Don't know who to vote for?
The Coffee County Board of Education District 5 seat is only contested local election in Coffee County on the Nov. 5 ballot.
The Enterprise Ledger asked the Incumbent Board Member Brandi W. Carr, and challenger Rodrick Caldwell, to tell us a bit about themselves and their priorities if elected. The candidates are listed alphabetically by last name, as they are on the election ballot.
Candidate Q&A:
Coffee County Board of Education, District 5:
Name:
Rodrick Caldwell
Hometown, town of residence: I grew up in Elba and have lived in Enterprise for nearly 20 years.
Family: I have been married for 26 years to Melanie Caldwell. We have six children, one grandchild and have one grandchild on the way.
Job: I am the Fatherhood Coordinator for Coffee County Family Services.
Prior elected office: This is my first time running for elected office.
Other public service: The Enterprise City Schools Board of Education members are appointed by the Enterprise City Council. I was appointed to the Enterprise Schools BOE in 2017 and served for five years, one year as president.
Education: AA in history from Enterprise State Community College; BA in interdisciplinary studies (history, social science, military operations) from Troy University.
What unique expertise or experience would you bring to this office: I serve on the Coffee County Children's Policy Council as chairman. I also served five years on the Enterprise City Board of Education and one year as president. I currently serve as New Jerusalem and Harris Temple Church of God in Christ Youth Pastor; Southern Region of Alabama First Jurisdiction, Youth Department, Vice President, Church of God in Christ; and New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ Assistant Pastor.
What motivated you to run for office: My love for the kids of this community is what motivated me to run for the Coffee County Board of Education and my belief that education needs to be a top priority.
What is the most pressing problem facing the Coffee County School system, and how would you fix/change/improve it: Growth. Keeping up with the growing population of students in this great school system is the most pressing problem that we face, and the challenge is to continue building and preparing for the increase.
What do you most want for your community? I would love to see our great school system continue to grow as we continue to sustain a great relationship with our kids and to show our kids that great education is key to a successful life.
Name:
Brandi W. Carr
Hometown, town of residence: I grew up in Level Plains, graduated from Enterprise High in 1990, and have lived in New Brockton for over 30 years.
: I have been married to my husband, Joey, for over 33 years. We have two sons, Brandon, 28, and Brayson, 21, who both still live in New Brockton.
Job: I have worked for FlightSafety International for almost 23 years.
Prior elected office: I was elected to the Coffee County School Board, District 5 seat in 2018 and have served since that time.
Education: BS in Human Services from Troy University.
What unique expertise or experience would you bring to the office: I have lived in New Brockton for over 30 years and have been involved with New Brockton schools for over 20 years. Both of my sons went to New Brockton schools from kindergarten until graduation. I have been a loyal board member for District 5 during the last six years. I believe in integrity and doing what is best for the students and everyone associated with the Coffee County School System.
What motivated you to run for office: When my two sons were attending school at New Brockton, I had a desire to learn more about our school system and become involved in making positive changes for the students. I was part of a group that formed a Parent Teacher Organization for New Brockton High School in 2012, and it went from there. Being a board member allowed me to help not only New Brockton, but all Coffee County schools.
What is the most pressing problem facing the Coffee County School system, and how would you fix/change/improve it: Coffee County has a great school system! The tremendous growth each year has been a challenge. As a board, we have to make good, sound decisions on facilities, projects, and hiring new staff. Board members do not have individual authority, so we must work together collectively when making decisions.
What do you most want for your community: We have great students and supportive parents in Kinston, New Brockton, and Zion Chapel. I would like to see more community resources available in our small towns. Coffee County schools offer some of the best academic and athletic opportunities for all students at all schools, and I would like to see even more opportunities available in the future.
Staff Writer
