Kimberley Baker was previously profiled when she announced her intention to run in December 2011. Read about her here.
Brad Smith, Incumbent
Background
•Home: 31-year Rockdale resident (during a 21-year Air Force career, he maintained Rockdale residency through much of it) and 1984 Heritage High School graduate.
•Family: daughter Jennifer, a 2011 HHS graduate; and son Alex, HHS rising Class of 2013.
•Career: Retired Air Force First Sergeant; current owner of Olde Town Awards, previously Elf Engraving, and city of Covington fireman.
•Other leadership positions: Chief Enlisted Sergeant for 350 troops reporting to Commander; President of Pope Air Force Base Sergeant’s Council; Treasurer, Olde Town Conyers Business Council; Leadership Rockdale Class of 2007.
Why he’s running:
“During Leadership Rockdale, I was drawn to the education segments. We went to a board meeting, and I just kept going for the next 14 or 15 months before I ran for my first BOE term. I wanted to do my civic duty and help my community — but I didn’t want to be a politician — what I’ve been doing, I want to continue to do.”
Key Issues:
“The first priority is finding a new superintendent. Dr. King brought us leaps and bounds. He was one of the best things to happen to our school system in a long time. We need to maintain the quality of education for students of Rockdale County — continue to exceed standards and strive for higher achievement.”
“Fixing discipline issues — lack of control in some high school classrooms — and back up for our teachers by their administrative staff.”
For more details, visit brad4rockdaleboe.com.
Timothy D. Williams
Background
•Home: Tuskegee, Ala., native and Rockdale resident of seven years.
•Family: Wife, children Darryl, 24; Courtney, 19; Miles, 10, a rising 6th grader at Edwards Middle School.
•Career: Air Force Staff Sergeant and Iraqi War veteran, self-employed marketing consultant for the last 15 years, as well as RCPS substitute teacher for the last four years.
•Other leadership positions: Deacon at Antioch Baptist Church in Lithonia.
Why he’s running:
“I see some problems with kids being left behind. A lot of our policy is working and a lot of it isn’t.”
Key Issues:
“The demographics are changing in the schools, and we need to make sure the teachers understand it. We want to keep and support good teachers and a disciplined environment and make sure the BOE is in tune with the teachers.”
“I’d like to see more people take advantage of the Rockdale Career Academy because not everyone’s going to college. A lot of parents don’t understand all the benefits — it’s a model for the state of Georgia. Their child can come out trained and know how to work so they can become a productive citizen. That’s the kind of student I want to put out here.”
UPDATE:
Dr. Patrick Coppock withdrew his bid for Post 2 BOE citing increasing responsibilities in other areas of his life.
