Alfred “Shivy” Brooks

The most important role of the Atlanta School Board is to hire, retain, and guide the superintendent and manage the budget of the Atlanta Public School system to achieve the best educational outcomes for every child in the city of Atlanta.

No

Yes. In my professional capacity, I have served as a high school classroom teacher for over 13 years. This hands-on experience has provided me with a deep understanding of the educational system, curriculum development, and the unique needs of both students and teachers. I've taught subjects such as economics, personal finance, and government, and I've witnessed the direct impact of educational policies on student outcomes, both before and during the pandemic. This practical experience has given me valuable insights into the challenges faced within our school system.

As an active classroom teacher, I possess qualifications suited for the Atlanta Public School Board. I hold a Public Policy degree from Georgia State University, with expertise in policy analysis and development. I've served as a Legislative Aide at the Georgia State Legislature. Beyond teaching, I've coached swimming and physical education at the YMCA and led a successful flag football team at Charles Drew Charter School. This firsthand education experience offers valuable insights into student and teacher needs. My role as Education Chair for SAND allowed me to advocate for educational equity and protect Benteen Elementary during rezoning battles. With a vast network of government connections in Atlanta and Georgia, I'm well-positioned to benefit students and the school system. I'm also an advocate for technology and entrepreneurship in education, empowering students for success in the modern world, including e-commerce and the creator economy.

My family's strong legacy in education, with my father's involvement in the National Education Association, fuels my dedication to advocating for teachers, students, and families as an Atlanta Public School Board candidate. The Bryce Brooks Foundation, established in memory of my son, embodies our commitment to community improvement, particularly for our youth. We provide free swimming lessons for all ages, offering essential lifeguard certification opportunities for high school students, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to their community. Additionally, our foundation awards college scholarships to Atlanta Public Schools graduates, ensuring their path to higher education and the betterment of our community.

A piece of art that is inspiring me right now is the poem "If" by Rudyard Kipling. This poem, with its timeless wisdom and guidance, has always been a source of inspiration and motivation for many, including myself. "If" imparts valuable life lessons about perseverance, resilience, and maintaining a sense of balance and composure in the face of adversity. It reminds me to stay determined and keep moving forward, regardless of the challenges that may come my way. One of the lines from "If" that particularly resonates with me is: "If you can dream—and not make dreams your master; If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim;" These lines encourage me to have dreams and aspirations but not to become consumed by them, to maintain a clear and rational mind while pursuing my goals. This poem serves as a timeless source of inspiration, encouraging me to approach life with a sense of purpose and determination. It reminds me to stay humble, adaptable, and focused on my goals, which are important values to carry with me in any creative or personal endeavor.

Prioritizing "Literacy Proficiency" as the top goal for the Atlanta School Board is crucial. Literacy forms the foundation for effective learning across subjects. To achieve this goal, we should train teachers in evidence-based reading methods, reduce screen time in favor of physical books, and implement early literacy initiatives. Involving parents in their child's literacy development and using regular assessments for targeted interventions are key steps. This focus on literacy proficiency will lead to improved reading skills, better educational outcomes, and a brighter future for all students.

The new superintendent for Atlanta should exhibit:

1. Strong Educational Leadership: A proven history of enhancing student achievement and school performance, coupled with expertise in teaching and learning best practices. They should provide strategic direction to the district.

2. Classroom/Administrative Experience: Significant classroom or administrative background, ideally within Atlanta's educational landscape, for insights into local challenges, opportunities, and community needs.

3. In-Depth Knowledge of Neighborhoods: A comprehensive understanding of Atlanta's diverse neighborhoods, including their unique characteristics, challenges, and strengths. This knowledge is vital for tailoring educational strategies to ensure equity and inclusivity.

To evaluate the next Superintendent's success and hold the School Board accountable, we should focus on specific categories:

1. Academic Achievement (Literacy as #1 factor)

2. Operational Efficiency

3. Community Engagement

4. Equity and Inclusion

5. School Board Support

These areas provide a well-rounded framework for assessing the Superintendent's performance and ensuring accountability in various crucial aspects of school district leadership.

Atlanta Public Schools should prioritize increasing teacher compensation, with a target of at least $65,000 annually. To fund this, a budget reallocation is vital. Currently, 60% of funds go to the central office, leaving only 40% for classrooms. Flipping this distribution, with a greater share for classrooms and teacher support, ensures existing resources are invested in quality education and competitive salaries. Efficiency in administrative spending and external resources can further aid this without straining the budget. Elevating teacher compensation is an investment in students' future, enhancing academic outcomes and equity in Atlanta's education system.

When making financial decisions on behalf of the people I represent, a fundamental principle that will guide my choices is Long-term Sustainability.

I will always assess the long-term impact of financial decisions on the district's financial sustainability. This means carefully considering how budget choices today will affect the district's financial health in the future. I'm dedicated to ensuring that investments made today benefit students and communities district-wide for years to come,. My focus is on the greater good and long-term prosperity of Atlanta Public Schools as a whole.

The existing compensation structure for educational staff, especially the low salaries for teachers and support roles, demands immediate attention. It leads to teacher retention challenges and affects the quality of education.

To address this issue, I propose raising the base salary for teachers to a minimum of $65,000 annually. This provides competitive and equitable compensation, recognizing the value of their work. Additionally, supporting paraprofessionals in pursuing certification as teachers can address shortages and provide career growth opportunities. Further, investing in teachers' professional development, including support for advanced degrees, aligns pay with qualifications and experience.

These measures will create a more appealing and stable educational environment, benefiting both students and dedicated professionals. Improving compensation is essential for enhancing education quality and the well-being of everyone in the education system.

The policy change in the Atlanta Public School Charter to include active classroom teachers on the board is a positive step in the right direction. It allows the voices of those with post-pandemic teaching experience to shape policy, resulting in improved outcomes for students, a better climate for teachers, and more practical, effective policy-making. This inclusive approach recognizes the vital role teachers play in the education system and demonstrates a commitment to their well-being and professional expertise.

A key partnership that the School Board needs to cultivate is a partnership with MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) to provide free transportation for students. This partnership would have a significant impact on students, their families, and the entire school community. By offering free transportation through MARTA, the School Board can ensure that students, especially those from underserved communities, have reliable and affordable access to their schools. This would reduce transportation-related barriers that often hinder students' ability to attend school regularly and promote attendance and punctuality, ultimately improving educational outcomes. Additionally, this partnership would contribute to reducing traffic congestion around schools, benefiting not only students and their families but also the broader community by minimizing traffic-related issues in school zones.

I'm committed to open and inclusive communication, actively seeking input through town hall meetings, both in-person and virtual, to ensure all voices are heard and valued. I recognize the importance of community outreach, actively engaging with local organizations and businesses to understand neighborhood-specific needs and foster collaborative decision-making.

Additionally, I believe in hands-on involvement by visiting schools, attending events, and building relationships with students, teachers, and administrators. Collaboration with government entities at various levels and maintaining transparency and accountability are integral to my approach. Online platforms, including social media, will complement these efforts, expanding our reach and keeping constituents informed in real-time.

Enhancing transparency within the Atlanta Public School Board presents a valuable opportunity, particularly in sharing the superintendent's expected metrics and outcomes with the public. To achieve this, the School Board should clearly define the superintendent's expectations, ensuring they align with the district's strategic plan and educational priorities. These expectations must be made publicly available.

Furthermore, open avenues for community feedback and engagement, such as forums, surveys, and public hearings, should be encouraged to provide the public with a voice in the superintendent's evaluation. Conducting an annual evaluation of the superintendent's performance and making the results public, will ensure accountability. Should the superintendent fall short of the established metrics, clear communication about corrective actions will demonstrate a commitment to improving educational leadership.

Equity entails the proactive commitment to leveling the playing field, ensuring that individuals receive fair and just access to opportunities and resources, particularly in acknowledgment and redress of historical and systemic inequalities, particularly within the realm of education and opportunities.

The concept of equity will play a pivotal role in my responsibilities as a School Board member. I am dedicated to ensuring that every corner of the district receives equitable attention and resources, instead of specific clusters receiving disproportionate focus. My aim is to address historical disparities and prioritize underserved communities, guaranteeing that all students have access to a high-quality education, regardless of their location or background. Equity will be a guiding principle in my decision-making to create a more inclusive and balanced educational system throughout the district.