Full endorsements
Gwen O’Looney
FRED SMITH, Sr. for School Board District 5!!!
I offer this endorsement in support of Fred Smith, a candidate for District 5 on the Clarke County Board of Education.
When I came to Athens in 1980, John (now my husband), Fred Smith and I were all hired to implement a federal program WE called Students, Teachers, Educators and Parents for Schools -- STEPS. STEPS worked statewide to move schools from punishment to discipline. That's how long Fred Smith has been involved with making schools better.
Central to his platform is better outcomes for all youth with an emphasis on what he calls effective instruction--evidence-based approaches proven effective. Fred will focus on supporting our students and teachers, along with building family and community partnerships. Fred knows the strength of working closely with dedicated grassroots organizations. Fred sees the excellence in our schools and the needs.
Professionally, Fred worked as a Department of Labor administrator until he retired. After a few years of freedom, Fred revived the floundering East Athens Development Corporation and has made it the success it is today with its programs focused on youth education and enrichment, food security, financial literacy, economic mobility, housing counseling, and work readiness, along with a healthcare training partnership and an inner-city youth tennis program.
For many, many years, Fred and his wife Lee gave of their resources and time to run a weekend program for underserved students who wanted additional learning experiences and exposure. I went to several graduations, and it was impressive. For more than 13 years, he has personally sponsored and administered the Black History Quiz Bowl, which brings diverse teams from schools and community groups together in a challenging academic competition.
Through advocating for teachers and students of all races, Fred has become well acquainted with how the system works. I was so glad to hear that he was willing to step up and run for the school board. Fred has an admirable record of community service and effective leadership. He will be a strong and effective Clarke County School Board member.
A graduate of Clarke County public schools, Paine College, and The University of Georgia, you can read more extensive experience and accomplishments at fredsmithforboe.com.
I urge you to vote for him. Fred Smith is what the school board needs right now.
Shane Sims
I am proud to endorse Fred O. Smith Sr. for the Clarke County School Board. Mr. Smith has been a positive influence in my life for many years, dating back to when he was one of my instructors in a Black leadership course early in my career.
More recently, he partnered with me to help make it possible for students in The Resilience Project at the Learning Center to attend the King Legacy HBCU College Fair. This experience exposed our young people to opportunities, culture, and higher-education pathways.
Ret. Sheriff Ira Edwards
I’m proud to support Fred Smith for the Clarke County Board of Education, District 5.
I have known Fred for more than 35 years, and throughout that time his commitment to the success of Clarke County’s students has never wavered. Fred believes in strong classrooms, supported teachers, and evidence-based instruction that helps students succeed.
A respected community leader with a long record of service and collaboration, Fred Smith is the kind of steady, experienced leadership our school board needs right now.
Election Day is May 19.
Charlie Maddox
I have known Fred Smith for over 50 years, and he is one of the few individuals whose purpose and commitment have never changed.
Fred has always been a man who serves others. He lives a simple belief: if you can help someone and choose not to, something is wrong with your character. There’s nothing wrong with Fred Smith's character.
Fred is not a show horse, but he’s a workhorse.
He focuses on results and not recognition.
He knows how to work with people from other backgrounds to achieve the common good.
Fred believes that our children come first.
PARTISAN POLITICS HAS NO PLACE IN EDUCATION.
What we need are leaders focused on the problems and not creating them
Fred has spent years working on solutions in our communities and supporting our children.
Supporting Fred is not difficult, and it’s the right thing to do.
A VOTE FOR FRED IS A VOTE FOR:
YOURSELF
YOUR COMMUNITY
A STRONGER FUTURE FOR OUR CHILDREN.
Let’s quit complaining and start voting for the BEST.