Roy Barnes has made more sense than any other candidate when he talks about the importance of realigning our focus in Georgia on education. He brilliantly has referenced that while it is the Federal Government's job to protect and defend, the Constitution reserves the responsibility of educating to the states, communities, and families. He has made it clear that he believes education should be a priority in our state’s budget.
Roy understands that while we may desire for all of our students to succeed in Advanced Placement and Honor's courses, he is realistic in pointing out that there is wisdom in emphasizing more options for career and technical education within high schools. This simple act would not only prepare at-risk students for successful entrance into the workplace, but should increase the graduation rate—giving students the freedom to study subjects in which they have a sincere interest.
My favorite idea proposed by Roy is his idea to set up a panel of teachers to meet for the purpose of giving real-life suggestions to state officials when making decisions related to education. Whether those at the Department of Education and within Georgia’s Legislature know it or not, some recent policies are actually negatively affecting student learning. Policies that lead to “teaching to the test” and those that require teachers to spend extra hours jumping through unproductive hoops simply take away from our time to prepare thoughtful and effective plans for our students. I believe that Roy is open to doing what it takes to hear ideas from teachers on how we can improve student motivation and achievement.
William Wilkins
Hillgrove High School
Cobb County
Jefferson County schools welcome Roy
February 10, 2010
Last week, Roy continued his listening tour of Georgia by visiting with two great groups of educators in Jefferson County. It was an early morning for our group – but it was definitely worth it!
Our first stop was Wrens Elementary School in Wrens, Georgia. We were treated to a tour of the school’s new facility addition by Wrens Elementary School Principal Dr. Sharon Dye and Assistant Principal Tina Tarver, and we then had the chance to sit down with several Wrens Elementary School educators.
The group of teachers at Wrens Elementary School was outspoken and enthusiastic, and gave Roy some great feedback on his education agenda. Gov. Barnes also had an opportunity to listen to the teachers’ thoughts on ways that we can fully fund our public education system without furloughing teachers or cutting direct instruction.
Escorted by Jefferson County Sheriff Gary Hutchins, we ventured down the road to Louisville, Georgia for a visit with Jefferson County High School Principal Dr. Molly Howard (the 2008 National High School Principal of the Year) and yet another group of fantastic educators. The student population at JCHS is diverse, and over 80 percent of the students are below the poverty line; however, despite these challenges, Dr. Howard and her incredible team of teachers have increased graduation rates and raised test scores over the past several years.
As soon as we sat down with the teachers at JCHS, it was clear that we had another great group of educators on our hands. Once again, the teachers gave Roy some great idea and lots of input on his education agenda.
Special thanks to Carl Bethune, Dr. Dye, and Dr. Howard for allowing us to come and visit their schools – we are already excited for our next trip to Jefferson County!
- Brinkley, Roy 2010
Vickie Carson: "Education First"
February 8, 2010
I write to you today as a retired National Board Certified Teacher, a Roy Barnes supporter, and a Georgian who is concerned about the future of public education in our state.
Over the past seven years, more than $3.5 billion in direct instructional funding has been eliminated by our state leaders, and Georgia has become one of only two states in the nation that is furloughing teachers. Our state has seen tough times in the past, but teachers and students have never before had to pay the price as they are now.
Georgia’s education system is at a breaking point. I can’t sit by and watch our schools suffer because of our state leadership’s shortsighted and misguided agenda.
Roy is the only one I trust to clean up the mess that’s been made of education in our state. He has always been a true advocate for public education – in fact, when Roy was Governor, he created the incentive program to increase the number of National Board Certified Teachers in Georgia – and I am supporting him because I know that his first priority as Governor will be addressing the challenges that teachers and students are facing in the state’s classrooms, not wheeling and dealing in the Capitol’s back rooms.
It’s time that Georgians stand together and demand that students and education come first.
Vickie Carson (Atlanta, GA)
Retired National Board Certified Teacher
Roy visits Newton High School
February 4, 2010
Yesterday, Roy was the honored guest for Newton County High School’s Black History Month program. Newton County High is one of three high schools in the county, but is a small university unto itself, boasting over 2.200 students!
Before the program, Roy was greeted by several members of the National Honor Society who served as ambassadors and showed him around the school building. He was able to talk with each of them about their plans after high school and thrilled that they were all working towards college. Roy was also able to speak with Principal Roderick Sams about the progress his students are making and how state leaders can better support his efforts to increase student achievement.
The program was an amazing showcase of student talent – an incredible display of rifle twirling by the MCJROTC drill team, a moving rendition of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech by the Advanced Drama class, a rousing version of “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, and a very inspiring performance of a traditional gospel song by a trio of students.
Roy used his opportunity to speak to challenge NCHS students to remember the sacrifice of those who have come before. He shared the fact that, although he attending public school in Georgia, it was not until his days at the University of Georgia that he attended an integrated school. He used that point to illustrate the fact that things were not always the way they are today. He encouraged all NCHS students to apply that to their daily lives as they both acknowledge the incredible progress we’ve made and continue to fight for equality.
After the program, many NCHS teachers came up to Roy to share their support and appreciation for his participation. Roy also met with the Advanced Placement Government class before the bell rang for their next class.
As a former Georgia Teacher of the Year, I know firsthand what educators need in a Governor: We need a strong advocate for Georgia’s children, and someone who won’t forget the educators who have dedicated their lives to the future of our great state.
For the past eight years, our state leaders have turned a deaf ear to Georgia’s school children and educators, and have cut more than $3.5 billion in direct funding for Georgia schools. This isn’t just unacceptable – it’s simply wrong.
Roy will be the first to tell you that he didn’t listen to teachers enough when he was Governor – but he never stopped being the strongest advocate for our state’s schoolchildren. Teachers were never furloughed, and funding for Georgia’s schoolchildren was much higher than it is today.
Over the past seven years, Georgia teachers have been asked to do more – to do more paperwork, to teach more students, and to do more work – all for less pay and even less support. Educators are suffering under this brand of leadership, and it is Georgia’s children who will pay the price.
Instead, we need a leader who will make education a priority. We need a leader who understands the issues, and knows how to get the job done – we need Roy back in the Governor’s office. He’s the only one I trust to get our public education system back on track.
For Georgia’s children, Amy Denty (Jesup, GA) Georgia Teacher of the Year, 2000
Teachers for Roy 
February 10, 2010
The group of teachers at Wrens Elementary School was outspoken and enthusiastic, and gave Roy some great feedback on his education agenda. Gov. Barnes also had an opportunity to listen to the teachers’ thoughts on ways that we can fully fund our public education system without furloughing teachers or cutting direct instruction. 
The student population at JCHS is diverse, and over 80 percent of the students are below the poverty line; however, despite these challenges, Dr. Howard and her incredible team of teachers have increased graduation rates and raised test scores over the past several years.
Yesterday, Roy was the honored guest for Newton County High School’s Black History Month program. Newton County High is one of three high schools in the county, but is a small university unto itself, boasting over 2.200 students! 
Roy used his opportunity to speak to challenge NCHS students to remember the sacrifice of those who have come before. He shared the fact that, although he attending public school in Georgia, it was not until his days at the University of Georgia that he attended an integrated school. He used that point to illustrate the fact that things were not always the way they are today. He encouraged all NCHS students to apply that to their daily lives as they both acknowledge the incredible progress we’ve made and continue to fight for equality.
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