Anna Bullard is an up and coming politician here in Toombs County. I have interviewed her many times about autism. Her daughter is autistic, which lead to Anna’s first-hand involvement in the benefits and deficiencies of special education in our schools. I am sure that most people who are exposed to the stress of dealing with the special education maze would support change, but Anna is not satisfied with sitting back and supporting someone else. She is an avid proponent of change and wants to bring change to the Toombs County Board of Education.
What you might not know is that Anna is the neice of Senate Majority Leader Tommie Williams. She grew up with my kids, same church and church school. Familiarity aside, Anna is full of the excitement of youth, the enthusiasm of a personal calling, the compassion of a person who lives their faith and the passion of a mother and citizen wanting the best for all children.
Anna takes education seriously. She knows it is work. She expects the system to work, but understands that parents need to be vigilant and persevere, if they are to get the full benefit of the programs that our public schools offer. Too often, our public school administrations erect obstacles for parents seeking information and services, particularly when it comes to special education kids.
Anna would be a great asset to any organization, especially the Toombs County Board of Education. If elected, parents will find in Anna an advocate who is not afraid to speak up for what is right.
I do believe that Anna has legitimate concerns for our students. After listening to the podcast I do believe that she isn’t familiar enough with school board policies and procedures. As a matter of fact Anna hasn’t even been to a board meeting (and these are open to the public). She made mention of all students being given the same opportunities as other students. I agree with her and so do others. That’s why it’s public education and every student IS given the same opportunities. It’s called Inclusion, it’s called IDEA, it’s called 504 plans, and EIPs, and IEPs. Anna also talked about how whe would like to see the School Councils have more input to the Board. The School Council already does this. Anna was also concerned about the class sizes and how the Board should take into account the number of students already in there. Her example was that some classes may have 27 students in there, but that class shouldn’t be allowed to have 40. I agree with her. However, the local Board of Education doesn’t decide that. It is left up to the State Board of Education. According to State Board of Education rule 14.13 “the A+ Education Reform Act of 2000 prescribes class sizes for state funding purposes: 15 students per teacher for the kindergarten program; 17 students per teacher for grades one through three; 11 students per teacher for the early intervention program grades kindgergarten through three; 23 students per teacher for grades four and five….” The rule goes on and on. My point is that it isn’t left up to the board locally.
My whole point in this reply is that even though Anna may have good intentions, she simply isn’t qualified enough to hold this seat. We need someone who has not only experience, but the managerial skills needed to make our board run smoothly and efficiently. We need someone who is familiar with the different school laws, the policies, and the procedures.
I believe Anna is a genuine person who earnestly wants to bridge the gap between parents/teachers and the board. She may not be familiar with all the board procedures, but I doubt her opponent was when he was elected either. As for school law, I know that she is extremely knowledgeable on state level issues. She is also familiar with No Child Left Behind, special education policies and state funding. She is familiar with these things because she cares about finding creative solutions to our local problems. If we had more people serving with that initiative, we could really increase our level of excellence.
The School Council in its current state is a joke really. It has no significant input to the board. I have known people to serve in those seats in the past. They have all expressed their frustration over suggesting great ideas to the board, but never having them carried out. I believe Anna means that she would like to see this change so that the teachers, community members, and parents on the council could have real input instead of just being there to fill a state requirement.
I heard her talk about the class size issue in an interview. At that time she was referring to the Governor’s recent decision to have the State Board of Education waive Rule 14.13 for the next two years. This would allow the State Board to grant any reasonable request for a class size change. So, actually that decision will be in the hands of the local board for a while. Teachers and faculty should be aware of that by now. Maybe you should get your facts straight.
I think that Anna is exactly what we need. She is qualified simply because she cares about this community, our schools and our children. Her comments about being honest, fair and staying connected with the people win my vote because, as a parent, I want my voice heard where my children are concerned.
The only way to get “experience” on the school board is to get elected to it and begin working. I believe that someone who has 3 young children and will be spending the next 14-15 years with those children in the public school system is exactly the kind of person that needs to be on the board. I hope other young adults will follow Anna Bullard’s lead.
I have known Anna for more than ten years and can honestly say that I cannot imagine anyone more qualified for this position than she is. She has a heart for people, particularly children, and a dedication to push past whatever obstacles there are which make it difficult to get a job done. She is diligent and intelligent.
I am a graduate of the Toombs County School system. I remember frustrations with the school system when I was in high school. I am now a college graduate, a resident of Lyons, and work in education myself (at the Paul Anderson Youth Home of Vidalia). I often hear the complaints of parents and others in the community regarding issues in our school system that need resolution; however, I meet very few people who are actually willing to do something about them.
Anna is one of those people who IS willing to work for change. She is loyal, fair, and responsible.
I’m sorry “Anonymous” was ashamed/embarassed/etc… enough to not put his/her name.
Now:
Caring for people, communities, school systems, students, etc. is great, but it DOES NOT make you qualified! Being “extremely knowledgeable on state level issues” does not come from sitting across the dinner table from your uncle. It comes from going to board meetings and learning the knowledge yourself! Her opponent attended every school board meeting for 6 months before he was elected….so that makes him experienced too before he got in this office. He was there enough to know the policies and procedures, rules and laws. If she attends the meeting tonight it will only be one……………….
As far as Anna being familiar with No Child Left Behind, well guess what? The entire nation knows about that one! That doesn’t make the entire nation qualified to run though. You say she is familiar with these policies/laws/procedures, etc. because she cares. Well, I care about a lot of things that I am not qualified to run for. I care about our nation at this time, but I’m not qualified to run for the Presidency. When you mention reaching higher levels of excellence are you familiar with what our school system HAS done? Just in the past couple of years? Huh, maybe you don’t.
When you talk about the school council, are you aware of PTO meetings? That’s an option parents have to meet with and collaborate with teachers/administrators,etc. Just wondering….Is her idea of a “great” school council one that consists of her whole family? Have you checked on the school council members at TCHS? Quite frankly, one family does NOT need so much control!
Facts…let’s see. Budget cuts….do you know about that one? Sure you do. You know Senator Williams. Okay, well, you are right. That law has been waivered and will allow local boards to make adjustments…..maybe that’s because of the budget cuts dear! The waiver hasn’t been passed very long ago. Class size is not a typical decision by a local board (in case you weren’t aware of that). You’re wrong about faculty and staff being aware of laws being passed right away. We do have work to do. We are very busy teaching your children so that they will grow to be productive citizens….not sitting around waiting for someone to tell us about some bill or law that has passed in Atlanta. Now those are facts!
I really am excited that Anna cares about the community, schools, and children. Sadly though that does not make her qualified as you say. You said that she is qualified simply because she cares….in that case her opponent wins hands down. He not only cares, but is experienced on top of that! Wow…Thanks!
You want your voice heard where your children are concerned? Me too. I have 3…two already in the Toombs County School System and one that will be in Pre-K in the Toombs County School System next school term. I am so thankful that Mr. Kirkley has been my voice many times. I am so thankful that I felt comfortable enough to go to board meetings to either give my opinion or to find out what was going on…..have you? Have you given them a chance to hear “your voice”?
If she is so supportive of Toombs County Schools, why were her children at Robert Toombs? Just wondering.
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Anna’s opponent will be spending just that much time in the school system. He has 3 young grandchildren involved with Toombs County Schools….and they have always been in this school system. Her opponent has grandchildren not only in the primary school but at the middle school.
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I believe that Anna is a good person. I have nothing bad to say about her. I just believe that Mr. Kirkley, or anyone else with experience in this type of position, would be the better candidate. Not because of her personally…she seems to be really nice, but simply because he knows how to work with others, has managerial skills (I’m not sure she does), has job experience (not sure she does), and most of all is a fine Christian person. Anna’s opponent is willing to work not only for our students (who come first), but for our teachers and staff! I haven’t heard her say much about that!
All I ask is that you pray hard before you vote. Sometimes we get what we deserve!
Dear Daddy’s Girl,
I truly respect you for campaigning for your father’s position on the school board. I know it must take a lot of self-sacrifice to ignore your better conscience. Part of your father’s ignoble career on the school board could best be summed up by the phrase “guilty by association”. Your father has had 8 years to make positive changes in the school system, to stand firm and tell His Majesty, the Glorious Georgia Despot (a.k.a Kendall Brantley) to listen to the concerns of parents and teachers, but he has instead become nothing but another bobble head on that old man’s group we call a school board. Yes, you should be commended for your self-sacrifice. But, wait, I’m not done . . . in trying to help your father you have created several ridiculous declarations and misnomers that I can reply back to . . .
You spoke a lot in your last blog about Mrs. Bullard’s lack of experience. True, she has not sat on her hands for the past eight years; I’ll give you that. You also said that caring about the “community, schools, and children” does not make her qualified to be on the school board. Your father obviously believes this, too, as he has decided not to waste his time on caring for the “community, schools, and children”, but prefers to use his power by saying “Yes, Mr. Brantley” whenever he can. (For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of hearing all of the good Kendall Brantley has done in our schools, let me tell you that this man loves his family so much that he has given many of them high paying jobs in our school system while simultaneously cutting field trips from the budget. He also enjoys getting himself into legal hot water by publicly threatening the loss of teachers’ jobs due to the unfortunate lack of money in the schools. I could go on and on.)
Your father has been in the right about one thing, though. Concerning the debate held on October 16th, he said it was not in his “best interest” to attend. And it really wasn’t. He would’ve been extremely embarrassed while the attendees and radio listeners compared him to Mrs. Bullard.
As for your thinly veiled jealousy that Anna has both her father, Clint Williams, and her uncle, Senator Williams, for support, guidance, and knowledge, I feel it is my duty to remind you that jealousy is not a Christian value. But, of course, I really shouldn’t be throwing around religion in this debate, should I? Because, after all, we wouldn’t want to imply that one person was a Christian and the other not, or even try to manipulate people’s opinions by whipping out the religion card in this impressionable part of the Bible Belt south.
On the subject of why she has yet to attend a board meeting, she may find it more productive to work behind the scenes than attend meetings where she will either be ignored or gossiped about by those who cannot stand her beating heart, her working brain, and her intelligent tongue.
Continuing, in approximately section 14.13 of your last blog, you were pondering why Anna’s two oldest daughters go to Robert Toombs instead of a Toombs County school. If you know so much about Anna-her lack of experience, “managerial skills”, “job experience”, and Christian character (at least as it compares to your father’s), then how could you possibly not know that her daughters attend Toombs Central Elementary?
In closing, your father definitely has experience and experience is important, but Kirkley hasn’t done anything proactive with it. If he had, there would be far less complaints from parents, teachers, and students in the area. The school systems deserve those who will bring excellence and just because Mrs. Bullard wants to reach higher levels of it doesn’t mean she is unaware of what levels the school systems have already reached. Unlike you (and your father), she will push the schools to continue in that vein instead of being satisfied with what the records have shown in the past. As for experience, Mrs. Bullard will learn whatever she may lack, and if she wants to glean from her family’s experience on any matter, I think that’s responsible and good. I would not recommend doing the same with your family, however.
I am a veteran teacher with almost twenty years of service in the Toombs County School System, so I can relate to the passion that Ms. Page feels about her board, regardless of who is serving. I have held myriad leadership roles during my time in Toombs County, including membership in the school counciI. My child attends school in Toombs County. I am a taxpayer. So like Ms. Page, I have much at stake in this election. However, I am also Anna Bullard’s former teacher, and I know her very well. This puts me in a position to assuage some of Ms. Page’s concerns about Anna’s qualifications.
First of all, Anna thinks for herself. She will not rely on others to do her thinking for her, and she is not easily intimidated. She has spent hours studying and interpreting legislation and policy, considering how it will benefit children. Anna thinks independently. She always has. This quality is very important to me as one of her constituents.
Ms. Page maintained that a candidate’s having a caring personality does not qualify her for public office. Anna’s thinking for herself may not qualify her, either. But a combination of these traits is a powerful one-two punch that will be a strong catalyst for change in the Toombs County School System.
I witnessed Anna’s unique combination of intelligence and initiative countless times in my own classroom. This blend of traits has manifested itself most recently in Anna’s preparation for candidacy in this election. She has already learned enormous amounts of detailed policy and legislative information in a very short time frame and is at ease discussing pertinent education-related issues. I am confident that Anna will learn much more with time spent on the job.
Anna’s managerial skills are irrelevant; she does not need managerial skills to serve successfully on a school board. Boards of Education run “smoothly and efficiently” because of their ability to make informed, educated decisions that benefit students. Managing others is a job description of the administrative staff.
In addition, teachers in Toombs County are already micromanaged, a dangerous situation, a threat to teacher confidence and productivity. More management of our teachers would only exacerbate the teacher shortage.
Anna is an advocate for teachers and staff. Few things have the power to boost teacher morale like smaller class size. And with the recent exodus of teachers from Toombs County Schools, raising teacher morale should be a priority with the board. Research also bears out the necessity of a small student/teacher ratio in increasing student achievement. Because Anna is fully aware of the dearth of high morale, and because she understands the most current research in student achievement, she wants to make smaller classes a reality in all classrooms.
While determining class size has not historically been a function of the local board, the board has many tools to decrease student/teacher ratio. For example, the board can “rearrange” funds (even shrinking funds) and place teachers on extended day; it can hire retired teachers to teach one or two classes, and it can hire paraprofessionals. It can also implement a team-teaching model with special and regular education teachers. Now, because of the state’s waiver, the board has one more method at its discretion.
The local board has more power over class size than the average citizen is led to believe.
Attendance at board meetings is also not mandatory for learning policy. I have attended my share of board meetings over the years, and I can assure voters that board members do not use that time for learning policy. I certainly do not want to diminish the importance of the board meeting; I simply want to place policy learning in proper perspective.
Anna is passionate about fairness, honesty, and balance in school government. Anna wants parents, community leaders, and teachers to have a voice in the decision-making process. She views the leadership in school councils as a valuable measure in restoring and maintaining fairness, honesty, and balance.
The school council idea is an effective idea in theory; however, in practice, it has proven fruitless and disappointing.
As a former school council member, I am excited at the prospect of taking advantage of this under-utilized resource, and I applaud Anna’s desire for shared decision-making.
I also wish to alleviate Ms. Page’s concern about Anna’s family having “so much control” in educational matters. After spending years of my professional life begging parents to become more involved in their children’s education, it is heartening to see a family who cares enough to serve so passionately.
As educators, we should encourage people who are willing to give of themselves to our children’s future, not lambaste them because they belong to a family with more than one member willing to serve the community without pay.
Anna is an advocate for students, teachers, and parents, and Toombs County needs someone like her who will listen closely to community concerns before making new policy.
Forums like this are an excellent way to express opinions and communicate ideas. So thank you, HeatherPage for providing interest in Anna Bullard’s campaign and giving me the opportunity to discuss at greater length her stellar qualifications. I am sure that once you get to know Anna better, you will feel more confident about her representing us on the school board.
My choice to remain anonymous is not due to embarrassment nor shame (of what?). I simply prefer to focus on Anna’s skills rather than my identification. I am sorry if that bothers you. I certainly thought you would understand since you have not chosen to identify yourself by your common name. Neither have you chosen to reveal that Anna’s opponent, “Mr. Kirkley” as you call him, is actually your father.
I am sure Mr. Kirkley is a nice man and avid churchgoer. And yes, his prior service gives him some degree of experience with board procedure, but learning about procedure is part of the job. Unlike your snide remarks, I have no desire to pick apart Mr. Kirkley’s qualifications or say anything negative about him. Instead, I would like the community to know what an excellent choice Anna would be for this job. Not only can I attest to her competence, I can say with assurance she is passionate about helping people and achieving success for our kids. She is a great manager and motivator. She is highly intelligent, honest, and fair. She loves her family, supports her husband, and has a wonderful Christian attitude. I have known Anna for several years. Although I am a bit older than her, I have come to appreciate the incredible maturity and diligence that she has. I believe that God has instilled a level of leadership in her that is unique among us all.
I suppose being qualified means different things to different people. To me, it means being eligible for something because you have reached a certain standard. There is no argument that Anna has reached and gone beyond the standard. Going to meetings where most issues have already been decided (I have seen this first hand) does not solely qualify one for reaching the standard. As for her political connections, Anna is much too proactive in her efforts to rely on simple dinner table conversations to attain her knowledge. Her interest in education policy was heightened when she discovered her daughter was autistic. As Anna researched her child’s education options, she became more than a little “familiar” with federal, state and local education policy including No Child Left Behind. I regret that I was not more clear on that. Impressively, she has studied this infamous Act so that she can provide knowledgeable answers to parental questions. Anna regards authority with respect, but she clearly does not let others think for her. She has worked with legislators other than her uncle on state law projects like Senate Bill 10, she has procured valuable contacts within the State Board of Education in order to help parents and she has actually listened to the needs of students/parents in our area. Through all of this, Anna came to recognize a key ingredient lacking in our board as well as others across the state: communication. Taxpayers, teachers and parents often find themselves with little voice in the policies that affect them and their children. I agree with her that this is frustrating and unnecessary. I noticed that you were concerned that she does not support teachers and staff. Perhaps it is because, as Mr. Kirkley’s daughter, you have a difficult time listening. From what I can tell, Anna’s entire campaign is built on her desire to have teachers and parents be more involved in the decision-making process and to promote a healthy education system for our children. I am very familiar with the level of excellence our local schools have achieved, and, like Anna, I appreciate the work our teachers do for what little support they get. However, I believe we can always do better. If we rest on our laurels, the system begins to fail. That is why I feel with Anna on board, we can continue to “increase” excellence.
I have been to many PTO meetings, but they do not produce efficient solutions for affecting school policy. The purpose of school councils is to balance and support the board by having a small group of community leaders, teachers and parents make suggestions for the board to consider. If you or your father would listen to these councils, past or present, you would hear the level of frustration that exists as their ideas are shuffled under the table. It is true that Anna’s father serves on ONE of the school councils. Having witnessed his dedication to this community only indicates that their family is committed to all around better living in Toombs County. If you feel this is a conflict, perhaps you should address other nepotism issues such as the fact that multiple board members/superintendent have immediate family members in some of the higher paid positions in the county, yourself included. The phrase “the pot calling the kettle black” comes to mind….
I am absolutely aware of the budget cuts, and I do know Senator Williams. I recently sat in on a state budget and school funding discussion that was planned for all teachers in our community. Perhaps you should have attended with other teachers that came. He helped us see that budget cuts due to a slow economy are effecting all state departments. Like Anna, he indicated he is a proponent for open communication between those that serve and those that are effected by their service. BTW, I received notice of the waiver in question in mid October. I just assumed all faculty had received the same notice.
NCLB has left many teachers with a downfall of paperwork and regulations that I believe have hindered the traditional role of teachers being teachers. While this federal legislation cannot be altered on a state or local level, it is exactly the reason why we need active board members like Anna searching for solutions to difficult situations. You make a great point when you say you don’t have time to sit around and wait for someone to tell you about legislation. This is so true, and we parents would rather you be doing your job. That is exactly why it is so important that we elect someone like Anna to represent us on the board. She has the energy and motivation to research legislation, grasp rules/policy and work WITH teachers to come up with creative solutions amid law requirements. Anna recognizes that teachers in the classroom have the best knowledge of what does and doesn’t work.
Finally, to satisfy your curiosity, it is true Anna’s autistic daughter did attend the 3 year old program at Robert Toombs Christian Academy for five months. Her Behavior Analyst believed that the early intervention of a general education program would bring the most success for her daughter’s future. Since the Toombs County School System does not offer a program for 3 year olds, Anna chose wisely to allow her daughter to participate in one elsewhere. Because of her efforts, her daughter is currently in PreK at Toombs Central Elementary with big sis Ellie right down the hall in kindergarten. Anna looks out for the best interest of every child. She is a hero for many because she has the guts to ask questions and find real answers.
I will make sure that Anna is aware of this blog. I am sure if you have questions or if you wish to test her knowledge and skill, she will be more than happy to comply… that is just the kind of leader she is.
I can appreciate your encouragement to pray. We should never underestimate God’s desire to hear prayers for leadership and those in authority.
Well let me start off by saying I have known Mr. Kirkley for about 30 years. He is one of the most honest, caring, and concerned citizens I know. I would gladly and with no hesitation put my THREE children in his hands as far as their education and general well-being is concerned. I will not say anything negative about Anna as such I do not know who she is. The only thing I will say is from reading the blogs above, and being a regular education teacher in a Toombs County School, I do worry that she is not concerned about all the children in the school system, just a certain subgroup. I applaud her dedication to her children, but as a parent to a gifted child and a regular education child (the third is not in school yet) I wonder what change she will bring for my children. Now back to Mr. Kirkley, I have spoken with him several times about different problems I have had working in this county and he has always, ALWAYS taken the time to listen and he has always legitimized my concerns. He has always taken action and I know this first hand. He never made me feel as if I didn’t count. I also know, as a college educated person, that when we have a school board that consists of several people that one person can’t make changes. There is a such thing as majority rules and when one person stands alone there is not much that can be done, whether it is Mr. Kirkley standing or Anna Bullard standing. There is an old saying”Choose your battles wisely” and I do believe that Mr. Kirkley has the maturity to heed that warning. I also know that no one knows what goes on in the closed sessions and who says what, other than those that are in the room. I do believe that we need some change on the school board, but I DO NOT AGREE that the change needs to occur in district six. As a teacher, parent and tax paying citizen I stand behing Mr. Kirkley and hope that voters will make the right choice on Dec. 2. And I will be snide for just a moment because there was one comment that needs to be corrected. Heather Page does not have a job at the board office and she does not make any more money than me. She is a school counselor and as you know from all of your knowledge about budget cuts her job is on the line for next year so she is currently adding to her certificate so she can go back in the classroom if need be. Once again I will state that the change you are looking for does not need to start with Mr. Kirkley—look elsewhere!!!
I am Tommie’s (Senator Williams) wife, and I can assure those concerned that Anna’s knowledge about education is due to her own determination. As someone above put it she is “passionate” about education and about helping other people. Someone who has passion for what they do will learn whatever it takes to do the job well. Plus, they will go above and beyond what is called for to succeed.
I also want to point out that Anna, too, has three children that will be in the Toombs County School System. Only one of her children has special needs. The other two will fall into the regular and/or gifted education category. In fact, because of Anna’s efforts, her special needs child is now in a typical classroom and even has a promising future of earning the gifted title. Anna has compassion for all children. She would never put importance of one child’s needs above another - with her own children or ours. She is very fair and balanced. In fact, she, like other parents I have talked to, does not agree with board decisions in the past that are discouraging to ambitious students (i.e. the No Grade Below 60 Policy that asks teachers to go against their Professional Standards ethics and show kids it is okay to fabricate grades instead of working hard to achieve them).
I agree with hellokitty that our schools need to be careful to serve and inspire ALL students to higher goals. It bothers me when our local system lowers the bar to meet federal mandates. The old, apathetic “our hands are tied” response just doesn’t work anymore because I know that there are plenty of creative ways to inspire teachers, motivate students and (try to!) foster parental involvement. I am not saying it is an easy route, but it is a route. Low income schools in our state are already showing improvement despite regulations from the “higher-ups.” I know Anna, and I trust that she will always be looking for policies that will not penalize those students who work hard and strive to achieve.
I don’t believe that Anna feels her opponent is doing a terrible job. She understands the board is often thrust into making difficult decisions. She just knows she has the inner push to do an excellent job and that change starts with one person. She is running for the position more than she is running against a “bad” candidate. I am sure she will stand alone on some issues, although I do not feel she intends to all out “battle the board.” But board members are there to represent their district, not agree with a majority to prevent standing alone.
Regardless of who you all select, just get out and vote. Early voting begins this week at the registrar’s office.
When one person leads the way, others will follow.
I was told to look at this website by an educator within the Toombs County School System. I listened to the podcast and tallied just how many times certain phrases were said by Mrs. Bullard…..she isn’t a public speaker by trade. I am not here to bash Mrs. Bullard because I believe she has been misinformed on what she will be able to do for our schools. I don’t mean this to sound in any way that Mr. Kirkley would be able to do these particular things either. I just want people to remember that one person cannot do much on a school board. She is telling people that she can promise there will be money from her Uncle Tommie for certain things, etc. I cannot even think of a comment for that one. She has told some that she will make sure that teachers get raises…..that’s not possible…even if she really wanted to.
Mr. Kirkley has always ran a fair race. He has always paid for his campaign out of his own pocket….all on his own (as far as I know anyway). I know that he has never made empty promises. He has been in there since his oldest grandchild began kindergarten. He has seen our system succeed in many ways and has been a part of all of it. He has a passion for all children as well. He not only is concerned for his grandchildren, but other children too….mine included! He is always available…never minds phone calls….never minds helping in any way. He has listened to me before and supported in a very hard choice that had to be made concerning my child at school. He supports not only the children, but the teachers and staff too. He is present at all the schools at some time or another. He goes to PTO meetings, school functions, and makes sure that he is present even at schools his grandchildren do not attend. He has a daughter who is employed with the school system so he knows the hardships that teachers and staff have sometimes. I see on this blog that some don’t care about the Christian aspects. I won’t even attempt to fight the religion fight here. Someone bigger than me will take that one up one day.
I am sorry that e.hudson believes that Mr. Kirkley doesn’t care about the community and children….obviously e.hudson doesn’t even know him. You say he’s a “yes man” to Dr. Brantley. Have you even taken the time to look up board minutes on the web? If you would do that you’d see that many times Mr. Kirkley has gone against Dr. Brantley…sometimes against the whole board. In reply to e.hudson saying that Mr. Kirkley said it “wasn’t in his best interest to participate” in the forum. Do you know why he wasn’t there? He had a prior engagement with the Gideons which is very much involved in. That meeting had been planned (from what I understand) a long time before the forum that would have turned out like this blog. It is NOT in Mr. Kirkley’s character to act as such. He is who he is….and if you don’t know him, you’ve missed a blessing. Again, e.hudson this may not be the topic (Christianity) that you don’t want to hear, but again I will not fight the religion fight….again there will be someone else to answer to for that. Lastly, e.hudson, you addressed Mrs. Page as “Daddy’s Girl”. What a wonderful compliment. As a female myself there is absolutely no better compliment between a woman/girl/young lady and her father. If a woman/girl/young lady isn’t considered a “daddy’s girl”, no matter their age, they either had a non-existent relationship with their father or a terrible relationship with their father.
Now to Mrs. Bullard…she says that she is concerned for all children. I’m sure she is. I understand that she has 3 children, one who is special needs and 2 in regular education. Because of that I am sure she is thinking of all children. I know for a fact that she is very involved at Toombs Central with her children. I know for a fact that her children are doing well in school…all 3 of them. I do commend her for striving to do the best for her children.
Mrs. Bullard comes from a good family and I believe it would be fair to say that she too is a “daddy’s girl”—I don’t think she’d mind me saying that either. Many people know of her grandfather Mr. Coogan Williams, and just about everyone knows of her father, Clint and yes her Uncle Tommie. Because of knowing these fine folks it concerns me deeply of the things she is promising. That’s why I believe she has been misinformed. She wouldn’t do that intentionally I don’t think.
Her husband works at LUES and LPS as the music teacher so I know she too is aware of the hardships educators have sometimes. My son has Mr. Bullard as a teacher and likes him very much. I believe both of them have a good heart and mean well.
I am worried about this run-off. It seems to have become a “fight” when really it shouldn’t be at all. It should be a fair campaign…not one attacking character and morals such as what e.hudson has done. I believe if Anna knew who e.hudson was she’d probably ask them not to anymore…..maybe she has. I don’t think she’d stand for that type of attack on someone she doesn’t really know in her defense….even if it’s meant to aid her in her campaign.
Mr. Kirkley has held the office for the past 8 years and hasn’t done anything “wrong”. He is simply fighting to keep his position for the best interest of everyone.
Mrs. Bullard is fighting to get the position…..but hopefully it’s not for any hidden agendas.
From the sounds of this blog and from the crazy idea of a semi ad, you’d think someone was running for some HUGE office….let’s keep in my mind what is really being fought for.
I wasn’t going to reply anymore to this because it had become more than a simple “debate”. There is a huge difference in questioning one’s ability, agenda(s), and experience AND attacking one’s family and character. I will say “hudson” that you borderline slander.
I believe that it is very obvious you (hudson) are someone who is more unhappy with Mr. Brantley than you really are anything else and you found this as an outlet for that anger, disappointment, and discouragement.
I agree with “matthews” when he/she says that being called a “daddy’s girl” is a compliment. Thank you “hudson”, that was a compliment. I don’t mind saying that I love my father. He (and my mom)raised me in a wonderful, loving home….with support and encouragement. Yes, I am a “Daddy’s Girl”.
You (hudson) mentioned my jealously of her family…..that is simply not true. It isn’t jealousy that I am mentioning it is the fact that my father has done all of his campaigning on his own, financially, and physically (except for the day of the election when I helped). He has not relied on others. That, “hudson” is nothing in the world to do with jealousy.
As you mentioned, we shouldn’t discuss religion. Your reply is far from modeling Christian attributes as well. Only God knows where you stand. Only God knows where I stand. We’ll leave that to Him.
You mention that I asked why her children are at Robert Toombs….you didn’t read very carefully. I asked why WERE they at Robert Toombs….if she is so supportive of our schools? I have received that answer already and it was that the child(ren) were in Robert Toombs’s 3-year old program “because there wasn’t one available in our system”—that’s what I was told. However, as her aunt describes the issue in her blog, the answer is given. Well, our system does have a program and it is housed at our board office and is known as the PIP Program. This obviously wasn’t the same program the Bullard’s wanted for their child(ren) so I won’t argue about that.
“Anonymous” made a remark “Perhaps it is because, as Mr. Kirkley’s daughter, you have a difficult time listening.” Did you know that I do not work at the board office (as someone mentioned) and “thank you” hellokitty for the support on the fact that I don’t have a “higher paying job”. I’m right there with the rest of you! I can listen all day, but my job will not help anyone even if I do listen to them about concerns within our system. I am on the front lines like everyone else. As far as my dad listening…..you obviously haven’t talked with him. Because you’ve not taken that opportunity, I won’t go any further.
Also, I chose to use my given name “just because”. It left enough that I wasn’t hidden. You knew who I was……unlike you, even though you wrote enough to leave some subtle hints….I have a couple of ideas…..(doesn’t matter though).
Hellokitty brings up the point of needing change, but not in District 6. I so much agree. We need to start in Atlanta with those changes. Some of the people making the laws and helping pass the laws have NEVER been in education before! How scary that is!
I appreciate the “fair” debate amongst the rest of those listed on this blog. It has been a learning experience as well as an eye-opener about different people and their opinions.
Get off of this thing and go vote!!!
My prayers are with my dad and Anna!
a poem
If you want your child to be in pain
Vote for Wayne
If you want your leadership to be murky
Vote for Kirkley
VOTE ANNA WILLIAMS BULLARD!!!
I have been teaching in the Toombs County School System for about three years now, and it has actually shocked me how challenging the job really is. It has also shocked me to see how vital my role is in the lives of so many students. To have the support of anyone is valued by us all. I commend all who work hard to bring about relevant change to any system. We all know that family values are declining as a whole within the nation, so to hear of families who long for the improvement of a school system is so encouraging to a teacher. We need more strong families in Toombs County to step up, be an influence, and take action.
I have been a friend to the Bullards and Williams family for about 7 years. I have watched Naoh and Anna raise three beautiful girls and be advocates for change in Toombs County. As I have read the blog, listened to debates, and watched the election closely, I have been reminded of something worth mentioning about Mrs Bullard. Many bloggers have mentioned the fact that Anna has a child who was diagnosed with autism, but there has been no mention of the actual action she took after discovering the news.
Like any parents who find out that their child is autistic, the Bullards knew it wasn’t going to be an easy road. But instead of denying the facts or sulking with self pity, they both stood strong together and started taking the necessary action to aid in their child’s welfare. For months they did tons of research on autism, visited many doctors and specialists, and looked for effective educational programs. Shortly after, they discovered a successful education program for autistic children, ABA therapy (Applied Behavioral Analysis). Since Savannah was the closest place that offered ABA training for autistic children, for a year Mrs. Bullard and her three daughters lived in Savannah during the week and drove back on the weekends. This was quite a sacrifice for the Bullards, but they wanted what was best for their little girl. While Ava was going through the program is was remarkable how quickly she advanced. First, she began talking, something that she might not be able to do without proper training, and then she began socializing with others, something that autistic children struggle with the most. Her improvement was astonishing.
Because they saw how effective ABA therepy was for Ava, they decided to try and bring it into the Toombs County System. This was not an easy task. Mrs. Bullard had to go to many different people in order for this to happen. I believe that it was during this process, that she saw a need for someone to give parents a voice in the school system. But before the ABA training was able to come into play into the system, Mrs. Bullard took action herself to help other parents with autistic children. She started an Autistic Awareness group in Toombs County. It has been meeting once a month for about a year now. She has helped many parents who thought there was no hope for their child.
I personally attended the first Autistic Awareness meeting held by Mrs. Bullard. One of my autistic student’s mom was present. After hearing Anna’s testimony, the mom was able to relate to her story in many ways and was in tears. They were tears of hope, not tears of sadness, but of HOPE. Tears she had not cried in quite some time. Warmed by these mothers’ thoughts, I was moved myself, and knew that helping children in anyway possible was what I wanted to do with my life.
This story proves that Mrs. Bullard won’t just stop at helping her own children, but all children in the Toombs County System. It proves that she has endured hardships, found answers, and brought them back to her community. This story proves that Mrs. Bullard is determined to make Toombs County the best it can be. I have heard her say quite often that the Toombs County System should have the advantages that bigger cities schools, such as in Savannah and Atlanta, offer students. I agree whole heartedly.
I am in contact with the Bullards quite often, and I can say that all three of her girls are extremely unique, respectful, and a pleasure to be around. Even at young ages, it is obvious that these girls are “gifted” in many different ways. As a teacher, when children are this successful, we know that we can point fingers at the success of the parents.
I have spoken with Mrs. Bullard concerning some issues at our school, and she is always quick to listen and then quick to think of ways to improve situations. She has told me numerous times that she wants our voices as teachers, staff, and parents to be heard. Aren’t we the ones who are involved in the lives of these students?
Mrs. Bullard’s actions has not only made a difference within the community, but it has personally changed my outlook on being a teacher and one day a mom. This is a woman of influence. A woman and mom who would not only serve well on our school board, but one who would be a good influence to others in the community. Even though she is young, she is bold and committed to Toombs County. This scripture comes to mind when thinking about Mrs. Bullard. “Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but be an example for other believers in your speech, behavior, love, faithfulness, and purity.” (1 Tim. 4:12)
As of now there are no moms or women on the Toombs County School Board, only men. To an average person this might not be a big deal, but to an educator it is, simply because the majority of teachers and staff in the Toombs County schools are women and moms. And usually, it is the moms who come to PTO meetings, conferences, school lunches, and other school related functions. It is then obvious that there should be at least one Mom who has a strong voice and who can help make important decisions that effect our entire school system. What a better mom than Mrs. Anna Bullard. Go and vote Tuesday, December 2nd for Anna Bullard as your School Board Representative.
Want someone good enough for Atlanta?
Vote for Anna!
Want district 6 to be way cooler?
Vote for Bullard!
Ain’t it time for some major change?
Don’t vote Wayne!
Sick of mud-slinging and politicing dirty?
Don’t vote Kirkley!
VOTE ANNA WILLIAMS BULLARD!!!