Austin McDonald is one of the two candidates running for the District 1 position. Austin finds inspiration in the stories of the local schools shared by his wife’s family and his grandmother, a retired educator. Despite current challenges, Austin remains optimistic about the future of DeKalb County schools. He understands the importance of voting for someone who is both realistic about the present circumstances and optimistic about what lies ahead. Austin is committed to rolling up his sleeves and working tirelessly to address the issues facing our schools. He believes that with hard work and determination, we can overcome obstacles and build a brighter future for our students.
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ELECTION DAY IS MAY 21ST
On this episode of What’s Up Dunwoody, host Matt Weber welcomes guest Austin McDonald, who is running for School Board Representative for District 1. Sponsored by Dr. Bret Freedman and Village Orthodontics, this episode dives into McDonald’s motivations for running and his dedication to education. Living in Dunwoody for over a decade, Austin, whose wife is a Dunwoody native and former homecoming queen, shares his journey from teaching to being a stay-at-home dad, running his own business, and now stepping into the public education realm. McDonald’s deep connection to Dunwoody and his passion for its future, particularly in education, sets the stage for the engaging conversation. This podcast is a must-listen for those moving to Dunwoody or already living in Dunwoody who want to understand the local educational landscape and how candidates like McDonald are shaping its future.
Why Austin McDonald is Running for School Board Representative
Austin McDonald didn’t initially have political ambitions. As he explains, his decision to run for school board began when community members approached him, urging him to consider the role. A teacher at heart, McDonald had a successful career in education before leaving the profession to focus on his growing family. With five children, four already here and one on the way, McDonald felt a strong need to advocate for the local school system—especially as his children would be entering DeKalb County Schools soon. In this episode, McDonald highlights the influence that community feedback has had on his decision to run, stressing that his goal is to be a voice for Dunwoody’s parents, teachers, and students. His story resonates with families living in Dunwoody who are looking for better educational opportunities and representation on the school board.
Challenges Facing the DeKalb County School System
DeKalb County’s school system is unique, with each district facing its own set of challenges. For McDonald, who is running for District 1, the primary concerns are academic performance, safety, and teacher and student retention. He outlines how classroom management issues can disrupt the learning environment and calls for stronger enforcement of existing policies to support teachers. McDonald also addresses a major issue unique to Dunwoody: competition with private schools. Dunwoody has a high number of private schools, and McDonald believes public schools need more resources to retain students and staff. By offering a solid public education option, he hopes to make public schools more competitive and attractive for families moving to Dunwoody, ensuring that local schools remain a strong part of the community fabric.
Field Space and Student Retention: Dunwoody’s Top Educational Concerns
When it comes to issues specific to Dunwoody, McDonald says the lack of field space for school sports is a major concern. With the popularity of sports like soccer, track, and cross-country, schools in the area are struggling to find enough space to support these activities. McDonald suggests that improving school facilities could lead to better retention of students and foster a greater sense of community. In addition to field space, McDonald sees student retention as a significant issue. With many families opting to send their children to private schools, it’s important to address the reasons why some students leave the public system. As someone who taught in both public and private schools, McDonald offers a unique perspective on how to improve public education in Dunwoody and keep students engaged in their local schools.
The COVID Effect: How Dunwoody Families Navigated Educational Changes
During the pandemic, McDonald saw firsthand how COVID-19 impacted Dunwoody families. As schools shifted to virtual learning, many families, including host Matt Weber’s, chose to pull their children from public schools and enroll them in private schools. This exodus has contributed to a shift in enrollment numbers, with some schools now undercrowded. For McDonald, this trend is concerning. While he acknowledges that families must make the best decisions for their children, he hopes to provide enough resources and support to encourage families to stay within the public school system. By improving the quality of education and addressing the needs of families, McDonald believes Dunwoody’s public schools can be a strong option for those living in or moving to Dunwoody.
Building Relationships with Dunwoody Families
As a potential school board representative, McDonald knows that communication with the community is key. He plans to engage with families through school events, parent advisory councils, and open discussions with principals. Being present and available at local events is a top priority for him, as he believes it’s important to listen to the concerns of Dunwoody parents and ensure their voices are heard. With a clear focus on local issues, McDonald understands the unique needs of families living in Dunwoody. Whether it’s addressing overcrowding or undercrowding in schools, improving safety, or providing more field space for students, he aims to ensure that the educational experience for Dunwoody families is the best it can be.
Dunwoody and the Importance of Public Schools
McDonald’s connection to Dunwoody runs deep. His wife is a Dunwoody native, and their children will all attend DeKalb County public schools. In his view, public schools are essential to creating a sense of community. Even for families who choose private schools, the local public schools still play a vital role in the larger social fabric. For those considering moving to Dunwoody, McDonald offers reassurance that the community values education and is invested in the success of its schools. Whether parents choose public or private schools, McDonald emphasizes that the strength of the local education system benefits everyone.
Addressing Learning Differences: Dyslexia Awareness in Dunwoody Schools
A personal topic for McDonald is dyslexia. Diagnosed with dyslexia as a child, McDonald shares how his own experience has shaped his views on education. He believes that schools need to be better equipped to help students with learning disabilities like dyslexia. McDonald talks about his involvement in High School High Tech, a nonprofit that works with students who face learning challenges. He also mentions his role on the State Rehabilitation Council, where he advocated for policies to support students with disabilities. His personal connection to the issue makes him a strong advocate for ensuring that all students in Dunwoody schools have the resources they need to succeed.
How Dunwoody Parents Can Get Involved in Local Schools
Throughout the podcast, McDonald encourages Dunwoody parents to be active participants in their children’s education. He notes that the tight-knit community of parents at schools like Chestnut Elementary is one of the reasons why Dunwoody schools are so special. Parents often volunteer at school events, creating a strong sense of community. For parents new to the area or considering moving to Dunwoody, McDonald highlights the importance of getting involved in local schools. Whether through parent-teacher organizations, volunteering, or attending school events, there are many opportunities to connect with other families and make a positive impact on the community.
Moving Forward: The Future of Dunwoody Schools
Looking ahead, McDonald is optimistic about the future of Dunwoody schools. While there are challenges, he believes that with the right leadership and support, the school system can thrive. By focusing on retention, safety, and improving resources for both students and teachers, McDonald hopes to ensure that Dunwoody remains a top choice for families. For those moving to Dunwoody or living in Dunwoody, the strength of the local school system is a major draw. McDonald’s commitment to improving education in the community makes him a strong candidate for the District 1 School Board Representative position. His passion for education and dedication to serving the Dunwoody community is evident in every part of this conversation.
Vote for Austin McDonald on May 21st
As the podcast wraps up, McDonald encourages listeners to vote in the upcoming election. Early voting begins on April 29th at the Dunwoody Library, and Election Day is May 21st. For those interested in learning more about McDonald’s campaign, he directs them to his website and social media pages, where they can find more information about his platform and how to support his candidacy. In this insightful episode of What’s Up Dunwoody, Matt Weber helps highlight Austin McDonald’s vision for the future of education in Dunwoody. It’s clear that McDonald is committed to serving his community and ensuring that Dunwoody schools continue to be a source of pride for families.
