Whitney Woods Bryant, a native of Prairie Grove, is a former educator, has experience in the insurance industry and is involved in civic organizations in the Prairie Grove community.
Bryant, 38, is seeking the Position 1 seat on Prairie Grove School Board.
Bryant graduated from Prairie Grove High School in 1997 and holds a bachelor's degree in history from Auburn University and a master's degree in education from the University of Montevallo.
She has a current Arkansas teaching certificate and taught for six years in Alabama before returning to Arkansas and teaching one year in Lincoln School District. She then worked for four years in the insurance industry before making a decision about three months ago to temporarily leave the workforce.
Bryant has a child who attends Prairie Grove schools, with two other children who will be in school in the future, and said she believes her teaching experience, her community involvement and her perspective as a parent in the school district will be assets as a member of the School Board.
"I believe my work experience in education and business gave me an opportunity to see things from different points of view," Bryant said. "Having attended Prairie Grove Schools, I understand what it means to participate in school activities, local events and volunteer opportunities that make Prairie Grove unique. My background as an educator in both small and large schools has enabled me to witness the strengths and weaknesses of both, and it is my hope to help channel our growth in a direction that does not lose sight of what makes our school and community great."
Bryant said the role of a school board member is to create and maintain an educational system which allows administrators, teachers and students to safely fulfill their roles and to be as successful as possible.
A school board also works to uphold, interpret and develop current and future school policies that govern the day-to-day operations of the district, she said.
"Board members should also work to formulate and implement long-term plans and goals within the district which include, but not limited to, building maintenance, transportation and the budget."
Bryant said she believes she can fill the role of a school board member because she is willing to work as a team member and support group decisions even if she has a different point of view.
"I can also fill the role by being active in our school and community and staying informed about changing educational needs and requirements," Bryant stated.
Bryant said she is running for the Prairie Grove School Board because she loves and respects the community and believes Prairie Grove School District is the center of the community.
"I feel that as a board member I would be able to impact the lives of students by helping formulate policies that best equip them with the skills they need to be successful in a world that requires constant learning, adaptation and personal growth."
She added, "The bottom line is that I am willing to serve and work hard to accomplish whatever is needed to fulfill my obligation to the community. I recognize how special Prairie Grove is and would like to have a part in helping make it one of the best communities in Northwest Arkansas."
General News on 09/06/2017