Linda was elected to the Fulton County School Board in 2004, and currently serves as Vice President of the Board.. She represents the Roswell and Alpharetta area. During her first term, she focused primarily on fiscal accountability. The Board 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. As budgets have tightened during the past few years, effective and efficient use of revenues has become even more important. Linda's primary focus for the next term is student achievement. Fulton Schools standardized test scores consistently outpace the state average. Language Arts has been a strong subject area for our students. However, there are many areas needing improvement. 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.