At–Large BOE Member Seeking Re–Election

Contributed article – by Jayne Griffin

I, Jayne O’Neal Griffin, am pleased to announce my candidacy for re-election to the Dade County School Board. The goal of a school board is to create policies and provide the financial support necessary to ensure students’ success. During the last four years, I have developed a deeper understanding of the financial, personnel, and academic resources needed for our students to succeed. My love and appreciation for our community, along with the knowledge I have gained from working with local school leadership and attending Georgia School Board Association trainings during these last four years would guide my work during a second term on the Dade County Board of Education.

It is my belief that our students thrive and are able to compete in today’s world when they and school staff see and feel the support of this community. I have been thrilled to see how willing the community is to support a vision that allows our students to see “beyond the mountains” as they prepare for a successful life in a continually changing world. School Board leadership that connects the community with our schools is critical for our students. Our students benefit from the resources provided by our community and the community benefits when they see the amazing work being done by our students, teachers and leadership.

Two priorities are necessary for our kids to be successful. First and foremost, our children must be kept safe physically and emotionally. Our kids need to feel protected, cared for, and cared about in order to succeed. This protection requires financial resources for facilities, policies and professional training that ensure our children have physical and emotional safety nets. The second priority is for our children to develop an understanding of basic academic concepts, especially in math and reading. Literacy in all subjects begins with our children’s earliest school experiences, and it is the responsibility of a school board to be thoughtful in providing personnel and resources that can identify and address learning gaps in children. As a school board, our goal has to be that all children achieve their potential.

I believe my professional and educational background has prepared me for this service. Prior to my retirement in 2022, I was an educator for 45 years. The first 20 of those years were spent as a classroom teacher, and the last 25 years of my career were spent in educational administration at an executive level. As an educational administrator, I had the privilege of leading a staff of 60 educators and was responsible for making sound financial decisions that affected over 300,000 students, parents and educators annually.

My work has made me a leader, educator and a continuous learner. I have earned masters and doctorate degrees in educational administration and leadership and have been honored to serve on several executive boards. One of my greatest joys comes from teaching an adult Sunday School class and serving in a volunteer leadership role at Trenton Methodist Church. I believe these work and educational experiences have prepared me to ask thoughtful questions and make informed responses to a variety of educational challenges.

Dade County has been part of my family’s heritage for over 150 years. In 1980, my parents made Dade County their home and in 1998, my husband, son, and I also made Dade County our home. It has been an honor to serve the Dade County community which has offered so much to my family for so many years.

I believe in the democratic voting process and am honored to have qualified as a candidate for the District 5 At-Large position on the Board of Education for Dade County Schools. I would appreciate your vote as we continue to work together to offer the highest and best for our children and the Dade County community.