School Board 8: Joy Tellis Cooper

Joy Tellis Cooper is an accountant with 20 years of experience.

If you have NOT held elected office, please list relevant volunteer, appointed, or work positions.

Budget Advisory Committee Clayton County School Board, Past President Clayton County Federation of Democratic Women, Past Chair of GrassRoot Leadership Institute, Past President of PTSA (Adamson), PTSA Secretary, Past Chair School Council Committee, SAC Comittee, Graduate GrassRoots Leadership and Graduate of Leadership Clayton, Superintendent Advisory Board (2006).

What makes you the best candidate for this particular district?

I understand my “why”! The children will always be my nucleus of all my decision making. My experience volunteering within and outside the school system also qualifies me for the job. I understand the importance of collaborating with organizations outside the school system and working with our local, state and National representatives for the children.

What do you see as the strengths of your district?

The strength of my district is individuals (Parents, community, staff, teachers, superintendent and board members) that truly have a genuine desire to see our children excel. There are great teachers in this district that works tirelessly for the children.

How do you handle conflict/people who disagree with you?

Conflict is bond to happen when individuals come collectively on issues that they feel strongly about especially our children in Clayton County. The way I handle conflict is to see the other person’s viewpoint about the situation. Once I’ve 1st sought to understanding and then to be heard, I can make my judgment from all the information laid before me. Conflict can be good because it gives you a chance to see other perspective of something you may have missed. However, it can be bad too and that’s when the decision should come back to our core; which is what’s BEST for the children.

What one project would you like to accomplish in the next 4 years if elected?

Helping to Increase our Literacy Rate within our schools.

Anything else people should know about you?

We owe it to our children to advocate for the best schools, teachers, staff and tools. One day, these students will shape and form our communities. I would love to work with our current school board members to move our schools forward.