David Dekle announced on Tuesday, Feb. 27, his desire to run for re-election to continue acting as the chairman for Columbia County’s Board of Education.
Starting out his time on the board as a District 1 representative in January 2013, Dekle was first elected as chairman seven years ago.
Throughout his time on the board, Dekle said the county has “flourished” under the leadership of former Superintendent Sandra Carraway and current Superintendent Steven Flynt.
“We have seen improvements in our graduation rates and overall student achievement while consistently maintaining or lowering our millage rate,” Dekle stated via an email announcing his candidacy. “… our building program has produced new elementary schools and multiple school additions to accommodate growth and replace aging structures.”
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Fellow board member Judy Teasley said she hopes Dekle is re-elected as she believes changing leadership might impede the county’s 10-year building plan, which is currently implementing major renovations to Lakeside and Evans High School.
“With all that we have going on right now with our building program and with the goals that we have for instruction, I would hate to see us change horses in the middle of that stream,” she said. “So, hopefully he will be successful in the victory of his re-election.”
Teasley also said Dekle has been “faithful” with his attendance to Board of Education meetings and has paid great attention to the inner workings of the school district.
“He’s done a good job. He’s obviously demonstrated that the Board of Education and what happens in our schools is important to him,” she said. “He’s made sure that we are headed in the right direction, and he works well with others.”
Firmly believing in continuously improving education systems for the betterment of students and society, Dekle said he wants to persist in accomplishing the completion of significant initiatives.
“I deeply care about our school district and what it means to Columbia County,” he said. “We really have to work and be very intentional with budgeting and planning for the future.”
By working with “great educators” and “unsung heroes,” Dekle said has witnessed and learned of the county’s ability to bolster student achievement and meet instructional needs.
“But there is still much work to be done. I would like to continue to serve on the Board of Education as your chairman,” Dekle stated. “I thank my family, my fellow board members, our district administration, teachers and staff, and our citizens for allowing me to serve my community in this way.”
Liz Wright is a staff writer covering education, lifestyle and general assignments for The Augusta Press. Reach her at liz@theaugustapress.com
