Citing Health Concerns, Fulton School Board Member Resigns

ATLANTA, GA -- Fulton County School Board member Catherine Maddox has announced her plans to resign from the seat, effective May 15.

Maddox represents District 6 on the board, which includes parts of East Point, College Park and Union City. She made the announcement during the board's April 20 meeting.

“This is a very difficult decision for me, but one that I feel is right for me, my family, the school board, and the school system,” Maddox said. “As many of you know, I have battled health issues over the past year, and although my spirit and heart are in this work, it is important for me to focus on my health. It has been a privilege to serve as a school board member. Providing a brighter future for our children has been my life’s work.”

Maddox was first elected to the school board in 2007. A former nurse at Grady Memorial Hospital, Maddox has been an advocate for Fulton County students and parents for many years. She has served as chair of the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee and as legislative chair of the South Fulton Council of PTAs as well as the Fulton County Curriculum Advisory Board. She has been a member of the Fulton County Schools Discipline Review Committee and the United States Justice Department – Fulton Community School Advisory Committee.

“Mrs. Maddox is truly a servant of the people," said School Board President Linda Bryant. "She has put her heart and soul into Fulton County Schools and I thank her for her dedication. I speak for all of the school board when I say she will be missed and that we wish her the very best. She will be in our thoughts and prayers.”

An East Point resident for more than 25 years, Maddox also is a founding member of the Mayor’s Educational Task Force and has been a member of the city’s Youth Council Advisory Board and Ethics Board. She is a member of the East Point Business Association, a member of the Concerned Citizens and Clergy of East Point as well as the East Point Historical Society.

In addition, Maddox has been active with the Boy Scouts of America, previously serving as membership chair, and is a member of Blessed Life AOH Church and the Concerned Black Clergy of Atlanta. In 2002, the American Legion presented her with the Ella Pierson Shining Star Award for her community work. She also is a member of the National NAACP and attended Atlanta Technical College and Georgia Military College.

“Every leader seeks to leave a legacy that has staying power and impact,” said Superintendent Jeff Rose. “Mrs. Maddox is well known for her support of the community and her educational advocacy. As an individual she has greatly contributed to our school system’s legacy as well as that of the collective school board.”

The school board’s next steps are to receive applications from community individuals who are interested in serving out the remaining months of Maddox’s term, which ends Dec. 31, 2018.

An invitation will be posted to the Board Services website next week for candidates to submit a letter of interest and resume with a deadline of 5 p.m. on May 30. The board will interview potential candidates and make a selection. Fulfilling the term, however, does not guarantee the candidate a future seat on the school board as they must still qualify with the Secretary of State’s office and run for election.

More information on applying for the vacant seat will be posted on the school system's website.

Image via Fulton County Schools