Powell Announces Bid For District 3 Seat On City School Board

TUSCALOOSA, AL. — Longtime education advocate Lesley Powell on Thursday announced her intention to run for the District 3 seat on the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education in the city's municipal elections on March 2, 2021. She will look to fill the seat vacated by Dr. Guy May, who has served on the board since 2017 and will not seek re-election.

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A political newcomer seeking public office for the first time, Powell is a California native who has called Tuscaloosa home for 20 years. Powell holds a Bachelor of Science in public policy and management from the University of Southern California and prides herself on her high level of community involvement.

With qualifying for municipal races set to begin on Jan. 12, 2021, Powell is the first candidate to throw their hat into the ring for the soon-to-be open school board seat.

“Education is my passion and ensuring all Tuscaloosa children receive the best education possible will always be my mission," she said in a press release.

Powell, 42, describes herself as being heavily engaged in community organizations, including the DCH Foundation, while at the same time being an advocate for public education and youth initiatives.

Powell and her husband, Tripp, also have two daughters in the city school system.

In presenting her resume to potential voters, Powell points out that she has served in leadership roles with the Tuscaloosa Education Foundation, Verner Elementary School Parent Board, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Alabama. Additionally, Powell is the founding area director for Neighborhood Bridges Tuscaloosa — a nonprofit organization that uses technology and social media to advocate for children and families in need.

Powell said her husband's family — which owned and operated Powell Petroleum and Buddy's Food Mart for decades before selling the company earlier this year — has been actively involved in the Tuscaloosa community for generations, especially in supporting public education.

"Our children are in District 3 schools now and I have spent countless hours in the classroom, so I’m invested,” Powell said. “I also have a broad perspective on the diverse needs of children across the city and am in a good position to spend my time focused on the policy issues that matter most. I am driven to work closely with education professionals and stakeholders to make informed, responsible decisions that benefit every student in the system.”

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