• Candidates for the 2022-23 Winnona Park School Leadership Team

    We are  happy to announce that five WP parents have stepped up to run for the three open parent spots on our School Leadership Team (SLT).

    Below are our candidates.

     

    • Elections will be conducted via Google Form sent in the Thursday, August 18 eblast. Polls close at 4:00 PM, Friday, August 26. 
    • There is ONE vote per STUDENT at WP.  If there are multiple adults in a household, please coordinate your vote so that there is only one per WP student.  The three candidates with the highest number of votes will be the parent representatives on the SLT.  

    The Winnona Park School Leadership Team (SLT) is an elected committee consisting of parents/guardians, WP staff members, community members and other personnel. 

     

    Vanessa Amos

    My name is Vanessa Amos, and I am “throwing in my hat” to become a member of the SLT

    committee! I have three children in CSD, and we have resided in the city of Decatur for almost

    five years. My involvement in SLT will allow me to demonstrate the importance of service and

    leadership. I have more than 20 years of professional experience in an administrative capacity.

    This past July I participated in the commencement ceremony to obtain my master’s degree in

    Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC). I have dedicated over 10 years of employment to

    DeKalb County Government in the Human Services Department Office of Youth Services

    Division. In my current position, I am responsible for maintaining the divisional budget and

    creating partnerships for youth-based community events. My desire as a SLT member is to

    incorporate my knowledge and skill set to foster an enriched experience for all Winnona Park

    families and stakeholders.

    My personal enjoyments include reading, watching sports, traveling to new places, and spending time with my family and friends!

     

    Jami Bailey

    I would like the children (mine included) to be successful in their school journey and I think being part of the SLT would allow me to engage with others and help to determine what is best for our kiddos overall.

     

    Samantha McMahan

    Hello Winnona Park friends!  My name is Samantha McMahan.  I’m the mother of 2 children in the City Schools of Decatur district.  My eldest is 10 and in 5th grade at Talley.  My youngest is in 1st grade here at Winnona.  I was born in England and studied in the UK and the US.  I’ve lived in Europe and the US.  I used to be a teacher, but have worked in corporate immigration for 20+ years.  I like to be involved in school leadership as it gives me a chance to learn more about the school systems, but also I have a chance to represent other parents and their opinions, as well as lend a different perspective having studied in different school systems myself and having been a teacher.  I’ve served on the Advisory Council at College Heights for several years.  The last 2 years I served as Co-Vice President of the Talley PTO.  Back when my eldest attended Winnona, I was lucky enough to serve on the SLT as well.  I truly enjoy this role and would love to have the opportunity to serve on the WP SLT again.  Vote for Sam!  :-)

     

    Neela Ram

    Hi Everyone! I'm the proud parent of three children in CSD schools - and this is our family's fourth year at WPES with my middle child in Kindergarten this year. I find a lot of joy in being part of the WPES family, and would be incredibly honored to serve on the SLT. It has been an eye opening experience being a parent of a young learner during a pandemic, and I am in awe of our school community. 

    I have spent my entire professional career in service of building a strong and resilient community and working across diverse populations and stakeholder groups.  I am confident that I would be a strong and steady asset for WPES as it moves forward with a new administrative leadership team. I am a firm champion of creating supportive environments for ALL children, and would work towards outcomes that protect opportunities for success. Sincerely - I have deep affection for our teachers and school community, and would protect the privilege of serving on the SLT.

    Thanks, Neela (parent to Rekha, Kavya and Mira)

     

    Jessica Stuart

    Hi Wildcat Parents!  I am Jessica Stuart, a mother of twin Winnona Park Wildcat Kindergarteners and an educational rights attorney. Thank you for your consideration as a prospective member of the SLT. 

    My experience practicing education law lends well to me being a useful and effective member of the SLT. While currently taking professional leave to be with my children, I was formerly a supervising attorney with Georgia Legal Services Program representing underserved students and families. I have represented students in special education cases, school discipline cases and successfully advocated for systemic changes ensuring equity for students. I am very knowledgeable about Georgia education code and policies. I regularly collaborated with community stakeholders, engaged in outreach and sought out grant resources allowing for greater services. My enthusiasm for and belief in the promise of public education has driven my professional career and motivates me to be a member of the SLT.