Candidate Profile: Elaine Padgett For Forsyth Board Of Ed. District 5

CUMMING, GA — Three candidates are running for Forsyth County Board Of Education District 5 in the May 24 General Primary Election.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as the primary draws near.

Elaine Padgett is running for Forsyth County Board Of Education District 5.

<b>Name</b>

Elaine Padgett

<b>Campaign website</b>

https://www.Padgett4BOE.com

<b>City or town of residence</b>

Cumming

<b>Office sought</b>

Board of Education, District 5

<b>Party affiliation</b>

Democrat

<b>Education</b>

BSN, MBA

<b>Occupation</b>

Business owner/CFO retired

<b>Family</b>

Husband David, son Joshua 22, daughter Audrey 19, daughter Lauren14

<b>Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?</b>

none

<b>Age</b>

53

<b>Previous public office, appointive or elective</b>

no

<b>Why are you seeking this office?</b>

I am running to ensure our schools remain strong and committed to the vision of quality learning and superior performance for all.

<b>Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.</b>

Recruiting and retaining quality educators. Foster an environment where teachers, as professionals, are supported and heard.

<b>What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?</b>

I embrace our diversity. I support our professional teachers and media administrators. I also believe there is value in helping students learn by being attentive and responsive to issues they may have coming into the classroom.

<b>If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?</b>

Incumbent is not running

<b>What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?</b>

Supporting our continued growth while maximizing and using our resources wisely.

<b>What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?</b>

I have started and managed multiple small businesses from the ground up. I have an MBA in Finance, which has benefitted my understanding and implementation of budgets and growth projections. As a parent with 3 children in the school system over the last 17 years, I have volunteered in many aspects from elementary through high school.

<b>What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?</b>

Never Stop Learning

<b>Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?</b>

I want to make sure every Forsyth County Student gets the best we have to offer in education.