93.9 The Eagle – The News and Talk of Columbia, MO
Jay Atkins admits he wasn’t a big reader growing up. But the Columbia Public Schools board candidate now says it’s a top priority for him.
He says the district should push for 100 percent literacy by third grade, as a big way to address inequality.
“It’s not the only tool. It’s not a panacea. But it’s the most important thing that we can do for our kids to help give them opportunities and hope in life.”
He has worked as a public affairs attorney in Jefferson City, where says he built relationships with lawmakers at the Capitol. He says that helps him understand how the policy-making process happens.
“Our legislators and lawmakers in Jefferson City ought to know who we are, what we do as a district, and we ought to have an open dialogue with those folks,” Atkins says. “I already have that, and I think I bring that to the table, and that’s a pretty unique skill set that I have that neither of the other candidates do.”
Atkins says protecting local control will be another top priority for him if elected. Atkins is running for the two open Columbia school board seats, along with Della Streaty-Wilhoit and Blake Willoughby. Jan Mees and James Whitt are retiring from the board.
Atkins has three children already in Columbia Public Schools, and a fourth will start kindergarten in the fall.
