Theresa Watson has announced her candidacy to run for the District 5 seat on the Savannah-Chatham school board.
Watson lost to current District 5 school board member Irene Gadson-Hines in a bid for the seat in 2018. Hines is retiring after her term ends in December and will not seek re-election.
Watson said more could be done for District 5 because several schools aren’t meeting the academic mark. She also said she is the only candidate that has the linkage between students, staff, the district and the community.
“It was always my passion to do more for the people I represent, especially the community and our children. That is why I sought to run back then."
Background
After moving to Savannah in 1982, she attended Mercer Middle School and graduated from Groves High School. She also graduated from Savannah Technical College and Point University. Watson is currently pursuing a master’s degree in K-12 special education from the University of Phoenix.
Credit: Photo submitted
Credit: Photo submitted
For over 20 years, she worked in the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) with her last role as a job coach for special education students. She also was a paraprofessional in the district.
Currently, she serves as president of The Savannah Federation of Teachers, which is a teacher's union.
Platform
- Wants to push connections beyond the limitations of the school board and get connected with stakeholders
- Wants to provide tangible resolutions to the difficulties faced by students and families.
- Wants to ensure a payable wage and hire local certified contractors
- She wants to have a group that will consist of herself, the community and educators in coming up with solutions to help schools and the community
Opponents
Watson is running against Rev. Paul Smith and Treye' Burrison on May 24 ballot.
“I want to utilize the gift God gave me to serve others,” she said. “It is not about Theresa, it’s not about a title, it about what I can do to be a helper to individuals.”
Bianca Moorman is the education reporter. Reach her at BMoorman@gannett.com or 912-239-7706. Find her on Twitter @biancarmoorman.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Theresa Watson announces bid for District 5 seat on Savannah-Chatham school board
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