Mayor that is more School community meetings Answer 4: I absolutely support he/she is a dual report to City supportive/sympathetic to the both district-wide and Grady partnership between the City of Council as well) to resolve event organizers than the cluster specific. Atlanta and the Atlanta School similar situations should they community. System to coordinate access of remain unresolved in the next Answer 2: One of my priorities facilities for recreational use. In administration. Answer 7: I believe that tax as City Council President will be fact, this should go both ways, collections and property tax to convene regularly (not only in where the City could explore Answer 6: The extended assessment functions should fall times of crisis) the City Council opening up our parks facilities to inconveniences that large events within the Fulton and DeKalb and the School Board to the school system for use (much like Music Midtown create counties’ purview, as these establish a continuing forum for like the arrangement we continue to frustrate me, not only responsibilities mostly rest under exploring opportunities for currently have with the city’s because of how they negatively county jurisdictions across the collaboration and addressing Morningside Recreation Center, impact Grady High School, but state. This year’s challenge was challenges between our two and my unsuccessful attempts to also the residents in the created by assessment entities. This effort is simply an get access to parks for the neighborhoods adjacent to the methodology, as Fulton County’s extrapolation of what I am Grady High School baseball park. While I have worked on Assessor’s office tried to quickly already doing at the district level team). these challenges along with the catch up from years of with my counterpart on the District 2 Council member, the undervalued assessments and School Board, Matt Answer 5: The key to these fact is that permitting these their use of broad stroke Westmoreland. There are many arrangement is first identifying events and the logistics around extrapolations of valuation ways City Council can support the opportunity and then them are operational decisions methodology across large our school system – improved facilitating the appropriate by the current administration. swaths of parcels. For accuracy, transportation infrastructure for City/School System departments City Council currently is not part assessments should be students to get to and from to activate. The joint City Council of that process and can do little individualized to the specific lot, school safely, evaluation of the / School Board forums would more than merely putting which is obviously a time and impact proposed developments provide the forum in which this pressure on event organizers to resource consuming endeavor. and rezonings have on schools, could happen. I would also accommodate community But reverting back to the coordination of after school charge the Community concerns. previous year’s valuations was a programming and Atlanta Development/Human Services poor political decision on the part Recreation Centers/Centers of Committee Chair that I appoint As City Council President, I of the Fulton County Hope offerings – but we first to aggressively pursue this idea. would like to mobilize all of Commission, as it put the must establish a reliable forum Council, not just the impacted jurisdictions that base their tax I remain befuddled as to why the to discuss and develop ideas. district council members, in a collections on these values in Reed Administration has We must foster culture between conversation about our City’s financial limbo. withheld the property deeds, the two systems that is special events operations. As aside from it being simply an collaborative, not adversarial, we continue to add greenspace With the assessment function unfortunate and bad political and we can start that at the throughout the city that often can outside its jurisdiction, there are decision. While many City Council/School Board level. serve as event sites, it is a topic limits to what the City can do to Council members (including me) that will begin impacting more mitigate. That said, at a Answer 3: I am an employee have been ready to transfer districts. Among the tactics we minimum, the City should of Emory University and have them, we are not mobilized in an can take to better control events pressure Fulton County to recused myself from City effective way to push the matter large and small are: (1) adjusting devote adequate resources to Council's deliberations and votes harder against the administration our special event permitting fee this function, including possibly on this matter as I have a and, more importantly, to structure to more accurately engaging additional third party potential personal and financial override a mayoral veto were we reflect processing costs and entities to conduct a full interest in the outcome. I have able to legislatively mandate the impact mitigation; (2) adjusting valuation of the parcels. We can consulted with the Ethics Officer transfer. fees for lane and sidewalk also more directly connect our regarding this question on this closures with an escalating scale Buildings Department with their As City Council President, one of questionnaire, and she has for longer durations; and (3) office with regard to building and my first objectives is to better advised me not to respond so as mandating a public input renovation permit work. Finally, organize City Council and our not to create a conflict of interest mechanism for permitting we should engage with the State deliberative process so that we for having expressed an opinion recurring events so that prior Legislature to enact protections are better prepared to take on this matter (Even though I'd year issues (access, attendance, like tax exemptions, property tax strong positions when needed. I be answering as a candidate, I trash, noise, etc.) must be increase caps, tax credit, and also will work closely with the still cannot prevent that answer corrected beforehand. The key payment assistance for long- School Board Chair to apply will be organizing Council to term, low- and middle-income,

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Atlanta City Council and senior residents to reduce to the tools we have put in place governance benefit to the city of any one community. Further, the the county’s political urge to take like buyer and renter assistance Atlanta to include the Centers for permit for each Class A/B event similar freeze actions in the and land acquisitions to mitigate Disease Control and Prevention should include a mandatory, future. rising intown land values, while and Emory University, two comprehensive traffic plan to be also exploring other tools like important institutions--major executed by the City, such as Answer 8: The City’s most inclusionary zoning and non- employers in the region--with those required for Atlanta effective tools to influence financial incentives like whom we work on regional Falcons games. Having heard community development are expedited permitting to public safety/emergency issues. from citizens and to address the through zoning code and encourage developers to include technical aspects of through Buildings Department affordable units in projects. Answer 4: I am generally implementing the "mass entry operations. Council District 6, supportive of a partnership that and exodus" traffic plan for often which I represent, continues to At-Large Post 1 would allow the citizens of day-long events, I created a experience much of the recent Atlanta access to the exterior of commission on parking and development activities, and I the school buildings such as the traffic solutions for the Piedmont have been working closely with Michael Julian Bond facilities as those mentioned Park area. The commission is the community in attempts to www.michaeljulianbondpost1.com above. Such a partnership currently being populated by address these pressures. existed the former John F. Incumbent traffic management experts and Kennedy Middle School. This citizens. Last year, I passed With zoning, our community has Answer 1: I am a proud access affords greater services legislation that designated been pushing back against graduate of the Atlanta Public to citizens, who provide tax limited areas where taxis, Uber rezonings that increase density – School system, as are my dollars to both the City and APS. and related rideshares can pick- a common temptation for children. I have long been an up passengers to lessen the developers, as more units advocate and cheerleader for impact on surrounding translate to more profit for the Answer 5: APS and the City of APS, and strongly believe in the neighborhoods. project – or limiting increasing Atlanta have only been separate mission of public education. I density to where the since 2003, when APS received served on the School Council for Answer 7: Prior to the Fulton transportation infrastructure, its independent charter. The 50 Frederick Douglass High School County Board of Commissioners especially transit, can support properties in question are City of for more than a decade, and a adopting the 2016 assessment the additional volume. We must Atlanta properties and are under lifelong member of its PTA. I levels, the Atlanta City Council also value input from our the management of APS so long attend the joint City Council - unanimously voted to request neighborhood associations and as the property is used for APS Board Member committee that Fulton County use the 2016 NPUs when evaluating such official educational purposes. member as often as I can. property assessments. As a rezonings, as they often know The deeds to the properties matter of best and streamlined what’s appropriate for their Answer 2: As previously dictate that all control and (efficiency) governance practice, community. stated, I participate in the joint management of the properties assessments should be a City Council-APS Board return to the City when County function. Rules With Buildings Department committee to develop a stronger educational purposes cease on governing County Board of operations, it is time for us to partnership between the two the properties. APS properties Assessors are authorized under revisit impact fees so that the governmental bodies on behalf obtained since 2003 are the only State law, and counties answer city is charging developers of Atlanta's children and their properties legally "free and for any discrepancies to the GA appropriate amounts that families. I have financially clear" for APS to determine its Department of Revenue and GA adequately address the sponsored numerous uses. To remedy non-use of the General Assembly. The City of increased strain their projects educational trips and activities to properties, I introduced Atlanta should not duplicate create on the transportation augment programs for APS. I legislation to create parks and these services and incur infrastructure. This could also plan to continue my lifelong greenspace on the suitable sites, additional costs for taxpayers. serve as somewhat of a dis- support of public education which will readily remedy To prevent similar instances in incentive for larger projects, or at including teachers, employees, Atlanta's deficit of greenspaces the future, I authored and least make them stop and think PTA and the children in every and park spaces. passed legislation requesting the a bit. way that I can. GA General Assembly to adopt Answer 6: Piedmont Park an annual three-percent The City also needs to continue holds several Class A events, Answer 3: Yes, I am the co- assessment cap during its 2018 investing in our transportation which I believe the City should author of the annexation session. infrastructure, including limit and rotate among eligible expanding transit and adding legislation and see no problem park venues. I have worked with Answer 8: With economic pedestrian and bicycle with APS serving the seven or the District 6 Councilmember, growth comes the necessity to connectivity. And with so students who have been Alex Wan, on Class A & B address the challenges such affordability, the City must identified as being eligible to come into APS. It is a events policy revisions to rotate development brings. These continue committing resources such events to limit impact on

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Atlanta City Council include maintaining the quality of the 6 petitioners have an increase the accountability and Answer 2: As an APS grad, life for all residents and ensuring objection to APS being included oversight of the tax accessors former APS teacher, and current effective mobility. In some in the annexation. Finally, this office. Currently, the county is APS Board Member, I will be an instances, broad protections annexation only includes an free to issue incorrect ardent advocate and dependable such as inclusionary zoning and estimated 12 students and will assessments and send tax bills partner to the school system, our related measures like the ones I not create a significant increase late without any recourse for students, and our families. I have introduced must be in enrollment in the Grady taxpayers. This must change. believe City government has an secured. I have championed cluster. important role to play in affordable housing and Answer 8: First, I would expanding Early Childhood community development Answer 4: Yes. In fact, APS is urgently work to increase transit Education opportunities and initiatives including the already working with Park Pride options to ease congestion. Workforce Development Summerhill Community Trust to explore the possibility of joint Next, we must ensure that future initiatives that directly impact our Fund (capitalized at $5 million), use agreements and I recently development in intown incoming and graduating Affordable Housing Impact appointed the ED, Michale neighborhoods is done so with students. Statements, and the Westside Halicki, to serve on the APS community support and does not Tax Abatement for indigenous Affordable Housing Task-Force. disrupt the aesthetic, walkability, Answer 3: I do support the residents—a 20 year property This group is charged with or create disruption to well current proposal to annex Emory tax abatement program, for exploring potential uses for APS' neighborhoods. Moreover, I University, the CDC and CHOA example. Going forward, we vacant land--including increasing would work to bring development into the City of Atlanta. I also must seek to maintain balanced greenspace throughout the city. and amenities to other parts of believe those annexed areas growth through similar policies. When on council, I will continue the city that have gone too long should be served by Atlanta to support this partnership and without these opportunities Public Schools. The boundaries will ensure that the city is a good which in turn, will relieve the of the City and school system Courtney English partner with the school system. pressure to further develop in been coterminous for 175 years, www.courtneyenglish.com our intown neighborhoods. and that shouldn't change now. Answer 5: This is Finally, the city should deploy a Answer 1: First, I am a proud unacceptable. For over 40 years, number of strategies including; Answer 4: I would support graduate of the Atlanta Public the city routinely turned over the housing bonds, tax incentives, such partnerships. I would work Schools (APS). I am a former property deeds so that APS can utilize community land trusts, to with the new mayor, their teacher in APS and the first full- dispose of its property and preserve and increase the Commissioner of Parks and time teacher elected to the APS generate additional revenue for available stock of affordable Recreation, and my Council board of education. For the last students. APs has adopted the housing. colleagues to facilitate such an 8 years, I have served on the city's affordable housing policy, arrangement. board and have been chairman launched a task-force to explore At-Large Post 2 Answer 5: The City should for the last four and have helped the disposition of APS properties turn over all remaining deeds to to lead APS' turnaround efforts. in a way that benefits communities and the city's Cory Ruth APS. I'll work with the new mayor to make this happen as Answer 2: First, I would position is intransigent. This is a www.coryruth.com ensure the city is a good partner classic example of politics soon after taking office as with APS including releasing all negatively impacting our possible, introducing legislation if (Did not respond.) property deeds, making all students. The money generated necessary. Beltline payments on time and from property sales could be Answer 6: I'd ensure the City is including APS in all annexations. used for student programming, working in direct connection with Next, I would invest in universal increasing wrap-around Matt Westmoreland the Grady principal and their early education, after-school services, raising pay, or reducing www.mattwestmoreland.com staff to arrange disruptive programs, increase transit class size. There's simply no practices around the school day options and eliminate food logical explanation for the city to Answer 1: I attended as much as possible. deserts to remove barriers to withhold the deeds and incur Morningside Elementary and learning. thousands of dollars in legal fees Inman Middle before graduating Answer 7: I don't think the City at the expense of taxpayers and from Grady High in 2006. After made a mistake in stepping Answer 3: Yes. APS' children. college, I spent 3.5 years as a away from the tax assessment boundaries have always grown History teacher at Carver Early function in the 1990s. The with the city--this should be no Answer 6: I would look for College High School in County has shown itself to be different. Not including APS alternative sites to host major Southeast Atlanta. And for the better at collecting tax revenue disenfranchises voters in the events. last four years I've served as a than the City had been. I do newly annexed area and member of the Atlanta Board of think we need a functioning interrupts 145 years of Answer 7: The city should Education. Board of Assessors and Tax precedent. Moreover, none of make it a legislative priority to

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Atlanta City Council

Assessor who don't cause the monthly regarding collaborative and suggestive of solutions in Transit Fund to set funds aside situation that happened in May efforts. I fought for APS deeds my opinion. Perhaps we could for affordable housing. MARTA and June. on multiple occasions. I helped get a formal statement from also needs to expand rapid to negotiate APS/BeltLine Grady, the PTA, the SGA, etc. A transit or rapid bus service to the Answer 8: On Transportation, dispute resolution. petition or a statement. SW, SE, and NW corridors. the next Mayor and Council will Answer 2: I'll do more of what I Something for us to respond to be responsible for overseeing did in question #1. For 4 years, I prior to the events. I don't District 2 implementation of projects have been the biggest supporter believe any event or event funded by the 2015 Renew of APS on the city council. I will promoter is above the education Atlanta Bonds and the 2016 T- continue to advocate for APS of our students. Sound checks Amir Farokhi SPLOST. They will also be an students and parents. I will must not happen until after 3:30. www.amirforatlanta.com important partner to MARTA as it continue to host the Scholarship Period. The organizers should implements expansion plans Fair. I will do more as needed. be fined under the noise Answer 1: For the last ten with funding from the 2016 half- ordinance. Lastly, Grady should penny. Answer 3: APS should grow years, I have served on the push and advocate for Bellwood Board of the Charles R. Drew as the city grows. Whereever Quarry to get finished. That will On Housing, the City has a Charter School in East Lake. the city goes, APS should go be the likely place for MM, AJF, number of tools at it's disposal, The school has transformed the also. I support the annexation of and DWF, etc since it's twice the including ramping up East Lake Community and, a Emory, CDC, etc and any other size of Piedmont. construction of affordable units area adjacent to the city that few years ago, expanded from on AHA property, using surplus wants to be a part of Atlanta. Answer 7: I can't say the tax pre-K-8 to include a high school. city buildings and property for But APS must go with the assessment function is a During this time, the Board has affordable units, expanding the annexation. mistake by being in the County's worked strategically to support use of community land trusts purview. The city leadership high standards, a robust STEAM and affordable housing trust Answer 4: Yes. We talked needs to have a collegial curriculum, partnerships with funds, and working with about this on a case by case relationship with the county tax local universities, and top-flight developments (those building basis during 2 of our Joint collector and assessor. We administration and faculty, all projects with AND without public Committee meetings that I should have real dialogue and a while remaining committed to dollars) to provide incentives for created between APS and the request that they do assessment serving low-income students, affordable unit set-asides. City Council. I'd need to look at every year or biannually at the even as surrounding this on a case by case basis. I latest with a maximum increase neighborhoods have become Brett Williams wouldn't want duplication of of say 10%. more affluent. services or an imbalance across www.brwforatl.com the city. But the Council can Answer 8: Push for mandatory Moreover, for two and half years, facilitate discussions around a inclusionary zoning that requires I served as COO of a $32 million (Did not respond.) joint maintenance agreement to every new residential national education non-profit, offset costs. development (private or College Advising Corps, that At-Large Post 3 publically funded) to include 10- worked to increase the number Answer 5: The city should not 20% affordable workforce units. of low-income students who

withhold property deeds. I've New developments and apply and matriculate to college. Leon H. Bennett sponsored legislation to give conversions as well. We should Through this work, I worked with No campaign website found. over deeds to APS. The city also put in property tax circuit public universities and public high school districts across the Certified write-in candidate could give all of the deeds over breakers for low-income, to APS all at one time. If there country, including Atlanta Public seniors, and disabled are concerns regarding APS and Schools, where we helped staff (Did not respond.) households so their tax future purpose of the structures, assessments are capped. We and launch the Achieve Atlanta I believe general fair usage should also help to preserve initiative with college advisers. Andre Dickens restrictions and existing affordable properties The result: dramatic increase in recommendations can be agreed APS students who apply and www.andredickens.com through public investment or upon. low-cost loans for mission-driven matriculate to college. Incumbent developers. These are all things Answer 6: These events Answer 2: Any elected official I've authored policies for and/or happen the same time and in the who is not fully engaged in the Answer 1: Attended APS K- advocated for. APS should sell same way each year. Grady is public education conversation is 12. My 7th-grade daughter is surplus properties to affordable always affected. Calls come in doing our City a disservice. We APS student. I created the first housing developers like AHA, from a few parents and a few must work collaboratively to ever joint committee of APS and ANDP, Invest Atlanta, etc. teachers here and there. Rarely strengthen APS. As a Atlanta City Council. 3 CMs and MARTA should create a Living 3 Board members meeting bi- is the concern organized, vocal, Councilmember, I will:

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Atlanta City Council

1. Hold weekly meetings/calls Dekalb County leadership but it provided and shared across APS public public park, it is also with overlapping school also creates "hybrid" residents and the City. I will also work surrounded by neighborhoods board representative (Leslie who live in the City but don't pay regularly with parents and the and Grady, who deserve higher Grant, whose support I am public school taxes. This could school board member to identify quality of life and better access honored to have); be a slippery slope that others opportunities and needs that can to the park. I'd like to see us host 2. Work to support may use to approach annexation be met through resource and fewer events at the park, collaborative resolution to and creates more-complicated- facility sharing. ensuring it is open for public use property deed disputes; than-necessary categories of in its entirety more often, and 3. Ensure safe routes to residents and exceptions. Even Answer 5: The City should reducing the strain on neighbors schools: clean, safe if the number of affected children turn over the deeds to APS and Grady. sidewalks and cross walks, involved in the annexation is without stipulation. The fact that bike lanes, APD support for small, residents of the City of APS passed affordable housing Second, even if we reduce the crossings. Atlanta should be served by rules for their properties that permits given for festivals and Work with the non-profit, Atlanta Public Schools. That mirror the City's is terrific but the events at the park, we need to corporate, and philanthropic said, the proposed annexation City can promote and incentivize prioritize those that have minimal community to expand and would be a huge asset for the affordable housing in a myriad of impact on residents and the improve access to early City and allow MARTA ways without holding the deeds schools. Some of that can be childhood education in expansion to Emory to move hostage. through timing; some of that can neighborhoods that feed into forward. The benefits of be through carefully thought out Ultimately, the next Mayor will Hope-Hill Elementary. This annexation are massive and logistical guidelines and need to decide how to handle is a top priority of mine; important for the City's future. guardrails. Some of our marquee this situation but I will be a voice 4. Engage with CINS regularly events, like the Peachtree Road for turning over the deeds to to bring City resources and Answer 4: Yes. APS and the Race and Gay Pride weekend, APS immediately. Of course, energy to making the City need to work in a more should be given priority but we there could be a trade of some educational experience a collaborative manner Schools can do more to ensure a better sort to bring this division to an better one; and and their assets are public experience for all affected. end but, in my mind, the deeds 5. Work to ensure that City assets that could be used to belong in the hands of APS and Ultimately, the Mayor will need property that can be used by address our "under-parked" the City needs to turn them over. to lead this effort but as the APS for student enrichment, situation as well as issues of The City and APS can do great District 2 Councilmember, I will athletic or academic. equity in access to active and green spaces. things together, as partners, work with the District 6 Answer 3: Yes, I support the including building more Councilmember, neighbors, and proposal to annex Emory As a City Councilmember, I will affordable housing, and Grady to articulate and advocate University, the Centers for (1) identify City-owned assets relinquishing the deeds would be for framework that is fair and Disease Control and surrounding that can be used for schools' a great first step in rebuilding a allows for an improved situation. properties into the City of benefits in exchange for after- healthy relationship. Noise, traffic, safety, and Atlanta. I also believe that those school public access to school cleanliness, all need to be Answer 6: First, we need to annexed areas should be served facilities; and (2) work with addressed better than they are revisit how many events can be by Atlanta Public Schools. To Parks, Planning, and Public today. staged at Piedmont Park each not do so makes the annexation Works to determine demand for year. While it is our premier Answer 7: The burden here more politically acceptable for types of services that can be lies largely with Fulton County,

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Atlanta City Council which needs to revamp its increase affordability. To do so, Answer 2: I plan to hold prospective suitors from assessment process and we must commit TSPLOST monthly Town Hall meetings, potential developers. Now, was accuracy and not wait years funds to projects that will and invite the School Board this act fair to the Atlanta Public before adjusting assessments. enhance access to jobs and Member, Fulton County Schools? Of course not, but the housing and work closely with Commissioners, State new administration who will The City, however, should be MARTA to ensure their system Representatives, and US come in office can see the land active in lobbying the State for a growth is equitable and connects Representatives along with exchange can benefit both cap in the percentage that job and residential centers. I will several city representatives to municipalities by setting a time property taxes can rise each advocate for expanding transit in meet with our constituents frame, and turnover period of year and for an increase in the District 2 (e.g., streetcar discuss their issues, formulate a when the deeds with exchange homestead exemption for extension on North Ave) and for plan, follow up with the ownership back to the Atlanta seniors. Moreover, while the City development that is not as car- conclusion, and lastly execute Public Schools. As a council can adjust the millage rate to try centric. Affordable Housing: It the solution. I will be a member, I will help administer to mitigate severe swings in is a fact that it’s becoming bridge/partner to public and mediate this process. property tax assessments, the harder and harder for low and education, and assist our youth City does not need to raise middle income Atlantans to find in achieving the best public Answer 6: First, we as a property taxes to generate new a place to live in District 2. This education the City can provide. Council must do a better job on revenue. Rather, we can do a challenge requires increasing finding out what the impact better job collecting online sales the supply of affordable housing Answer 3: Yes! I support the certain festivals will have on a tax revenue, explore introducing stock, protecting senior annexation of Emory University, community, and have instituted a parking tax to fund key homeowners, increasing access the Centers for Disease Control, in the contracts of said festivals transportation infrastructure to transportation and jobs. and surrounding properties into impact fees. These impact fees needs (and to reduce the tax the City of Atlanta. And Yes will cover any repairs, clean up, burden for services on residents We need to prioritize affordable again, those annexed areas and give proceeds to by asking non-residents to pay housing in several ways: - more should be served by Atlanta neighborhood, businesses, or for services they also receive), housing density in areas with Public Schools. If the annex schools that maybe effected. As and better prioritize its spending access to transit (including areas are in the Atlanta it is far as traffic, the Atlanta Police & to account for key needs: public reducing parking requirements simple, they should pay property the Department of safety, planning, and for developments near MARTA taxes, and be a true functioning Transportation can work infrastructure. train stations), - inclusionary member of the City of Atlanta. together as a team to make sure zoning for 20-80% AMI in the these neighborhoods and I am not convinced that the City Beltline overlay & where there Answer 4: Yes! I am a former schools can go about their daily needs to be involved in property has been significant public high school athlete who played routines by use of Marta, tax assessments though I'm investment, - protecting and volleyball, basketball, softball, patrolling the areas, and traffic open to this conversation. I'd boosting the "missing middle" and ran track so I definitely signals timings can be altered for rather see the City use our housing stock, - density support partnerships to keep the such large crowds during said existing revenue better, reduce bonuses along major corridors, - schools facilities open after festivals. We may in fact as a operating costs through expedited permitting for school hours. I can see a City need to administer some technology use, and look for new affordable housing construction; partnerships with the form of study before and after revenue streams that reduce the and - selling vacant city-owned neighborhoods, corporations, every festival to make sure we burden on Atlanta homeowners. land to affordable housing and the City of Atlanta to use are treating each neighborhood developers. these facilities for health fairs, the most efficient way possible. Answer 8: How we manage neighborhood fairs, and local our growth and remain livable tournaments. The Atlanta City Answer 7: Yes, the City of and affordable is the most Stephon Ferguson Council can administer help by Atlanta made a huge mistake in important challenge we face www.fergusonforatlanta.com writing legislation, and I will be stepping away from the tax over the next 5 years. happy to author such legislation. assessment function in the (Did not respond.) 1990s. The City of Atlanta must Transportation: We cannot Answer 5: I have reviewed the identify what tools the Board of achieve our full potential if we do legislation as a former Chief of Assessors are using to calculate not provide more transportation Zelda Jackson Staff for District 2, and as a property taxes, and should not options for our residents. https://zeldajackson.com/ Contractor for the Municipal pass the buck in saying "We pay Building out our transit Clerk, and see both side of the Fulton County to take of property infrastructure and creating nodes Answer 1: I worked very land exchange. My take is the taxes call Fulton County." This is of dense, mixed-use closely with the Atlanta Public main truth which is God is not a horrible way to do business, development accessible by School Board Member of District making anymore land. The City and the City of Atlanta needs a transit will help manage growth, 1 when Kwanza Hall held the of Atlanta was holding onto the panel to re evaluate the process improve quality of life, and seat for 2 terms land for purposes in gaining

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Atlanta City Council of assessing our property taxes. so they are fine, and not allowed extensive experience in the answers still remain unclear, and As a council member, I would to develop in the City again. nonprofit sector, I’d work with as our next city Council member like to author legislation for this APS to ensure we have access I cannot support the annexation process in having a panel from Nicholas Mulkey to the most appropriate without a clear and strong the City of Atlanta to administer wraparound services each rationale for doing so. www.nickmulkey.com a check, and balance system of school needs. The partnership calculating our property taxes between Thomasville Heights Answer 4: I absolutely support (Did not respond.) this will be our new way of doing Elementary and AVLF is an the partnership of City of Atlanta business in assessing our excellent example. I’d also work parks and Atlanta Public property taxes. Lauren Welsh directly with our Commissioner Schools. There is no reason of Planning to support APS with these facilities should be Answer 8: First, invite the www.laurenforatlanta.com operated in silos, and there’s a any future building needs. With Department of Transportation to clear benefit to making sure APS Answer 1: I was born and the huge increase in population attend the Neighborhood and has access. I would look at raised in Metro Atlanta and for our city ahead, we have to NPU meetings to inform the models from other cities as to graduated from Dunwoody High support APS to think long-term community on alternate ways to how to make this partnership School, a public school, and about growth options to serve all commute to/from home/work. clear, collaborative, and went on to attend two public Atlanta’s children. I will also be a After the recent collapse of I-85 successful for both parties and universities. I’m a former public strong ally for our schools on and streets caving in, these make sure both groups agreed school teacher, earned an any statewide legislative issues. information sessions are deeply to an MOU. The City of San undergraduate degree in English needed. Let’s be honest, most Answer 3: I believe that the Diego built 32 new joint-use and Education, and earned a neighbors only know one way to proposal to annex Emory, the parks on public school Masters in Education from get home. Atlanta is truly a CDC and the surrounding areas campuses that would also be University of Virginia. I became a melting pot, we must give our into the City of Atlanta has not open to the public when schools public school teacher because I current residents logistic aide. been reviewed thoroughly aren’t in session. The City of believe a strong education enough, and I don’t believe it’s a Hammond opened their park system is essential to In addition, I would revamp the simple yes or no answer. The facilities to the city’s schools as opportunity and access for future boards for the Atlanta Beltline City of Atlanta needs to spend well as Purdue University. We generations. As a mom, my and Invest Atlanta asking to much more time reviewing the should review how these other husband and I are unwavering in have affordable housing on the implications of bringing this collaborations have worked our commitment to send our each be mandated. I would ask property into the city borders and previously to create our own daughters to APS schools. As Marta to have a one shop needs to communicate much here in Atlanta. As our next city our next member of Council, I process where you may buy one more effectively with citizens Council member, it would be my will be the strongest ally our pass to ride the Marta, Atlanta about its potential impact. Since intention to help move our city parents, teachers, and kids have Streetcar, and Relay Bicycle. Emory and the CDC are up on that list by helping ever had on Council. I’m Marta should give discounts to nonprofit organizations, the City facilitate public park and public incredibly proud to bring my full- the elderly, disable, students, is bringing in properties that will school partnerships. spectrum experience with public and lower income households. not pay taxes but will require schools to this race: as a public As councilmember, I would infrastructure support. How will Answer 5: I believe that the school student, a former public author legislation to make the that be managed? If the main City of Atlanta needs to stop school teacher, the parent of Atlanta Streetcar to do what is reason to do this is because of withholding property deeds from public school kids, and as a was supposed to do in the initial the potential for the City of APS so we can work together to volunteer with our public planning sessions be managed Atlanta to pay for the entire create active sites from these schools. by Marta have connectivity to the Clifton Corridor project when vacant properties that are government offices, Downtown, creating an unsafe situation in Answer 2: With the upcoming DeKalb County may not be Midtown, and Buckhead. Later, our neighborhoods. APS has leadership changes, APS and willing/able, that is not an with Federal mandated monies, already negotiated with the the City of Atlanta have an appropriate reason to annex have the Atlanta Streetcar Mayor of Atlanta regarding opportunity to fix their broken property. If the main reason to circulate all over Atlanta. Again, I BeltLine funds that the City failed relationship. When we do this is because residents are would author legislation where to pay. The City then started strengthen our schools, we frustrated with DeKalb County there is a Marta Rail line, Atlanta demanding affordable housing strengthen our neighborhoods services, that also is not a strong Streetcar, and Beltline affordable units prior to APS taking on any and vice versa. While Atlanta enough reason. What is the housing for its constituents. of the deeds. Affordable housing City Council does not directly potential damage to DeKalb Legislation can be written to isn’t the reason these properties oversee any APS schools, County if small areas continue to require every developer to have are being held up. It’s a matter of working as collaborative partners break off? And what will the true a percentage of their dwellings an unhealthy relationship is essential to the overall impact be to our Atlanta Public solely for affordable housing. focused on control instead of the success of Atlanta. With my School Systems? These And if the developer fails to do

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Atlanta City Council needs of our children. The City Office of Special Events, and the engagement. I will support the Scout Troop serving council of Atlanta and the APS board Film Office. work of our Commission of district 3 students. I am a former need to sit down with a mediator Planning to update zoning codes member of the APS Homeless to come to an agreement about Answer 7: The City of Atlanta to allow a mixture of housing that Education Advisory Board. what the needs are of both the should not have frozen the 2017 allows for a variety of people at Lastly, I serve as the Vice Chair City and the school system so assessments by asking Fulton all stages in life – not just single of a public charter school in we can move past a debate that County to return to 2016 family or large multi-family, but South Fulton County, in which I is costing taxpayers money in a assessment levels. That made it “missing middle” housing. And I am also a member of the legal battle. As the product of very challenging for APS given will focus on affordable housing founding board. Atlanta public schools, a former the system had already set its at the 0% to 30% AMI levels - public school teacher, and budget based on a moderate not just 80%. I also support Answer 2: I will continue to currently a Mary Lin mom, I hope (and expected) increase. developing a Department of support public education through to bring some much-needed Freezing assessments seemed Transportation at the City to advocacy of student and parent insight and understanding to the to be more of a short-term allow for strategic and needs within our neighborhoods Atlanta City Council/APS campaign stunt than it was comprehensive thinking about by being a philanthropist for relationship, so we can get the thinking long-term about how we move around the city. good education, and by being a property deeds back into the potential property tax reform. I’d put requirements in place so great partner as a city council hands of APS. The City needs to work directly that all new transportation member. So many of our with Fulton County and the state options be directly linked to land schools serving City Council Answer 6: First and foremost, I on property tax reform options. use so modes of transit are not District 3 need resourced, would prioritize the needs of our It’s never appropriate for a developed in isolation. reliable partners that are willing APS students. No festival or homeowner’s tax bill to go up to become vested to short, mid event is more important than the 50% or 100%, so clearly this and long-term plans and education of our kids. Second, I kind of reform is needed. District 3 outcomes that impact our youth would bring together both Whether the City of Atlanta takes and their families. As a city neighborhood organizations and back the tax assessment Ricky Brown council member, our school event promoters to have a function is something that will system will have my full support www.electrickybrown.us collaborative conversation about need longer examination as one in helping students and families challenges and opportunities of several potential options. overcome some everyday (Did not respond.) created by these gatherings. obstacles to education. I am a

Cultural events are an asset to Answer 8: The City of Atlanta supporter of opportunities similar our city, so we should still create is expected to double in Greg Clay to the Atlanta Board of population in the next 20 years. the opportunity for them to occur www.gregclay.com Education-Atlanta City Council in City of Atlanta parks. We must make sure that instead Joint Committee meetings,

However, we must be much of providing significant tax providing opportunities for Answer 1: I am a K-12 more cognizant of the impact incentives to big developers we intergovernmental dialogue and alumnus of APS that has served these events have. Shutting expect more for our shared resources. I am also a in many roles in public schools. I down Piedmont Park for more neighborhoods. Community- supporter of great community am a 6-year member, and than 2 weeks for all public based, incremental development engagement which helps us immediate past chairman (2 year access is absolutely woven into the urban fabric of continue to build strong term) of the CTAE District-wide unacceptable. The City should our neighborhood is essential. relationships across stakeholder Advisory Board for Atlanta Public also stop allowing event Too often we’ve allowed projects lines with the business, non- Schools. Through this board I promoters to take over the 10th to be dropped into the middle of profit, and faith-based have worked with industry street bike lane for event set-up. our communities with no communities. partners to provide better Removing transportation options connection to what’s already opportunities for students and for the convenience of a there. And the impact fees Answer 3: While the Atlanta teachers associated with our promoter isn’t appropriate. The collected for these projects must region is made up of several college and career pathways City needs to work directly with be spent directly in the area cities and unincorporated areas, and CTSOs in APS. I also these promoters to determine where they’re collected. I believe when considering opportunities founded an initiative in 2010, how to make adjustments. The it’s time to update the NPU to grow the Atlanta-proper Atlanta Speaks, which has City also needs to consider how system to serve as a true voice boundaries, I am in support of recruited 900+ young to bring these event and film for residents and strengthen its annexation. For the city of professionals, impacting applications under one roof so connection to the Department of Atlanta to have global resources thousands of public school there is a consistent and clear City Planning. It hasn’t been such as Emory University, the students on topics of career approach instead of having touched since it was created in CDC, and other great exploration and employability events under the Department of 1979, and we need to strengthen communities and assets within skills. I currently serve as an Parks and Rec, the Mayor’s it as an effective model of civic our city limits is a great Assistant Scout Master for a Boy

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Atlanta City Council opportunity. Being in support of responsibilities, for the overall families were able to pay for the incorporation, I am also in good, all public officials of the increased assessments, I Darrion Fletcher support of the designated area school board, city council, and believe the outcry was real--but www.facebook.com/fletcherfordis becoming a part of the Atlanta even county and state officials, we could have been more trict3 Public School System based on should be working together. proactive in how we it being an incorporated part of There has been a very public communicate steep increases to (Did not respond.) the city. With the expanded debate on this matter, and in the constituents. For all of the public scope of public services to be spirit of moving forward, I would engagement that was done on provide to the residential and like to see the school board, as the back-end, we should have Ivory Lee Young commercial constituents, I elected officials, have control of done double that amount on the www.ivoryworks.net believe that our public education their properties. Additionally, If front end--when considering a system should play a role as the ultimate, public concern is model of servant leadership. I (Did not respond.) well. An effective annexation the assurance that the properties understand fully that there is a plan for education services and will be repurposed in the best fiduciary responsibility to ensure the specific needs for the manner once fully controlled by that we can pay for services District 4 communities must be well the school board, I am not through taxation, but I think we thought out and scaled to opposed to working with my can enhance our communication Mr. Adassa necessity to succeed. If the area colleagues to establish a blue- going forward, and define www.voteforadassa.com is to be incorporated, public ribbon council of multiple pathways and programs that sector leaders must find the stakeholders to help define the help increases not be a burden (Did not respond.) appropriate balance to receive best use of these properties. to constituents, but a true benefit the public trust going forward. These recommendations would to the asset(s) they own. become a part of the overall plan Christopher Brown Answer 4: I am in total when the Board of Education is Answer 8: As a part of my agreement that this should Great 8 priorities, which can be www.chrisbrownforatlanta.com making decisions based on the happen. Our public spaces and transferred properties. found at GregClay.com, mobility facilities are underutilized based is one of my focus areas. The (Did not respond.) on the need in communities. In Answer 6: I think we must more diverse and efficient starting with memorandums of address these concerns fully at options we have to get around Dan Burroughs understanding, I also want to the permitting process to ensure our city, the more efficient and www.danburroughs.com bring the community to the table that the school and its sustainable our community can in these types of dynamic stakeholders are always be. I would address these needs Answer 1: I attended public partnerships. There are many informed and a part of the by consolidating all of the current schools throughout my entire local organizations that can help process. I have attended events plans that we have for our education, and I experienced a fill the gap from managing these at the park, and paid for parking neighborhoods and engaging the number of them throughout types of new relationships, to in some of the Grady lots and neighborhoods to inform them of those years. Knowing the sheer providing in-depth programming. have seen first hand the good, where things are. Secondly, I will number of people who have I would also be willing to bad, and ugly associated with work with our neighborhoods, graduated from public school introduce legislation to this this issue. The diversion of traffic understanding that these plans systems to become prolific and effect, in addition to allocating and options for access would are living documents that should profitable contributors to society, some seed resources to piloting help mitigate some of the have flexibility and resources my experience with the public this type of program with private proximity issues, but we must associated with them, to define school system has me fully partners within district 3. also look at the number of our short, mid and long-term convinced of the ability of public events, type of events, and the options for communities. Third, I schools to be highly successful if Answer 5: By having a scale and scope of events, when will set goals, benchmarks, and the student, parental, separate school board and city there is a more negative impact milestones associated with the administrative and societal council, the respective systems than positive, when it comes to work that needs to be done to components are all properly in of governance should have the being a good neighbor. increase mobility within our tune. full authority to act on the assets Additionally, I believe that more neighborhoods, communicating within their respective control options for large in-town events with constituents and Answer 2: The best thing I can and responsibility. While the city would help with moving some of stakeholders along the way. do for public education citywide, does hold the deeds, I think by these events to other areas. over the long term, is to: having the two separate entities, the public has expectations that Answer 7: I think we must take 1) Introduce ordinances and both entities can operate with a further look at the sticker rally support to address the autonomy. While the autonomy shock of assessments, and how systemic inequalities and comes with separate it impacted families. While some outright neglect which

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Atlanta City Council

create sustained pockets of Answer 4: I do support those to the city, especially because it poverty and stagnation, partnerships. In an ideal can host major events. That Jason Dozier which have an enormous situation, the public school does create uniwue www.votedozier.com impact on a student's facility would serve as a last inconveniences for the high ability to learn long before bastion for safe places for school next to it, but we must all (Did not respond.) reaching the classroom. children (because sadly, home is strike compromises in dense This means addressing the not always a safe or positive urban environments. It seems to Nicholas Hess availability of affordable space for every child). To that me that none of the issues housing, safe end, I believe that school mentioned are insurmountable www.hess4th.org neighborhoods, job facilities should serve as defacto so long as both parties have a opportunities, public community centers after school thorough understanding of each Answer 1: Graduated from transportation, and all of hours, and those hours should other's schedule. Northside High. the tools which allow be as late as possible. families to elevate Answer 7: The city made a (Candidate did not complete themselves from poverty This is a great potential point of mistake in relinquishing power to remaining questions.) and desperation. partnership between the city and determine its own property 2) Creative critical thinking the school board. City Council taxes, and shoild the opportunity Kimberly Parmer will be the most important can provide some or all of the ever present itself, I will move to skill in a future economy funding necessary to pay for the reclaim that power. Until that www.kimparmerdistrict4.com dominated by automation, costs of keeping the schools can be accomplished, it is and to that end, I will open after hours, while incumbent on City Hall to (Did not respond.) support APS by providing facilitating the related programs develop a tax assessment funding for arts education, and services. formula that is beneficial to the Shawn Walton while also providing long-term growth of the city, Answer 5: I think there needs www.shawnwalton.com guidance and funding to while protective of low-income to be a lot of long, hard rectify systemic inequalities homeowners, and then lean on consideration before so that all APS students the Fulton County (Did not respond.) relinquishing perfectly good or can benefit from best commissioners to bring their own refurbishable property, pure to practices and ample assessment formulas as much in the end that the buildings will be Jonathan Whitfield equipment and supplies. line with our needs as possible. sold to provide temporary cash www.facebook.com/WhitfieldFor 3) I can expedite infusions which will not Answer 8: By being present I AtlantaCityCouncil improvements to public accomplish fiscal stability over would keep citizens educated on education and ensure the long term. The buildings development proposals and rally (Did not respond.) citizen voices are being could be used for everything communities along each level of considered by cultivating a from shelters, community approval processes to demand greater level of community centers, even business affordable housing options from Elizabeth Whitmore involvement with the incubators (in the form of would-be developers. www.elizabethwhitmore.com schools and the school affordable work space/offices) in Additionally, I would seek to hold board. the present, to extra space for developers accountable to their Answer 1: I became a homeowner in 2013, and during Answer 3: I support the annex, APS as the student population promomises of affordable that time I was working full time and by virtue of those areas grows. housing to the greatest possible as an IT Consultant working to being included in the city, I do extent. Property, especially of the scale open charter schools in believe they should be served by of many of these buildings, is not In terms of transportation, Memphis, Chicago, and Atlanta. APS. I have faith that APS has likely to become cheaper, and MARTA needs to develop into a I later transitioned into a the potential to provide all the student population will grow. 24/7 regional transportation technical specialist role as I Atlanta students with a quality, There is too much that can be system that seamlessly and began implementing, training, self-empowering education given done with all that space to allow quickly connects every and designing online portals for proper administration, therefore I it all to be sold off. neighborhood in the region. local school districts in Atlanta. see no reason that APS Seamless 24/7 public Essentially, as districts were shouldn't ultimately service Answer 6: I would bring both transportation will be essential to headed paperless I was every student within the city Grady High and the park the economic opportunities ensuring the online tools limits. That said, I believe that conservatory to the table and available to our citizens, present mirrored properly. transition should begin with mediate them negotiating an and future, as well as providing incoming students at each level event schedule that minimizes opportunities for businesses. Answer 2: There must be a (kindergarten, 6th and 9th inconveniences to students. collaborative effort at the city grades). Piedmont Park is a major asset level to support education and

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Atlanta City Council

most importantly fund advancing about affordable housing, but affordable housing to faculty and transportation, and housing is technology in local school people need jobs in order to staff of APS. Ultimately, we must jobs. Ironically, economic districts. Fulton County School make that a reality. follow the law in this situation. development and the word "jobs" District applied for grants that means the same thing. resulted in their ability to afford Answer 4: This goes back to Answer 6: I can empathize with Unfortunately, people have Google Chrome Books and the importance of the city the chaos that can be caused for gotten so blinded by the term iPads for all students. Atlanta collaborating, communicating, Grady High School students and gentrification that they are not Public Schools must move and connecting with the school faculty during major events. I paying attention to the fact that a towards the same technology districts. If this will create more have witnessed the high traffic demand in the area will drive focus. We are facing many jobs by hiring facility volumes as well. We should development. Affordable housing challenges connected to management staff then with work towards supporting Grady is the next component that education specifically in low further information I am likely on High School by developing a cap follows jobs. I do believe had I income areas and that ties into board. Atlanta is a city level for the amount of events not become a homeowner so crime as well. The state must expanding at a rapid rate, but that may take place at Piedmont early in my life I would not have also come to the table as laws the main need are more jobs. Park during the school year. the understanding that I do so that allow youth to drop out at 16 We have to find creative Of Disrupting an educational setting jobs/economic development are truly harming communities. course, there is standard should not be taken lightly. coupled with affordable housing We need all officials at the table protocol surrounding background Ultimately, we need to work with while we ensure transportation working toward solutions. City checks and Grady High School at the city remains funded will assist the Council has never included level and encourage that major City of Atlanta in addressing the Answer 5: The conversation education and now we are events take place elsewhere so rapid growth. has included that the City of reaping the negative impacts of as not to disrupt the educational Atlanta request affordable that. I will always standby the environment. housing as a contingency to the support of education and find releasing of deeds. I understand Answer 7: I believe we should DeBorah Williams ways to keep the city door open the reason for that component have worked towards producing No campaign website found to continued education seeing that Atlanta's home a proper tax assessment for conversations. prices are increasing rapidly and 2017. Anything that you do not (Did not respond.) Answer 3: The annexation of we should all be thinking of face you cannot fix. Next year, such entities shows the strong affordable housing. However, as we could see an even larger tax Cleta Winslow brand of Atlanta at the same a property owner myself putting increase because we did not time I believe the vote of contingencies on a property work towards a solution and No campaign website found residents is key in making the defeats the purpose of owning it. simply took it off the table. I do right decision on next steps. The deeds are in the name of not agree that it was the right (Did not respond.) Now, the beauty of this APS just in the possession of the thing to do. We should've annexation will expand MARTA City of Atlanta. I do believe APS worked towards figuring out why rail into more high income areas, should commit to a certain it was so high and remedied it. which will produce more jobs as percentage of affordable housing well as the ability to travel to similar to the Beltline. Most Answer 8: As previously them for residents without importantly affordable housing stated, the number one solution transportation. Everyone talks will benefit APS by providing to address rapid growth,

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Atlanta City Council

every annexation, and should Answer 7: I do not believe the strong support for public District 5 serve the students who live in position taken by the City in transportation. the newly annexed area(s). response to the public outcry Natalyn Archibong over the 2017 Fulton County Liliana Bakhtiari Answer 4: Yes, I would support property tax assessments, And, www.natalynmarchibong.com www.lilianaforatlanta.com such a partnership with APS. I do not believe that the position Incumbent The City Council could facilitate taken by the City Council put the these arrangements by making City in a bind. We have Answer 1: I am a proud Answer 1: I am a graduate of sure that resources are allocated approximately 200 million dollars product metro-Atlanta public the Atlanta Public Schools. My to share in the maintenance of in reserve, and can responsibility schools. Since graduating, I daughter attended Mary Lin, these facilities. Additionally, the continue our city functions have also worked with different Inman and Grady High School. City could provide staffing from despite any delay in tax revenue public schools in Atlanta, like My mother is a retired educator. our Parks and Recreation receipts. The city should not Toomer Elementary, to She taught all of her professional department to supplement and take on the tax assessment implement farming curriculums. life at Burgess Elementary (k/n/a to provide extended day services function. Instead, all citizens In addition, I have worked with Burgess-Peterson Academy). I at facilities opened to the public should hold the County different public schools abroad currently serve on the joint after traditional school hours. accountable for the accuracy teaching English, serving in early committee between APS and the and the timeliness of the tax education, assisting with after Answer 5: We need to release City Council. This committee is assessments. school programming. working to improve the the deeds to APS. Although I relationship between APS and think the release of the deeds Answer 8: The city recently Answer 2: I think there are two our council, and to develop joint should be unconditional, I do authorized the issuance of 40 important ways that I can initiatives. For example, we support the idea of APS working million dollars for a housing support our Atlanta Public selected the issue of truancy as with the City's City Planning opportunity bond. The proceeds Schools as a City Council our first major joint initiative. Department to maximize the from this bond will be used as an member. One way is to form a future use of the land and incentive for developers to more positive working Answer 2: I fully support public facilities of these properties. On include affordable housing units relationship with both APS and education. The health of our city September 5, 2017, I introducted in proposed developments, and the Board of Education, so that is very dependent upon having a legislation authorizing the a portion of the bond proceeds we can work together to tackle strong public education system. release of the deed to the former will be used to assist seniors and the issues facing some of our I will continue my efforts to foster Tech High on Memorial Drive. low income residents maintain most vulnerable students. City better communication between This is a step in the right and repair their homes. On a Council has the ability to really the city and our school system. I directions. larger scale, we must implement tackle quality of life issues that would encourage our new mayor mandatory inclusionary zoning impact a child's ability to learn, Answer 6: As the parent of a to resolve the pending litigation and create a housing trust fund such as access to food and former Grady High School regarding the quit claim deeds to to ensure that there will be a housing, as well as their student, I have personally abandoned school buildings, and capital source for financing new propensity to graduate and experienced the congestion and to affirm our commitment to affordable housing units. As we succeed. For example, I would difficulties presented in this include APS as a critical increase our affordably housing love to work with APS and BOE question. The City and APS component to the approval of all inventory, we must make sure to introduce vocational training should develop a master annexations. those units are maintained as at a middle school level, allowing calendar so that the issuance of affordable for a minimum of 50 students the opportunity to Answer 3: I do not believe that event permits are considerate of years. The recent approval of pursue more direct career paths the City should actively pursue the traditional school schedule the T-Splost will help MARTA that can help them succeed and and encourage communities to and any planned special events. improve its services and stay and invest in the City of annex into the City. In this The city should work to minimize upgrade its fleet. I support Atlanta. instance, I understand that the impact on the nearby school, Transit Oriented Development Emory University made an as well as MARTA riders. We Answer 3: I cannot say that I near MARTA stations, and the independent decision to pursue should also require the permit am for or against the Emory inclusion of mandatory annexation. I that proposed applicants to demonstrate that annexation because my affordable units within those annexation meets the minimum they have met with school questions have still not been proposed developments. As a state requirements, then I officials and to provide a plan for answered. I still do not know city, we must look at national believe the role of the city is addressing the concerns raised how much revenue the best practices, and work limited to the development of a by the school officials. The annexation would generate aggressively to incorporate service delivery strategy and to approval of the permit should be for the city, versus how many strategies that will address address the land use and zoning conditioned upon the applicant millions the city would need to equity in housing, and provide changes. As I stated previously, implementing that plan. provide in servicing the CDC, APS must be a critical part of Emory, and Emory village. From

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Atlanta City Council my understanding, the only spaces, providing new facilities and will not be afraid to stand up instead of displacing our long- taxable entity would be Emory and much needed updates to to the Mayor's Office. I think a time residents. As a city council Village, and the cost of servicing our older facilities. In my district, great compromise would be to member, I would push for smart, the annexed area would be in I would do everything I could to limit set-up and strike time to inclusive development along the millions. I do not believe the support efforts like the Memorial non-school hours, and to require major transportation corridors, tax money provided needs to be Greenway project, to provide more specific plans for how including affordable housing profitable in order for the city to larger parks with a wider array of event planners will help mitigate units at 30% AMI as well as annex an area in, but they facilities for everyone to enjoy, traffic issues surrounding their adjusted zoning requirements to should be able to provide the and to make sure that we were event. Most importantly, I will incentivize development along numbers in cost vs. profit. But it partnering with parks and work with my fellow council public transit lines. Our outdated is true that the annexation could recreation to provide educational members to be sure that the transportation infrastructure also provide access to thousands of programming for our green neighborhood, including the must be addressed as we look to jobs between the CDC and spaces. surrounding schools, are a part bring in 1 million new residents Emory University, but the of the planning process. in the next 50 years. A huge step question still is how many of Answer 5: As land becomes would be to establish a long those taxpayers would live in our more scarce in the City of Answer 7: The City needs to needed Atlanta Department of city? How many of them would Atlanta, and it is imperative that be conducting regular Transportation, placing more be paying taxes to support our these now vacant spaces be assessments on property, and accountability and expertise on schools? Should these areas be utilized for the good of our working with our Fulton County addressing our transportation annexed in, I of course communities. I understand that Departments to better serve our issues in the city. Furthermore, understand the need for Atlanta some reservations include city. We have the largest wealth as we look to a comprehensive Public Schools to serve the fielding the need for future public gap in the country and the Transportation network, we must children who live in this area, but schools, or APS involving itself highest child poverty rates in the include bikers and pedestrians in if the larger part of this area is in the real estate game rather nation. Our city is full of hard the conversation, to create a not taxable, I do have than focusing on education, but I working families and small navigable network for walking reservations about spreading think this is a time when the City businesses that cannot afford and biking.The City of Atlanta APS's budget so broadly and the of Atlanta and Atlanta Public increases like the ones that should make it a priority to work consequences we may see for Schools need to work together to occurred earlier this year. We with its metro and state partners our existing schools. If we move best service our residents. I think must work to provide to ensure needed expansions forward with annexation, I would the deeds to the APS properties incremental increases to ensure come to pass. The state’s recent like to pursue a public-private need to be released for sale, that our residents can adapt and MARTA funding and TSPLOST partnership with Emory with smart development in mind. plan for changing prices. That allocation will be extremely University in order to ensure that Whitefoord Elementary is a great being said, as our next City useful to reaching that goal, but we meet the needs of the example of a successful turnover Council Member, I would like to we must ensure that families in the surrounding area. in District 5, where we explore with the community what improvements are based on implemented an Early Learning percentage of increase in needs and facts, not Answer 4: I would absolutely Facility, a much needed service property taxes is manageable in politics. Expanding mass transit support these partnerships. I for the surrounding a single year, and see if there is including light rail, bus rapid grew up playing sports in and neighborhood. As we move an opportunity to cap how much transit, sidewalk, and bicycle outside of school, and I know forward with re-purposing these property taxes can be raised in a networks issues hand in hand that there are huge benefits for properties, there must be single fiscal year. I would also with our housing issues as our children you engage in regular collaboration between City work with tax assessors to city and metro region continue to physical activity. Atlanta is the Council and APS and Board of tackled the millage rate in order grow, especially when it comes city in a forest, but surprisingly Education in order to access the to curb our climbing property tax to the Beltline and it's most of that greenspace is needs of each neighborhood, values. I want to grow with our surrounding development. private property and inaccessible and provide smart development. community, and make sure that to the public, leading our city to One of my primary focuses is to we are not displacing the hard be one of the most under-parked make sure the city is building working families and small District 6 in the country. As a City Council with APS. businesses that have made it member, particularly in District 5, such a beautiful place to live. Tracey Austin Answer 6: Many of the major I would support partnerships with www.votetraceyaustin.com public schools to provide events staged in Piedmont Park Answer 8: I am all for the Certified write-in candidate extended hours for access to are permitted and organized growth and development of our sports facilities, as well as work through the Mayor's Office. As city, however, I want to be sure with our City Parks and our next City Council Member, I we are implementing smart Answer 1: I am the only District Recreation Department to will ensure that the surrounding development that allows our 6 City Council Member increase our investment in green neighborhoods voices are heard, community to grow together, candidate with a child currently in the public school system and

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Atlanta City Council the only candidate in my race Public Schools is one of the Council should work closely with level of impact those that has personally matriculated residents. Residents who will be APS to release property deeds assessments will have on through public schools. My son impacted should have the option when plans demonstrate it is in property owners, all residents, is a 5th grader and has only to be surveyed and give input on the best interest of the City of and Atlanta Public Schools. attended public school. My sister the matter. Atlanta, its faculty and youth, Economic policy is important and is an Atlanta Public Schools and the school district to do so. decisions from the assessor teacher for over 20 years. I have Answer 4: I support the A full commitment to should not solely be based on a been an Atlanta Public Schools partnership to open school’s involvement and relationship technological calculation. Atlanta PTA member and volunteer outdoor facilities to public not building by the Council Members residents were not properly consistently for six years and indoor facilities. As a child, I was with the community is needed. prepared for the sudden tax served on a committee for three a student-athlete, as an adult I Furthermore, the forming of the increase and this could have had of those six years, two of which I continue to participate in sports City of Atlanta Public Schools severe negative consequence served as Chairperson of the regularly. I am also a volunteer Joint Committee this past July on the housing market. The city Community Partnerships basketball coach, and I coach was a sensible step in improving should provide property tax Committee. Our school is one of my son privately to play tennis the CoA and APS relationship advice and assistance to the strongest performing and basketball. I rely solely on and should remain in place. residents through its constituent elementary schools in the state. public facilities for my sporting services office; also, the recently activities. As a child in New Answer 6: A balance must be formed City of Atlanta - Atlanta Answer 2: It is important that York, where I grew up, the public drawn between the community, Public Schools Joint Committee the City of Atlanta and Atlanta school's outdoor facilities City of Atlanta event permitting should address the issue in each Public Schools maintain a close remained open to the public. As process and festival producers. meeting. and healthy working relationship. a result, as a child, my downtime With the temporary closing of I plan on attending the Local was spent playing and training Centennial Park this issue may Answer 8: Many of those living School Council meetings on public school tennis courts, grow. The City of Atlanta should in Atlanta are paying more than regularly and maintaining open basketball courts, running identify and promote to potential 30% of their income to lines of communication with the around the track and riding my applicants other parts of the city household costs, over 16% PTA presidents. Also, I will bike on school property before that can be attractive for these percent to transportation costs - advocate for more programs that and after hours. It led to me events. CoA should also have in these numbers may be even support the schools through earning a full athletic scholarship place solutions around greater for lower-income afterschool programs at City to college. Without this option, transportation, boarding and households. The expense of recreation centers providing my working-class family would other services for other potential housing is severely impacting athletic programs and academic not have never been able to venues in order to incentivize the socioeconomic mobility and is enrichment in line with the APS afford the amount of private use of other parts of the City. worsened by other implications curriculum. Atlanta Public coaching or training I received related to gender and race. The Schools should integrate more by my father or participated in on Answer 7: In City Council City of Atlanta should work with career-oriented academics at the my own. This kept me and many District 6 where average homes MARTA to improve the secondary level. The City could other children physically active, are $600,000 the issue of attractiveness of the public support such a program through athletically competitive, and out property taxes is exacerbated transportation option. workforce development of trouble. The City of Atlanta and can potentially present Improvements with public and measures. Industries such as youth will benefit greatly from severe financial consequences sustainable transportation such technology, this option as will the city. It will to our residents. Although the as timeliness, frequency, and construction/engineering, and lead to more youth adopting millage rate has consistently coverage of the options film/entertainment are ideal healthier lifestyles, reduce gang decreased since 2014, fair presented are important for our options. At the High School level membership (a growing problem market value of homes is rising residents. Intown residents need students should be required to in many parts of the city outside at a rate that is not at pace with to be better educated on public attain personal financial of District 6), develop more the decrease. Under my transportation options. We need management training and the competitive athletes and build proposal for an Atlanta Center to also focus on connectivity in City of Atlanta can also reinforce community relations. for Economic Policy, which is our infrastructure improvements this skill through programs at its independent body that services such as bike lanes to, and bike recreation centers. Answer 5: I am proud of the city residents, the Council, and racks at, major bus stops. It is long-awaited resolution over the Mayor with data, projections, important to design transit stops Answer 3: I support the tax allocation district and Beltline analysis of budget proposals, to be safe (e.g. well‐lit), current proposal to annex Emory dispute reached early last year this entity will also release comfortable (e.g. shaded University, the CDC and as I believe much of the regular updates on fair market benches), inviting (e.g. featuring surrounding properties into the withholding of deeds dispute value rates, the rate of inflation local artists’ work) and, when City of Atlanta. I believe the was part of the Mayor's of homes, and project further out possible, a center of activity (e.g. decision to be served by Atlanta negotiation tactic. The City the tax assessments but also the offering other amenities).

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Atlanta City Council

MARTA should also design economic mobility of our Annexing additional property and The joint use agreement, of simple fare structures and citizens, and to strengthen and students into District 6 obviously course, would need to address systems that make it easy for support the City’s economy. The creates issues with our schools issues of maintenance, riders to calculate the cost of a City can do this by supporting that are already beyond supervision, and liability for the trip and submit payment. teachers, students, and their enrollment capacities. usage, but none of these are MARTA should be encouraged families. Atlanta needs to do Morningside has been over- insurmountable. It would be to work with local employers to more on providing affordable enrolled for many years and is much more cost-effective for the set up payroll deductions, workforce housing so that APS still many years off from even City to contract for the use of subsidized transport, or find teachers can live closer to their starting a much needed APS space than have to acquire other ways to support residents’ schools, and in expanding our renovation/expansion). additional park and rec space. use of public transit. I also public transportation to reduce Likewise, Inman has been These arrangements have been support public transit subsidies teacher commute times. For overcapacity, and the completion implemented in cities across the for low-income residents to students, the City needs to be a deadline for the new Howard country, and there are not-for- make Atlanta more affordable. real partner to APS in providing Middle School is July 2020. profit groups, such as By also addressing the issue of safe routes to school and safe, Until enrollment concerns are allincities.org, that can provide property tax assessments as healthy neighborhoods, and in addressed within the Grady resources for structuring the noted in question 10 housing providing quality aftercare Cluster schools, APS may need relationship. affordability can be eased. programs. City Council must to direct students in newly ensure that efforts are annexed areas to different I support the approach and Jennifer Ide coordinated among the city, attendance zones. The City and would offer to spearhead the APS, and Atlanta Workforce APS should create an policy work and legislation www.jenniferforatlanta.com Development. The City must annexation committee to discuss required to make it possible. also support and encourage pre- impact on schools for each Answer 5: The City continuing Answer 1: I have four children K programs. Finally, the City proposed annexation so that to hold the titles of APS who attended Morningside should help provide programing concerns can be addressed properties is a remnant of the Elementary School from 2007- such as adult literacy for parents before making the annexation creation of the independent 2017. I served on the MES in coordination with APS so that final. Also, the City Council school system in 1973. For Local School Council (Go Team) the school are a resource for the should require the City’s Service most of the history of APS, the for three years and chaired it for entire family. Delivery Plan to include a City has been cooperative in two years. During my section on schools. leadership, Principal Pruitt and I Answer 3: I support the City’s producing the deeds when worked with APS on security practice of welcoming new areas Answer 4: I hear from requested and executing quit concerns, which resulted in the into the City where the legal neighbors a fair amount that they claim deeds to allow the construction of the current office requirements have been met. I wish that APS fields and athletic properties to be sold. While and entryway system. I also attended the NPU-F meeting in facilities could be open to the APS should be thoughtful about worked with APS to ensure the July 2017 where the NPU community. The Morningside when it is appropriate to sell consistent presence of a traffic considered matters relating to “Field of Dreams” has been a school buildings, this decision is officer for MES carpool and zoning and land use, to ensure great resource to the within the scope and authority of traffic direction on East Rock that these matters were handled neighborhood, as it has been the APS Board and Springs. Finally, I served as the consistently post-annexation as made available on an unofficial Superintendent, and they should liaison for the school in the they had been by DeKalb basis in the evenings and not be barred from doing so by implementation of the Safe County and that adjoining weekends for pickup soccer and the City refusing to transfer the Routes to School grant street landowners don’t suffer any neighborhood play space. deeds. APS has cooperated in work. I served as a MES adverse effects. Health and wellness are often agreeing that any school representative on the Grady negatively impacted by a lack of property redevelopment include cluster planning committee, as I believe that the City and access to resources, and affordable housing, to help we developed the mission, property owners had agreed anywhere the City and APS can address the City’s affordable vision, and priorities for the upon an annexation into the City partner to provide additional housing needs. Of course I cluster. At MES, I also served only and not APS in order to resources to the community and would want to consult with the as a room parent and disrupt the status quo as little as support wellness initiatives, they City attorney, but I would volunteered with the possible, and that less than 10 should. The City and APS recommend that the City Sustainability, Wellness and K-12 students reside in the should look at entering into a proactively transfer the Garden (SWAG) committee. annexation area. Overall, joint use agreement with the remaining deeds for APS however, I believe that it is better goal of making these facilities properties to APS. Answer 2: It is essential that to have co-extensive boundaries available outside of school Answer 6: Piedmont Park is a the City support public education for the City and APS. hours. both to bolster the prosperity and wonderful asset to the City and District 6. Since its beginning

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Atlanta City Council with the Piedmont Exposition of than neighbors who have been transportation and amenities; (3) Answer 3: Yes, I support the 1887 and the Cotton States and undervalued for years, and passing additional inclusionary annexation but wished the city International Exposition of 1895, others who acknowledge that zoning legislation that will drive had negotiated some contract this space has been used for their valuations may be below the creation of additional fee system to cover services events, large and small, and it is market value, but say they affordable housing; and (4) costs. I am satisfied that DeKalb a great place for city residents to cannot afford to stay in their ensuring that rezoning requests County keeps the school come together. That being said, homes if their taxes increase within/abutting historic intown services for now. APS and the largest events are a significantly. Valuations should neighborhoods are assessed to District 6 cannot absorb this area significant imposition on not only reflect fair market value, and ensure that the proposed under current facility/faculty load. people using the park in the they should be comparable to development is in keeping with My hope is the new Council and days of the event, and the days similar properties. The City and the neighborhood plan, Mayor will be able to augment before and after, but also to APS need reassurance from enhances the neighborhood, and some agreements to make the those who live and go to school Fulton County that the county is does not increase traffic. annexation work better and more near the park. I think the City equipped to perform this fairly for all involved. needs to revisit the use of function. Then, we need to Kirk Rich Piedmont Park for these types of consider what relief may be Answer 4: Yes, this could be a www.kirkforatlanta.com events, and look into the necessitated to allow seniors to great partnership for all parties. permitting required when the age in place, and to provide The City could provide park and neighboring areas are relief to residents in areas of Answer 1: I have been involved significant funding to improve impacted for several days, high growth who may be facing with Public Schools through and add facilities which would particularly when the event is a significant increases in property service with Jerusalem House. I then benefit APS; alleviating for profit venture. For events taxes. This will require working served on the Board for more deficient APS dollars for those with an expected turnout over a with the Atlanta delegation of the than 10 years and during that issues. Council could also look certain threshold, organizers Georgia General Assembly to time helped more than 100 for ways to add specific types of should be required to make determine a fair and appropriate children navigate into and recreation areas between arrangements for parking approach to any further through APS as well as DeKalb schools to allow for multiple services with shuttles, and exemptions. County Schools. I also dealt schools to use the best should approach MARTA about with school issues while serving parks/facilities. Other cities are special event services. With its Answer 8: Protecting and on the Invest Atlanta Board. doing this and it has broadened preserving Atlanta’s historic types of recreation and skillsets hardscape design, Centennial Answer 2: I would make sure Olympic Park should be intown neighborhoods is for the children in those school essential as the City grows and that we are partnering in every systems. encouraged for events with way possible. I would want to heavy foot traffic, and I would changes. As noted in the have a close relationship with Answer 5: This has been a encourage the use of the new recently-release Atlanta City my School Board members and ridiculous but very serious issue. Westside Bellwood Quarry Park, Design Plan, “As we try to find ways to work together rather The deeds should be released which will be significantly larger manage that change, however, than the current adversarial so these properties can be than Piedmont Park, for some of we see our city threatened. Our tone. I would support funding of utilized for best and highest the larger events. neighbors, history, and other things that we love are at risk of 0-3 education and also after purposes. Many of these vacant Answer 7: The 2017 Fulton being destroyed by rising costs school/supportive services. I properties have significant County tax assessments have and pressures driven by bottom would also be much more negative effects on the reopened a conversation about line more than our civic careful with annexation, making communities that surround them. property taxes in the City and integrity.” We must be sure not to exacerbate capacity This entire issue was primarily whether the process as a whole thoughtful and plan for growth to issues within APS and especially spawned by ego driven needs to be revisited. make sure that it enhances our the Grady Cluster. I would also relationship issues while costing Regardless of the entity that quality of life. This means (1) want to study internal school communities countless missed conducts the valuation process, expanding transportation options security and public safety to opportunities. Once the deeds citizens must feel that the with additional MARTA capacity; better understand if APS should are released, there should be a process is fair and accurate and smart roadways, with technology allow the City to be more very strategic and well thought that they have a voice. From the solutions like synchronized traffic involved. Additionally, I would out plan on how to expedite many constituents I spoke to this signals and electric vehicle support development on the sales or new uses for these summer, it is clear that the shuttles that are being piloted in south and west sides of the city properties. This is where a joint process isn’t working well— the North Avenue smart corridor; while partnering to significantly effort with Council and APS some people feel their valuations and additional safe bike and improve the schools in those could be extremely beneficial. are well above market value, pedestrian ways; (2) putting areas to better spread capacity. Answer 6: This issue affects others feel their valuations are at residential and commercial This would help alleviate District everyone, especially Grady. market value, but much higher density in areas served by public 6 school capacity strain. Piedmont Park has become to

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Atlanta City Council much of a special events venue. development mandating As I type this,the park is inclusionary zoning for 15-20% basically closed while they set affordability. Transportation up Music Midtown. While we Oriented Developments must be need to recognize this is a priority creating truly mixed currently the largest City public use communities/nodes to space, we must also recognize alleviate the need to use cars. the neighbors around the park We must also put limits on have rights to access and property tax for Seniors so uninterrupted quality of life. people can age in place and not These events also put our kids be forced out due to taxation. at greater risk of injury while Gentrification on the south and getting to and from school. As a west sides will also be a Council member, I would want to continuing tug of war. While we see the use of Piedmont Park for encourage appropriate large scale events lessened. I development, we must be also would limit the number of aggressive in providing funding events. We seem to allow every and programs to allow long time walk and charity run unfettered residents to remain a valued access with little thought to road resident. Atlanta's biggest closures, clean up and conflict challenge for the next decade is with neighborhood how to maintain affordability and events/issues. improve EQUITY among our citizens. Council must be the Answer 7: Yes! This is more inventive leader on these issues. complicated so my answer is without internal access and experience that I will have once on Council. At a minimum, the City should have a closer relationship to the assessors office and Fulton County. There seems to be a lack of logic on how the government assesses properties. It also seems we are playing "catch up" to real values because of the assessors not doing a good job over the last decade. While we need an accurate taxation, we also need to be respectful to the taxpayers. Better communication and explanation is key. Overall though, for the health of APS and the City, we must study this and put in place a much better system to adjust the way assessments are currently completed.

Answer 8: The new government must rethink our zoning. We must expedite the completion of the Beltline with light rail as well as the "spokes" connecting the ring. While doing this, we must incentivize smart

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Mayor of Atlanta

Question 1: Please describe your surrounding properties into the City of withheld property deeds, making it bind. Did the City of Atlanta make a experience with public schools. (150 Atlanta? If so, do you believe that those impossible for APS to sell vacant mistake in stepping away from the tax words) annexed areas should be served by properties. What is your take on this assessment function in the 1990s? How Atlanta Public Schools? Please explain situation, and what are your thoughts on could the City be involved in preventing Question 2: As the Mayor of Atlanta, how your reasoning. (250 words) remedying it? (250 words) this kind of misstep in the future? (250 would you support public education? (150 words) words) Question 4: Though the City of Atlanta Question 5: Property taxes collected by and Atlanta Public Schools have long Fulton County account for nearly one third Question 6: How would you address the Question 3: Do you support the current been separate entities, the City still holds of the City’s general fund, so when the continued rapid growth of Atlanta's intown proposal to annex Emory University, the the deeds to approximately 50 APS County reacted to the outcry over 2017 neighborhoods and its effects on Centers for Disease Control and properties. In recent years, the City has assessments by returning to 2016 transportation and affordable housing? assessment levels, this put the City in a (250 words)

Peter Aman just K-12. We don’t do enough in that the children of these why I think I am the best this city to support early taxpayers should have access to candidate. I have a resume www.peteraman.com childhood education. I will use APS. I want to hear from multiple touching on all of these areas the mayor’s office as a “pulpit of stakeholders first, including APS, that no other candidate Answer 1: I am a proud hope” to work with the before providing a final possesses. graduate of the public-school philanthropic and private sector response. system near my hometown in and the state to fund early Tax assessments present a Philadelphia. My mother was childhood development – Answer 4: As mayor, I will turn challenge which in turn offer an also on the school board, so I particularly for children under the over the deeds to APS. It is opportunity to grow the city’s grew up with a first-hand age of four. I believe by proving imperative for the mayor and the trust relationship with Fulton appreciation for everything that support to families of young school superintendent to work in County. The mayor, the county goes into the oversight and children, we set those students concert to advance Atlanta. commissioners, the tax administration of a quality public up to succeed when it is time for Trust and collaboration will be assessors’ office, and the state K-12 system. As a product of the Kindergarten. Is ambitious, but I key. must work together. This isn’t public-school system, and believe it can be done and I will just about the city’s coffers. The Far too often, we are a city that partner in supporting APS in work to make it happen. The shortfall from the tax freeze had exists in siloes. We are much various ways, I place public moral imperative is too great to a negative impact on our stronger together, different school education, its teachers ignore. I will stake my second schools. And the entire episode members of the same body. and administrators in high term on my ability to help de-stabilized the lives everyone Regardless of who holds the esteem. They prepared me for improve APS. in the city. No one, rich or poor, life, for public service, and I’m deeds, the city’s Planning should open an envelope to find very proud of my foundation. Answer 3: Yes. Through department should weigh in as a that their property taxes have annexation and, ultimately, the valued resource. Likewise, gone up 100 percent year-over- Early in my career, I was part of completion of light rail Invest Atlanta and others should year. That’s a clear failing of the consulting team that connectivity, we can better link have a seat at the table, as they government and it cannot supported Wendy Kopp in her employers like the CDC and have a great deal of expertise to happen again. early days getting Teach for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta offer. Together, we can find the America off the ground. Here in to the local labor pool. We can best ways to improve livability If we convene the best minds Atlanta, I helped found the also send talent the other way by and inclusion and achieve and confront the hard choices, Atlanta Police Foundation, which making it easier for students balanced growth. Together, we we can address this problem in a funds the At-Promise Youth and coming out of Emory to find job can identify the best financial real way that does more than Community Center on English opportunities in town. These offerings for APS which they can kick the can on an issue that Avenue. YPC is an excellent institutions offer some of the then re-invest in our schools. only becomes more difficult the wraparound service to APS and best jobs and careers in this longer we wait to address it. Answer 5: I want to be the city that community. region. This boosts the local and the region’s convener-in- Answer 6: The key is to ensure economy and stops some of Answer 2: Most candidates chief. That’s because the public, that we not lose sight of brightest minds – educated right will say they want to better private and philanthropic sectors inclusion and livability as we here – from relocating. partner with APS. I will go further must come together with the grow. The people that built this than that and make tangible Everyone paying taxes in Atlanta communities to get things done city should not be forced out by strides. Supporting public is paying into the Atlanta Public in Atlanta. That has always been rising costs. Development education is about more than School system. Logic follows the case. And that is in large part should not come at the cost of a

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Mayor of Atlanta neighborhood’s identity or from traditional education to needs to stop acting like anyone’s quality of life. digital education. children. Perhaps this is an Keisha Lance Bottoms Transportation and affordable opportunity for Atlanta to build www.keishalancebottoms.com housing help us meet both of Answer 2: While I don't have schools on vacant land, then sell these goals. power over what gets taught, I the land to APS to operate the Answer 1: I am a graduate of can still help prepare students school. Frederick Douglass High School. A well-conceived transportation for the future by providing a I’ve also volunteered and infrastructure makes it more grant for each student to have Answer 5: Although partnered with several schools in desirable and cheaper to live access to a laptop or tablet. I Commissioner Eaves frequently APS, including serving as a intown as well as making it less also want to build about 30% boasts about making the mentor, speaker and facilitating of a burden to move from one more schools, along with more decision to revert to 2016 donations and resources. place to another. It includes libraries and community centers, values, this move was obviously I will appoint a taking better care of our being deliberate about their a band-aid to the bigger Answer 2: sidewalk infrastructure as well as placement in the neighborhood problem, which is that property Director of Education to serve as adding to it. It means a single so that students have better and values were not assessed for a proactive liaison between APS traffic grid, more buses and bus safer access to education and several years, and then unfairly and our community partners. routes, and construction of both tutoring. assessed higher due to Answer 3: Yes, I support the light and heavy rail. speculation of neighboring Answer 3: I fully support annexation. I believe that the growth, while having little to do decision to best determine how On housing, we need place- annexing Emory, but certain with the quality of the property based and income-based logistics have to be straightened to service students in the area itself. I don't believe that it is should be made after careful housing. We should cover out, such as a new tax to cover relevant who assesses the everyone on the wealth scale in the provision of services, and examination and input from the property value, but it is much impacted stakeholders. some form, from the homeless to including the area in APS. more important how it is those closer to Area Median Despite only about a dozen assessed. I would recommend a Answer 4: I believe that it is Incomes. We should also think students living in the annexed gradual increase in values, important for APS and the City of about geography, so that we can area, it would be a terrible giving a greater weight on the Atlanta to work together to prioritize projects near transit. precedent for any part of Atlanta property condition than the resolve these issues in the most to not also be a part of APS. expected growth, and then I But a lot of this is repetitive. prudent way to serve all those Having Emory in Atlanta but would have a proactive We’ve discussed this problem involved. outside of APS would cause a renovation program so that an and these potential solutions as disconnect much like how the increase in property value can Answer 5: Given the debacle a city for some time. What we parts of Atlanta in Dekalb county be associated with a better of this year’s tax assessments, I have not done is devise and act are served differently than the quality house. think it would be wise to on a concrete, comprehensive parts in Fulton. If it were determine what role, if any, the strategy. As mayor, I will bring possible, I would recommend Answer 6: Urgently, I would city should play in any future tax AHA, the Beltline, MARTA, and that Fulton County annex all of have the City catch up and keep assessments. numerous others to the table to Atlanta. As a sister city example, up in delivering the public finally deliver on what has been Charlotte and Mecklenburg transportation and housing that Answer 6: The city needs to an unfulfilled promise for far too County have great synergy with is desperately lacking. I have work to balance growth long. providing municipal services due plans to rapidly construct throughout the city and a way to to the boundary of Charlotte streetcar/trolleybus lines and do that is to work to improve the Rohit Ammanamanchi lying completely within the dedicate lanes to connect the quality of communities www.rohitatl.com County. Charlotte: city like never before, and make throughout the city so that families have options and look https://commons.wikimedia.org/ mass transit reliable. As for forward to living in many parts of Answer 1: I have been wiki/File:Mecklenburg_County_N housing, I plan to invest at least our great City. enrolled in a public school orth_Carolina_Incorporated_and $250M in housing and other system for 20 of my 24 years. _Unincorporated_areas_Charlott neighborhood amenities, where I've attended public grade school e_highlighted.svg Atlanta: that amount can stretch farther John Eaves in NYC, NJ, and Charlotte, and https://commons.m.wikimedia.or by building on land owned by www.eavesforatlanta.com g/wiki/File:Fulton_County_Georg AHA and other land trusts, and then went to Georgia Tech. Most ia_Incorporated_and_Unincorpor building more cost-effective units significantly, I attended public (Did not respond.) ated_areas_Atlanta_Highlighted. such as multiplexes and tiny school when smartphones and internet technology started to svg houses. come into play, and I Answer 4: I don't know too experienced the entire transition much about the specifics, but it sounds like the City leadership

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Mayor of Atlanta

Answer 3: I support the program to educate and assist Vincent Fort exploration of the annexation property owners to deal with Laban King www.vincentfort.com and I am hopeful that the tempting purchase offers for www.labanking.org arbitration with DeKalb County their homes. Additionally, we (Did not respond.) will lead to a win-win for both must explore the possibility of Answer 1: I have no entities. I don’t like the precedent freezing property-specific taxes experience with public schools. I that not being served by APS in some areas for long-term personal attended private Kwanza Hall would set, but I believe that with resident owners. schools and contributes that I www.kwanzahall.com so few students living in the have made have been towards area, it is not an insurmountable I will always be open to creative private institutions Answer 1: I was elected to problem. ideas that will encourage the the Atlanta School Board in 2002 renovation and rejuvenation of Answer 2: I believe that and I served until I was Answer 4: I think that the existing neighborhoods while public education is the backbone motivated to do more for our kids partnership between APS and protecting their character and of the community. Because I do by running for City Council the City of Atlanta should be securing the rights of local not have experience in this area, District 2 in 2005. My Year of strengthened and that a plan for property owners. I would look for the guidance of Boulevard initiative expanded disposing of properties should teachers and administrators to As Mayor, my housing priorities after school and summer camp be developed with community see how the city of Atlanta can will be to: programming for kids in the input that would consider be the best support the APS Atlanta’s need for affordable system. I would begin to Bedford Pine community. I  Deliver at least 10,000 new housing, access to transit, create partnerships with the believe that the hours outside of units at a variety of price access to grocery and retail, and private sector to secure funding the school day and Saturdays points, utilizing Atlanta parks and recreation. Properties to APS so the school system are most key to the development Housing Authority property should be prioritized for would have to rely on State of our children. Showing our or other appropriate land redevelopment based on this funding. young people futures that they and by buying down the can achieve are critically plan. cost of the land around Answer 3: I am 100% against important. Answer 5: The value of corridors needing this proposal. While in theory it redevelopment that are Answer 2: The Mayor of properties must be accurately sounds good, it is an accelerator served by transit. Atlanta should focus energy on reflected in the taxes assessed. for gentrification. Sadly, this  Encourage more diversity having a strong relationship with However, as property values proposal was not designed to in housing types, including APS leadership and making sure fluctuate up and down we must benefit APS, but rather to micro-housing, duplexes there is structure outside of the ensure that higher assessments change the voters base of and garden apartments, school day for every child in in particular must be phased in Atlanta. that can be incorporated Atlanta, The competitiveness of so as not to unduly burden the into existing neighborhoods Answer 4: I support the City cities of the future, like Atlanta, taxpayers with a sudden huge and expand on the of Atlanta withholding the deeds. will be predicated on our ability increase in taxes, as happened Accessory Dwelling Unit I believe the mayor so make an to align our priorities at the recently with the Fulton County legislation I passed this extra effort to get the city to have Atlanta Workforce Development property tax assessments. spring. control of the schools. APS has Agency and Invest Atlanta with Additionally, our tax system must showed no significant signs of our partners at the State of  Restore and increase the include protections for low- improvement therefore the Georgia, Metro Atlanta Chamber capacity of Community income seniors and other low- system is not in the right place and academic institutions to Development Corporations income property owners to now. ensure that we are developing across Atlanta and ensure ensure that property taxes don’t workers whose skill sets are that smaller, local investors drive them from their homes. Answer 5: I believe the City of portable and empower them to can have a financial stake This is an area that requires Atlanta, Fulton County and add value in the ever-evolving in the success of their further consideration in the Dekalb County most collective innovation economy. We need to community. immediate future. come up with a special tax code strengthen the cradle to career for Atlanta residents. This plan pipeline in traditional building Answer 6: The City must Carl Jackson would help create a fair account trades and vocations as well as explore all avenues to protect www.facebook.com/carl.jackson.5 that the city, county, and Atlanta FinTech, Health IT, Clean long term residents and property 494360 residents can benefit from. Energy, Logistics, Music and owners across Atlanta, but Film. Economic mobility for low Answer 6: The growth of particularly so in all the (Did not respond.) and mid-skill workers will not Atlanta is great however the increasingly attractive depend on having a 4-year neighborhoods. Among other problem is that this growth is college degree. initiatives, we must have a happening way faster than we

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Mayor of Atlanta are addressing the mass Health, serving as the space for and other solutions together can made it her business to do the transportation and affordable a range of athletic and creative bring some relief but so long as same thing with Atlanta Public housing issue. We must put activities. so many of us continue to rely Schools. When I decided to run policy in place to reflect housing on automobiles to commute to for Mayor, I borrowed from that availability for entry level Answer 3: Mary Norwood and from work congestion will inspiring experience by incomes in local jobs. supports the Emory University, require new innovative solutions immediately calling Meria Because Atlanta is experiencing Children's Healthcare of Atlanta be considered and adopted. Carstarphen to introduce myself. rapid growth due to the rise in and CDC annexation as a I said, “You don’t know me, but multi-family housing, I believe positive addition to a long list of Michael Sterling I’d like you to because when I’m we must make developers assist institutions that further enhance elected, I want to be sure we can www.michaelforatlanta.com with the cost of creating mass and enrich our city and its ability meet weekly to talk schools!” transit to attract relocating corporations, Meria was generous enough to (Did not respond.) national NGO headquarters, spend valuable time with me,

Ceasar Mitchell additions to the city's arts and which I really appreciate. It’s so culture and university Cathy Woolard important to our students and www.ceasarformayor.com community, and more of the www.cathyforatlanta.com community partners to have real people who may choose to settle communication and planning

(Did not respond.) in Atlanta because of all it can between our city and its schools. offer them and their families. Answer 1: I’m a product of K- 12 public schools and public Answer 3: As the current Mary Norwood Answer 4: As mayor Mary university, so public school is proposal stands, we need to www.marynorwood.com Norwood will review this important to me on a very take the time to consider what question and make a personal level. 70% of APS annexing Emory University will Answer 1: Throughout her recommendation to city council. students are still considered really mean for the city. We have career, Mary Norwood has been It is not possible to provide the underserved or not heard how much it will cost a strong supporter of the Atlanta best response to this question underrepresented, so we have Atlanta taxpayers annually to Public School's mission to until you are in city hall and have some work to do as a community provide services like police, fire, provide all our children with the all of the relevant stakeholders to assure services to better and sanitation services to a large best possible education to and facts before you. support and complement public institution that pays nothing in prepare them for the education. Improving housing taxes. Until we have exact cost Answer 5: Mary Norwood opportunities and challenges options, wrap-around youth estimates, it is impossible for supports a legislative solution to that lie ahead. services through public taxpayers to fully understand the property appraisal and programs to assure community whether annexation of Emory assessment question brought to Answer 2: As mayor Mary safety, consistent supplemental University would be a net the forefront by this year's Norwood will support the Atlanta transportation for students who positive or negative for our property tax crisis. She will work School Board in its mission to use MARTA; planning for basic budget. Regarding Atlanta with other city officials and provide quality education. Mary neighborhood amenities like Public schools serving Emory’s county, APS and state officials to will collaborate with and support access to healthy food, reliable annexed properties, it’s my find the best long term solution the APS, working with the daycare and after-school understanding that the most that will provide a steady and Atlanta Police Department, offerings, welcoming public recent proposal represents predictable stream of tax Parks and Recreation spaces to assure a family’s about 10 students. We need revenue for local government Department and other city and sense of neighborhood and civic more information to determine and peace of mind for city county departments and non- belonging - these are just some whether the annexation would taxpayers. profits. Renovating and of the discussions we Atlantans ultimately be limited to Emory reconfiguring city recreation need to have in earnest to help Answer 6: Mary Norwood University and the CDC only - or centers in targeted elevate and educate all of our realizes that Atlanta will continue expanded to include more neighborhoods to serve as a children on the levelest, most to grow and the best solution to surrounding residential safe and secure haven after enriching playing field possible. the transportation challenges we properties - before coming to a school, weekend and on school all of confronted with every day real decision. breaks for after school Answer 2: This is about and will face into the future mentoring/tutoring by APS, SAT relationship-building. As City Answer 4: I believe this is require the collaboration of all prep, college and technical Council President, one of my largely about relationships and relevant local governments and school counseling, proving a most indelible learning personalities. Trust is absolutely state and regions departments location for personal counseling experiences was sitting down vital between these two entities, and agencies including Marta. A and health and wellness with Shirley Franklin on a weekly which is why I would focus on synchronization of traffic signals, programs supported by the basis to coordinate efforts and building, maintaining, and installation of light rail Marta Fulton County Department of establish a working relationship strengthening the Mayor’s lines, reconfigured bus routes based on mutual trust. Franklin

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Mayor of Atlanta relationship with APS. The maintaining the unique character Answer 2: Would encourage repertoire between Kasim Reed of our neighborhoods and students to study and respect and Meria Carstarphen was less schools when we focus density their teachers - would encourage than optimal when dealing with along transit. I have proposed a City Council Members to visit property sales along the Beltline strategic plan to complete a 40- schools - and address the and the school system suffered mile streetcar grid along already- student meetings on the because of it. APS separated approved routes to be built in importance of education. itself from the City decades ago eight years. for a reason and it deserves to Answer 3: Not fully educated have its own autonomy in I will dedicate a revenue stream on this issue - whether the cost making decisions regarding their to affordable housing, exploring of providing services would be budget and the land that they all available funding paid by the annexed property - if own the deeds to. mechanisms from tax allocation much is taxed exempt - I would districts to development impact seek advice before rendering an Answer 5: What happened in fees to a parking tax, and create opinion - yet on the surface - it the 1990s is frankly water under an affordable housing trust fund. seems a plausible and beneficial the bridge and we can’t change I will propose a comprehensive option. the steps that the City made at public policy package of that time. Moving forward, it is incentives and requirements for Answer 4: If they are, without important that the City interacts developers to ensure question, separate entities. I closely with Fulton County to inclusionary housing would suggest the deeds be ensure that when assessments development citywide. transferred to the Schools - I have to increase, they are done certainly would want to know so incrementally and realistically. To protect long term residents why they were withheld and not The reaction following the 2017 from being priced out of their part of the separation agreement assessments was an immediate homes through rising property - and panicked response that values, I will ensure existing Answer 5: First, the current caused teacher furlough at the homestead exemptions are City "leadership" made a huge beginning of the year and targeted and relevant, and that mistake be not strongly dampened student morale. The low-income and senior recommending a 2 - 3 % across hiring freeze that followed homeowners are given solid the board increase this year - to directly impacted our students relief while protecting the Atlanta soften future assessment and our communities. Reverting Public School system’s future increases. The City, as a payee back to past assessments budget. I also will evaluate the of taxes. clearly should have merely defers the problem to the entire Atlanta tax digest to input into the assessment future, but it takes no steps to fix ensure that non-resident mechanism - The Board of it. Better communication needs investment property owners pay assessors should be comprised to be established between the a minimum property tax after of members representing the County and the City to ensure adjustments for exemptions. County and the City – that budgets and taxes are Finally, I will work to update balanced and that both bodies legislation when the General Answer 6: I would slow the have a long-term focus. Assembly convenes in January acceptance of or deny construction permits for high Answer 6: As Mayor, I will to give Atlanta the authority density projects that over-impact quickly align these key players necessary to take action on the roadways - we are on a path and resources to address this property tax and gentrification of potential lock down gridlock - issue head-on: City of Atlanta, related issues. we need to slow the growth or county officials, APS, MARTA, move the growth to less dense Invest Atlanta, Atlanta Housing Glenn Wrightson areas. Authority, businesses that need www.glennformayor.com employees to live close to work, the development community, Answer 1: Attended public issues experts, and related schools grades 1 thru 12 - nonprofits. Attended Spring St Elem. and I will work to increase housing Henry Grady High School density aligned with transit lines. We can grow Atlanta while

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