Randall Holland
Randall Holland, BOE district 1 candidate
Post seeking: Barrow County Board of Education District 1
Career/occupation:
Retired general manager for A&P and Big Star, where I served for 33 years. I am presently employed by Sell Ethics Marketing Group.
Describe your background:
- Served 13 Years with Statham City Council
- Served 23.5 years as a Barrow County School Board Member (vice chairman - 2 years, chairman - 5 years)
- Served 3 terms on the Governmental Operations Committee for the Georgia School Board Association
•If the E-SPLOST referendum fails, will you vote for a property tax increase to service the school system’s debt?
Because of the dedication of Barrow County citizens to support education with ESPLOST, we have been able to provide additional classrooms and remodeled facilities for our students, as well as pay bond debt. Our system still has bond debts and facilities to service, so if the ESPLOST doesn't pass, I see no other option other than raising the millage rate. However, I have full confidence that the voters will support the ESPLOST referendum for the children of Barrow County (as they have in the past), as we strive for excellence for this county. The ESPLOST is not a raise in taxes, only a continuation of a sales tax provided by our citizens.
•What are your plans to deal with budget constraints in a way that will preserve quality instruction for Barrow students?
1. I believe we can save money on books and materials by taking advantage of internet resources and the unique Internet 2 technology provided for our schools in conjunction with Georgia Tech University. At this time we are the only county being provided with this tool that allows us to take advantage of worldwide education resources.
2. Teamwork: The school board is committed to working together with the superintendent and the leadership team to ensure that all money saving options are considered. Each department in the county will be expected to maintain their budget under strict guidelines from the superintendent and the board.
3. We are in the process of making sure that no direct instruction is cut. To do this, we have made budget cuts in areas such as maintenance, transportation, and central office personnel. Our students' learning is the priority, and our teachers need to have the Board's full support.
Every area of our system needs be responsible and save so that we can improve our end of the year fund balance. I believe that a quarterly meeting between the board and each department is necessary to ensure that each department is being held accountable for its budget.
•What are the three biggest issues that Barrow County Schools must address over the next five years?
1. The economy: lack of property tax income, how to budget during tough economic times.
2. Continuing improvement of graduation rates and test scores.
3. Growth and building programs.
Retired general manager for A&P and Big Star, where I served for 33 years. I am presently employed by Sell Ethics Marketing Group.
Describe your background:
- Served 13 Years with Statham City Council
- Served 23.5 years as a Barrow County School Board Member (vice chairman - 2 years, chairman - 5 years)
- Served 3 terms on the Governmental Operations Committee for the Georgia School Board Association
•If the E-SPLOST referendum fails, will you vote for a property tax increase to service the school system’s debt?
Because of the dedication of Barrow County citizens to support education with ESPLOST, we have been able to provide additional classrooms and remodeled facilities for our students, as well as pay bond debt. Our system still has bond debts and facilities to service, so if the ESPLOST doesn't pass, I see no other option other than raising the millage rate. However, I have full confidence that the voters will support the ESPLOST referendum for the children of Barrow County (as they have in the past), as we strive for excellence for this county. The ESPLOST is not a raise in taxes, only a continuation of a sales tax provided by our citizens.
•What are your plans to deal with budget constraints in a way that will preserve quality instruction for Barrow students?
1. I believe we can save money on books and materials by taking advantage of internet resources and the unique Internet 2 technology provided for our schools in conjunction with Georgia Tech University. At this time we are the only county being provided with this tool that allows us to take advantage of worldwide education resources.
2. Teamwork: The school board is committed to working together with the superintendent and the leadership team to ensure that all money saving options are considered. Each department in the county will be expected to maintain their budget under strict guidelines from the superintendent and the board.
3. We are in the process of making sure that no direct instruction is cut. To do this, we have made budget cuts in areas such as maintenance, transportation, and central office personnel. Our students' learning is the priority, and our teachers need to have the Board's full support.
Every area of our system needs be responsible and save so that we can improve our end of the year fund balance. I believe that a quarterly meeting between the board and each department is necessary to ensure that each department is being held accountable for its budget.
•What are the three biggest issues that Barrow County Schools must address over the next five years?
1. The economy: lack of property tax income, how to budget during tough economic times.
2. Continuing improvement of graduation rates and test scores.
3. Growth and building programs.
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