Run-Off Election on Dec. 3. Eshe Collins vs. Dell Byrd

On December 3, the residents of Atlanta Public Schools District 6 will go to the polls again for the run-off school board election. The two candidates are Eshe Collins and Dell Byrd.

I really believe it is our civic duty to commit to seeing the processes of electing our service officials completely through, as Atlanta has had its share of mediocrity in power. We must decide that we will exercise the right that our parents and grandparents fought so hard for—and we must respect this right by performing our due diligence in determining who is the best candidate and voting in run-offs when necessary. While politics may rule City Hall, it should never rule the fate of our children—and that is what has been happening for so many years. I can honestly say that I was slighted from a good early education while a student in APS; I write today because I do not want this to be the case for any child again.

I am looking for the following in a school board member: A commitment to high ethical standards where the most vulnerable ones who need service and cannot make decisions for themselves—children--are placed before the excesses of the political agenda; A deep understanding of what it really takes to raise achievement levels. This involves an understanding of pedagogy, socio-economics, psychology, organization, and resources. I am also looking for a level of accessibility that exceeds most people’s comfort zones.

These requirements are reasonable. Good elected officials meet them. Great elected leaders exceed them.

As an attorney, Eshe Collins has been held to higher ethical standards than most. Where most would fail to sense, lawyers are trained to detect ethical dilemma inherent in business and administrative processes. Their training is extensive, with 3 years of education, a bar exam, and intensive practice. Eshe is prepared for the task of sifting through possible conflicts of interests that may do harm to our children. I never had any indication that her current opponent has this level of training and preparedness.

For most of us voters, we can only go by what candidates have done in the past and what they say they will do in the future to make an informed decision. Comparing both candidates’ platforms, I have come to the conclusion that Eshe’s platform is concise and innovative where her opponent’s is vague and risks being trite. If you compare their vision/platform website pages, you will quickly find that Eshe takes the time to elaborate on her goals, making concrete commitments that we can hold her accountable for. Dell does not do this. Her platform consists of one-liners that do not explain how she will make such things happen.

For example, both candidates say they are committed to raising achievement levels. Eshe explains that this goal will be accomplished through improvements early childhood education. Moreover, she actually has credible expertise in this field as an early years teacher and director of early literacy program, Jump Start. Her opponent only mentions student lack of performance as a bullet in a list of things she wants to address. How will she address it? Addressing a situation does not mean that you will change it. Eshe provides solutions.

Both candidates also promise accessibility, but only Collins makes a tangible commitment to visit a school once a week. In yet another one liner, Byrd merely says that she will be accessible but does not offer a plan. Eshe frames her platform on this issue by offering the correct paradigm that parents and students must adopt in order to be active in the legislative and administrative process.  

I encourage you to look closely and compare; Eshe Collins’ platform is more concrete, demonstrating a greater understanding of the dynamics which create a successful school board driven by servant leadership. I am happy that Byrd has decided to run because she heralds causes we need to remember, like the needs of expecting teenagers. However, Eshe not only heralds such causes, she also has a blueprint of experience and standards that that were far beyond any of her original opponents. I sincerely hope that both Eshe Collins and Dell Byrd continue in their calling to serve the children of Atlanta, but for the sake of an improved school board, I hope Eshe Collins wins this election.