Atlanta, October 9, 2025
News Summary
A candidate forum for the Atlanta Board of Education elections was held at The Ali at Lakewood Center, attracting concerned parents, teachers, and community leaders. Key issues included the school system’s $1.85 billion budget, potential school closures, and financial oversight. Thirteen candidates are competing for various open seats, with early voting set to begin on October 14. Community engagement and transparency were emphasized by candidates as crucial elements to ensure equitable resource allocation and effective decision-making regarding school management.
Atlanta – A candidate forum focused on the upcoming elections for the Atlanta Board of Education took place on Tuesday night at The Ali at Lakewood Center in southeast Atlanta. The event drew parents, teachers, and community leaders, who were keen to hear discussions regarding the school system’s nearly $1.85 billion budget and upcoming election candidates.
Thirteen candidates are vying for four open seats in Districts 2, 4, and 6, along with the at-large District 8 seat. Eight of the candidates participated in the forum, sharing their perspectives on financial management, potential school closures, and the overall transparency of the school system’s resource allocation.
Royce Mann, a candidate for District 8, emphasized the importance of responsible resource usage in the school system. Stephen Owens, running for District 2, underscored the need for transparency in how resources are allocated, which is vital for ensuring parents understand how funds are being used equitably. Tyrese Miller, representing District 6, voiced concerns over past financial mismanagement, indicating that over a billion dollars had been mismanaged without justification. In a similar vein, Sanjay Mendonca, a District 4 candidate, called for stronger financial oversight within the district to prevent such occurrences in the future.
As discussions on budget management ensued, Mann noted the necessity of evaluating current facility usage before considering any school consolidations. Owens insisted that any decision to close schools should follow extensive community investment, prioritizing engagement and feedback from local families. Highlighting the community’s attachment to schools, District 2 candidate Tony Mitchell referred to schools as “the heartbeat of our communities.” Additionally, Aisha Allen Stich, a candidate for District 8, advocated for decisions regarding school closures to rely on data-driven analyses.
The election timeline includes early voting starting on October 14 and continuing through Halloween, with Election Day scheduled for November 4. Incumbent Aretta Baldon in District 2 will not be seeking re-election; candidates in this district now include Stephen Owens, Tony Mitchell, and Marlissa Crawford. In District 4, incumbent Jennifer McDonald is running for another term against challenger Sanjay Mendonca. District 6’s incumbent Tolton Pace faces competition from four challengers: Patreece Hutcherson, Jonathan Leon, Michael Hopkins, and Tyrese Miller. Meanwhile, in District 8, Cynthia Briscoe Brown is not running for another term, leading to a contest among Aisha Stith, Kaycee Brock, and Royce Mann.
Furthermore, the board will appoint a member to fulfill the remainder of Eshé Collins’ four-year term after her resignation, which followed her election to the City Council. Candidate orientations for this interim appointment are scheduled for December 16 and 17, with applications due by December 20. A community meeting with finalists will take place on January 6, and the new appointee is expected to be announced on January 7, 2025.
Upcoming Election Dates
- Early Voting: October 14 – October 31
- Election Day: November 4
District Breakdown
| District | Incumbent | Challengers |
|---|---|---|
| District 2 | Aretta Baldon (not seeking re-election) | Stephen Owens, Tony Mitchell, Marlissa Crawford |
| District 4 | Jennifer McDonald | Sanjay Mendonca |
| District 6 | Tolton Pace | Patreece Hutcherson, Jonathan Leon, Michael Hopkins, Tyrese Miller |
| District 8 | Cynthia Briscoe Brown (not running for another term) | Aisha Stith, Kaycee Brock, Royce Mann |
FAQ
What was the focus of the candidate forum in Atlanta?
The event focused on the upcoming elections for the Atlanta Board of Education, discussing the school system’s nearly $1.85 billion budget and potential school closures.
When does early voting begin for the Atlanta school board elections?
Early voting begins on October 14 and continues through Halloween, with Election Day scheduled for November 4.
Who are the candidates running for District 2?
Candidates for District 2 include Stephen Owens, Tony Mitchell, and Marlissa Crawford, since incumbent Aretta Baldon is not seeking re-election.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Atlanta School Board Candidates Debate Budget & Possible School Closures
- Wikipedia: Atlanta School Board
- Axios: 2025 Atlanta School Board Candidates
- Google Search: Atlanta School Board Candidates
- Rough Draft Atlanta: Atlanta School Board Appointment
- Google Scholar: Atlanta School Board
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Atlanta Elections – Who is on the Ballot November 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Atlanta Elections
- AJC: Attention Voters! Candidates for School Board Seats
- Google News: Atlanta School Board Elections
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
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