Linda was elected to the Fulton County School Board in 2004. She represents the Roswell and Alpharetta area. During her first term, she focused primarily on fiscal accountability. The Board has analyzed overall costs, as well as cost per student, and determined where savings could be obtained. The Board added an Internal Audit function, and improved the transparency of budget reporting. The millage rate is slightly lower than in 2004 - even with increasing budget cuts from the state. Linda's primary focus for the next term will be student achievement. Fulton continues to exceed state testing standards and is closing the achievement gap in Language Arts. Math and Science continue to challenge many of our students, especially with the new, more rigorous state curriculum. Teaching quality and school leadership are the keys. Prior to being elected to the Fulton County School Board, Linda advocated for children and public education for over 12 years. Her experience in education policy ranges from the local school level to Washington, DC. Linda served as Legislative Chair for the Georgia PTA from 2000-2002. Her legislative accomplishments include securing state funding for clinic aides, increased state funding for education, lower class sizes, stronger teen driving laws, and policies designed to reduce underage drinking. She served on the State Standards and Grading Committee that was responsible for developing the new state accountability system required under No Child Left Behind. She was appointed by Lt. Governor Mark Taylor to the bipartisan Blue Ribbon Young Driver and DUI Study Commission in 2001. Linda has also lobbied in Washington, DC on behalf of the Georgia PTA. Professionally, Linda is the web consultant for the Georgia School Council Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to education reform and community involvement in our schools. The Institute's website shows communities how to analyze assessment data in meaningful ways, including comparisons of schools with similar demographics and programs. Click here to find out about Linda's education, community involvement and family.