19/05/2026
Today is Election Day.
Before anything else, I simply want to say thank you.
Over the course of this campaign, I have spent countless hours listening, asking questions, researching, attending meetings, reviewing budgets, and having conversations with the people who live this work every day.
I have met teachers who are exhausted but deeply committed to their students. Parents who want to feel informed, involved, and heard. Students who are bright, capable, and full of potential. Taxpayers who expect accountability because they work hard for every dollar they earn.
This campaign was never about slogans or political theater for me. It was about understanding the real challenges facing our schools and putting forward thoughtful, tangible ideas based on what I learned from this community.
Together, we discussed literacy rates and the importance of reading proficiency by third grade. We talked about consistency in curriculum implementation, the role of instructional coaches, parental involvement, fiscal responsibility, and line-by-line accountability in the budget process.
We discussed supporting senior exemptions and making sure Bartow County schools receive every dollar they are entitled to from industrial development so growth can provide meaningful tax relief to our citizens.
We talked about expanding opportunities at Bartow College & Career Academy through additional career pathways that better align with workforce needs and student interests.
And we talked about practical day-to-day issues that matter too. Bathroom door locks. V**e detectors. Bus GPS systems for safety and efficiency. Because details matter when they affect students every single day.
None of these ideas came from “high priced consultants” or scripted talking points.
They came from listening.
If I am fortunate enough to earn your vote and serve on the school board, I will lead the same way I have campaigned: thoughtfully, prayerfully, and with a commitment to doing the homework before making decisions that affect our students, teachers, families, and taxpayers.
I will keep listening, keep asking questions, and keep communicating with you about the decisions being made and why they matter. Transparency should not end on Election Day.
I hope throughout this campaign I have provided thoughtful, honest, and useful information to this community, even for those who may not always agree with me.
I would also be dishonest if I pretended this experience was always easy. At times, I was genuinely surprised by the level of hostility and misinformation that can surround a local school board race. Some of it was deeply disappointing.
But far more powerful than the negativity was the encouragement, kindness, and support I received from this community.
To every person who checked on me, prayed for me, donated, shared a post, placed a sign in their yard, wore a t-shirt, made calls, knocked on doors, defended me online, or simply took the time to talk with me:
Thank you.
No matter what happens today, this experience has made me a better person. It has given me new friendships, new perspectives, and an even deeper appreciation for this community and the people who call it home.
Everything I have done during this campaign has come from a sincere desire to put students first while remaining accountable to the taxpayers and families we serve.
I am grateful beyond words for your support, your trust, and hopefully…your vote.
-Deanna
