Today’s Long County election story focuses on the District 2 board of education race between incumbent Dempsey Golden and challenger Dr. Carolyn Williamson. Each candidate was given the same questions.

Dempsey Golden

Can you provide a brief biography?

I was born and raised in Florida, and I served four years in the U.S. Air Force. I am married to Odalene Hutto Golden. We have been married for 55 years. We have four children, 14 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. I am a retired educator and a retired Southern Baptist minister.

What makes you qualified to be on the board of education?

I was a teacher at Long County High School for 14 years, teaching social studies, and serving eight years as the department chair. I coached junior varsity and varsity basketball, served three years as an assistant principal, and 14 years as a principal. When I retired, I was principal of a pre-K through 12th grade school. I have served on the board of education for eight years, with seven of them as chairman. Annually, I receive 10 hours of training for the two roles I serve on the board. I also have graduate degrees in administration and supervision.

What would be some of the first actions you’d take on the board? Also, would you attempt to make any major changes over the next four years?

I would work to continue the progress that has been made over my eight years on the board. I also will continue to work with the other members of the board and the superintendent to complete the new high school. Once this is completed, we need to move the sixth, seventh and eighth grades into the old high school buildings and make the necessary renovations and construction to convert the old middle school into an elementary school.

Do you have any comment on taxes?

When I was elected to the board in 2004, the school tax millage rate was 13.5 mills. Today, it is still 13.5 mills, so this board has not raised the rate. In 2007 and 2008, because of a reappraisal of property, we lowered the millage rate to 9.85, saving property owners $1.6 million. So the board was able to keep a tax increase, caused by the reappraisal of properties in the county, off the property owners for two years. But in 2009, we had to move the millage back to the 13.5 because by it being lowered, we lost state funding from equalization money that came to around $1 million a year. I promise the property owners that I will not vote for a property-tax increase.

How do you see the school system changing with county growth?

There will be a constant need for funds to provide facilities for increased enrollment. There will be a need to consider building elementary schools where the population centers are in the county instead of grouping them all in Ludowici.

Anything else to say?

Yes I would like to mention some of the accomplishments of this board over the last eight years. In facilities, there was an expansion of Smiley Elementary School, paving and drainage improvements were completed at Walker Middle School, a new pre-K center was relocated to Smiley, we added paved parking at the athletic complex and at Smiley, we constructed a new weightlifting facility, we created two staff training rooms and an administration annex, we upgraded to wireless network system that cost $800,000 but we received 90 percent of the funding from ERATE and we are constructing our new high school. In curriculum, Smiley and Walker are distinguished title 1 schools, Walker for five years and Smiley for seven years. Smiley has made annual yearly progress standards for nine straight years, while Walker did it for seven years. I ask the voters in the 2nd District to support me on July 31 and allow me to continue to work to make Long County School System one of the best in Georgia.

Dr. Carolyn Williamson

Can you provide a brief biography?

I attended first-12th grade in the Long County schools, graduating from Long County High School in 1968. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in early childhood education from Armstrong State College, plus a Master of Arts degree in early childhood education, an administration and leadership endorsement to my master’s, an education specialist degree in administration and leadership and a doctorate of education in administration and leadership, all from Georgia Southern University.

What makes you qualified to be on the board of education?

I have 30 years of experience with the Long County Board of Education. I was a secretary at the board office, a second grade and physical education teacher. I was the federal programs director and the alternative school director.

What would be some of the first actions you’d take on the board?

Also, would you attempt to make any major changes over the next four years? Initially I would examine, evaluate and ensure continuity of the Long County School System policies as they relate to the county, state and federal governments. I also will make every effort to increase classroom instruction time by returning all furlough days to teachers and support staff. As for major changes, I want to improve accountability of all budgetary actions and closely monitor expenditures of all local, state and federal dollars. A major goal would be implementing additional instructional programs that provide our students with an education that will serve them now and in the future.

Do you have any comment on taxes?

As a taxpayer, I am definitely concerned about the increase in our taxes in Long County. I will do everything within my power as an individual Board member to make the necessary adjustments without jeopardizing the quality of education for our young people.

How do you see the school system changing with county growth?

I will work hand-in-hand with other board members and employees to take whatever steps necessary to meet the educational needs of our school system. As our community grows, student enrollment will increase, creating a need for new technology programs and more diversity in our instructional programs.

Anything else to say?

I would appreciate your vote on election day. The school system has served me well, and I would consider it a privilege to return that service to all the citizens. I embrace the opportunity to be “a voice” for the citizens of District 2. I will do everything within my power to ensure all students, regardless of intellectual ability, are provided equal opportunities to excel and to become successful and productive citizens.