State school superintendent candidates to speak Feb. 8

Beth Farokhi and Brian Westlake will speak at 7:30 PM at the Golden Coral on May Street in Winder.

Brian Westlake holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and a Master's degree in sociology from Florida State University. He also holds a Juris Doctor degree from Georgia State University College of Law and a Master of Public Administration from the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies.

Regarding his candidacy for school superintendent, Westlake said, "Regardless of where a child lives, we must ensure that he or she is provided with a quality education. In recent years, state funding cuts have shifted a larger share of the burden of K-12 education funding to local school systems. The ability of local systems to absorb these increasing costs varies across the state and produces unequal opportunities for our children. Furthermore, these cuts have been made as enrollment in Georgia’s public schools continues to grow. These actions of our state leaders raise serious questions about our commitment to Georgia’s children. Funding for public education is an investment in our children’s future, and I will work tirelessly to reverse these troubling trends."

Dr. Beth Farokhi will also speak regarding her candidacy for the State Superintendent of Schools. Farokhi is a native of Augusta, Georgia where she attended public schools. She double majored in Elementary Education and Health and Physical Education at LaGrange College, received a M.A.T. from Emory University, and a doctorate in Higher Education from the University of Georgia.

"As State Superintendent of Schools I will be an advocate for our children, our parents, and our teachers,” said Dr. Farokhi. "I will provide leadership and vision so that every member of the education community, teachers, administrators, students, and parents will have the confidence in the path our public schools take."

The community is invited and encouraged to attend.