Andrew Ziffer is one of the two candidates running for the District 1 position. Andrew is a local parent who has lived in Dunwoody for the past 17 years and Chamblee for the previous 12 years. He is a corporate and small business professional with a career in commercial real estate, Information Technology, facilities management, and non-profits. Andrew is an active volunteer and leader in local and regional schools and has been since his son, a DeKalb student, began school in 2011.
https://www.facebook.com/AndrewZifferforDeKalbSchools
ELECTION DAY IS MAY 21ST
On this episode of What’s Up Dunwoody, host Matt Weber welcomes Andrew Ziffer, a candidate running for the District 1 School Board Representative position. This episode, sponsored by Dr. Bret Freedman and Village Orthodontics, dives deep into Andrew’s journey and his plans for improving the educational experience in Dunwoody and beyond. Andrew, a longtime Dunwoody resident, discusses his experience as a parent, volunteer, and business leader, providing insight into his qualifications for this important role. His story is particularly relevant for anyone considering moving to Dunwoody or already living in Dunwoody, as the strength of the school system is often a major consideration for local families.
Why Andrew Ziffer is Running for School Board Representative
Andrew Ziffer’s decision to run for District 1 School Board Representative stems from his deep involvement in the Dunwoody school system and his passion for creating positive change. Having served on Principal Advisory Councils at Dunwoody Elementary, Peachtree Middle School, and DeKalb School of the Arts, Andrew has spent years in governance roles that allowed him to see the inner workings of the school system firsthand. His background as a commercial real estate professional has equipped him with the financial and organizational skills necessary to tackle the challenges faced by schools in the district.
During the podcast, Andrew shares that his goal is to keep politics out of the classroom and to focus entirely on improving the educational experience for students. As a parent with a child in DeKalb County Schools for over 13 years, Andrew feels a personal responsibility to ensure that schools in Dunwoody, as well as the neighboring communities of Shambly, Brookhaven, and Doraville, are providing the best possible education.
The Role of a School Board Representative in Dunwoody
Many residents might not fully understand the role of a school board representative, and Andrew provides clarity on this during the episode. The primary responsibilities of a school board member include approving budgets, large-ticket items, and policies that affect the entire school system. While the job may seem limited in scope, it plays a crucial role in shaping the direction of the DeKalb County School District.
Andrew emphasizes the importance of supporting the superintendent and staying within the parameters of the job to avoid making the superintendent’s role more difficult. His approach focuses on listening to parents, teachers, and other stakeholders to bring their concerns directly to the superintendent, ensuring that Dunwoody’s needs are met.
Challenges Facing Dunwoody Schools
Dunwoody’s schools, like many others in the DeKalb County School District, are facing a range of challenges. Andrew discusses how overcrowding was a significant problem before COVID-19 but has since become less of an issue. However, other schools in the district, such as Ashford Park and Hightower Elementary, are still grappling with overcrowding and are in need of relief.
Andrew also highlights a major concern for the community: the loss of students from the public school system. Over the past four years, Dunwoody has lost approximately 1,400 students to private schools, homeschooling, and families moving out of the district. This trend not only impacts the public schools but also has a ripple effect on the community, affecting property values, business development, and funding for the school system.
Addressing Student Retention and Creating a Better Environment
Andrew’s primary goal as a school board representative is to create an environment that encourages families to stay in the public school system. For those moving to Dunwoody or already living in Dunwoody, having a strong, well-supported school system is key to maintaining the area’s appeal. Andrew believes that by addressing the root causes of student loss, including improving school facilities, supporting teachers, and investing in professional development, Dunwoody’s schools can become the first choice for families.
He also acknowledges that teacher retention is a critical issue, and he aims to ensure that DeKalb County Schools are a place where teachers feel valued and supported. By offering fair compensation, professional development opportunities, and a positive work environment, Andrew hopes to attract and retain the best educators for Dunwoody’s students.
Building Stronger Communities in Dunwoody’s Schools
Community involvement is a key theme throughout Andrew’s campaign. He notes that one of the things that sets Dunwoody apart from other districts is the strong sense of community among parents. Schools like Chestnut Elementary benefit from an active network of parent volunteers who are deeply invested in their children’s education. Andrew’s own experience as a parent volunteer has given him firsthand insight into the importance of community involvement in creating successful schools.
For those living in Dunwoody, being part of this tight-knit community is one of the benefits of the area. Andrew emphasizes that whether families choose public or private education, having strong public schools benefits everyone in the community. Public schools serve as the heart of the community, and even families who send their children to private schools want to see local schools succeed.
The Importance of Long-Term Stability in Leadership
One of the challenges facing DeKalb County Schools is the lack of long-term stability in leadership. Over the past 15 years, the district has had 10 different superintendents. Andrew believes that this constant turnover has prevented the district from making significant progress and that the school board must focus on supporting the current superintendent, Dr. Horton, to create long-term stability.
During the episode, Andrew expresses his support for Dr. Horton’s recent contract extension, noting that it is a step in the right direction for the district. He also emphasizes the importance of developing future leadership within the district to ensure continuity when transitions do occur.
Listening to the Community: How Andrew Engages with Dunwoody Families
Andrew shares that one of his key strategies as a candidate and potential school board representative is to listen to the community. Whether it’s speaking with parents at parks, hosting neighborhood events, or participating in nonprofit fundraisers, Andrew makes it a point to stay connected with the people he hopes to represent. He even encourages Dunwoody residents to reach out to him directly through his website or by phone to discuss their concerns and ideas.
For Andrew, communication is a two-way street. He believes that by staying engaged with parents, teachers, and other stakeholders, he can better understand the issues facing Dunwoody schools and work to address them. This open line of communication is especially important in a role that involves making decisions that affect the entire district.
The Future of Dunwoody’s School System
Looking ahead, Andrew is optimistic about the future of Dunwoody’s schools. He sees the upcoming school board election as an opportunity to hit the “reset button” and work together with new board members to create positive change. His vision for the future includes improving student retention, supporting teachers, and ensuring that the public school system in Dunwoody and surrounding areas is one that parents can feel confident in.
Andrew’s long-term goal is to make Dunwoody schools a place where students thrive, teachers want to work, and parents feel proud to send their children. For those moving to Dunwoody, having a strong school system will only enhance the area’s appeal, making it an even more attractive place to live.
How to Support Andrew Ziffer for School Board Representative
As the podcast wraps up, Andrew encourages listeners to get involved in the upcoming election. Early voting begins today, and Election Day is on May 21st. He invites Dunwoody residents to visit his website, where they can learn more about his platform and reach out to him directly with any questions or concerns.
Andrew’s dedication to improving education in Dunwoody is clear, and his combination of professional experience and personal commitment to the community makes him a strong candidate for the District 1 School Board Representative position. Whether you’re living in Dunwoody or considering moving to Dunwoody, Andrew Ziffer’s vision for the future of education in the area is one that will resonate with parents, educators, and community members alike.
