Representing Everyone
I would like to start by saying that the race for the Columbia County School Board is a non-partisan race. It is about finding the person that is best for the position. It is about finding the person that understands education, is forward thinking, and has the experience and education to move Columbia County Schools into the 21st century. However, there is also the reality of the world we live in. We all have different opinions. No two people think the same way. That is what makes our society exciting. And terrifying. We can talk and debate and argue and scream at each other. Or we can combine our ideas to get to a place that is greater. I am sure that I have opinions that differ from many people. In fact, I know I do. Some of those ideas have to do with education. Many don’t. But, our combined voices are what can lead us forward. One thing I have learned is that the school board is supposed to represent the community. In the last election in Columbia County, almost 70% of the people voted for Donald Trump. That means that 30% didn’t. I am in that 30%. What do know is that right now, the school board leans, no, falls to the right. Does that represent all of the people in the county? Does that represent all of the points of view that we have? My point is that we need a diversity of voices in order to work through the complexities of our educational system. With this in mind, it is also important to reiterate that education is complicated. Discussion is necessary. Conversations need to be had. Differing opinions need to be represented. We are here to educate all of the children in the county and to represent all of the people in the county. Debates need to occur that consider various perspectives and aspects of life. But, the best part? It is a school board. It is made up for five people. No one person controls everything. Another opinion, another point of view that might look at things in a different way, can only benefit the decision making process. Both of the other candidates for the school board fit the mold of the current school board based on my knowledge of them. Of course they are each individuals with their own ideas, but they fit in with the majority in Columbia County. The thing is, in many ways, so do I. I care about the education of our children. I care about the community. I care about the people that live here. To be honest, I am sure there are things that I believe that would rub people the wrong way. But, we live in a complex democracy that values discussions, debate, and conversation. With my experience (11 years in public schools) and education (Master’s and doctorate in education), coupled with my knowledge of Columbia County Schools (I have taught many of the teachers in the district), I will be the person that allows us to consider complexities of education, not just because I am a good listener, but because I have a deep knowledge of both the practical side schools (teaching and administration), but also the theoretical side of education and the possibilities that are ahead of us. Most importantly, I will allow all of the residents of Columbia County to be represented. I am here for students and their learning. I want every student to succeed whether they are college bound, career prepared, or still not knowing what s/he wants out of life. A friend sent me a post the other day that said, “If we raise a test score, but fail to raise a reader, we have failed the child.” I think this is true on the broader sense. If we raise a test score, but fail to prepare a students for a successful, happy, and productive life in which they are active members of their community, we have failed the child. If you would like to know more, please contact me at drew@andrewtkemp.com or call at (706) 564-4541. You can also visit me at http://andrewtkemp.com/ or http://www.facebook.com/kemp4ccboe/ Please like my page. If you would like to donate so that I can visit your neighborhood, please help. https://secure.actblue.com/donate/kemp4ccboe/ Vote for Andrew Kemp for Columbia County School Board, District 3 on May 22. Early voting starts on April 30. -Drew #kemp4ccboe
1 Comment
7/20/2018 10:11:45 pm
I am rooting for you, Andrew Kemp. I've been following your social media accounts and I can definitely say that you are a good leader whose heart is ready to serve other people. You are right, Columbia County School Board is not a race, that's why the candidates should chill and not pressure themselves to it. But a competition is a competition. Some of the candidates will try to be so extra and will come up with dirty tactics. What's important is your morals and the idea by not being affected with everything that is happening around you.
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Andrew Kemp
With the exception of a year, I have been a teacher or a student for my entire life. I have taught on many different levels. I have been a middle school teacher (okay, for one semester for student teaching...because of this, I have a profound respect for middle school teachers), high school, undergraduates and graduate students. I have coached soccer in youth leagues and high school. Education is in my blood. Archives
November 2019
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