Parent Candidate Bios
Candidate 1: Jeane Connolly
My name is Jeanne Connolly and as the parent of four children who have attended both public and private schools and as a bilingual educator for Atlanta Public Schools, I feel I can bring a unique perspective to the governance council. I earned my BA from the University of Iowa in Spanish and Education and have been in the field for the past 25 years. My youngest son is currently a freshman at North Springs. The combination of both my personal and professional experiences will lend a balanced voice to this council. It would be my honor to serve you on this council and to work on behalf of all our students.
Candidate 2: LaDonna Harlin
My name is LaDonna Harlin parent of Trinity T. (sophomore) and I'm interested in exploring the possibility of becoming a member of the 2019 Government Council as a parent. I have 8 years experience within higher education, 5 years of elementary education and over 15 years of working in collaborations with community-based organizations with a focus on fundraising and creating community initiatives. I would like to contribute my knowledge, experiences, and resources to assist in the efforts of the North Springs High School Family. I can offer the North Springs High School Governance Council the following qualifications, outstanding communication, interpersonal skills in working with fellow parents, students, community and business organizations. My family is new to Georgia as we are originally from Blue Island, Illinois right outside of Chicago. Previously I had the privilege of starting a volunteer parent based initiative in Cook County School District 130. I volunteered to start a parent organization in my child's school and was asked by the district superintendent to take the initiative district-wide. This opportunity allowed me to bridge the gap between student, parents, teachers and school administration having an impact on 3 cities impacting an estimated 10,000 families. It would be an honor to serve as part of our school council bringing innovative ideas working within the school community and learning how we can grow to be our very best together.
Candidate 3: Jennifer Finck
My name is Jennifer Finck. I have two daughters at North Springs: Annabelle who is a senior and Berkeley who is a sophomore. Along with my husband John, we have lived in Sandy Springs for almost 9 years. I have a degree in Education with post-graduate work in Gifted Ed. Over 20 years of teaching has brought me to public and private schools as a teacher, administrator, and parent. As a parent, I have been the PTA secretary, PTA president, Dance Booster Treasurer, and Dance Booster President and well as many other volunteer positions. I believe the combination of my professional work and volunteer work gives me a unique level of experience and understanding of schools. I am a champion for North Springs and an outspoken supporter of our school. In my girls' four years at North Springs, I have been involved with both magnet programs, Athletics, TAG, Dance, Theater, Cheer, and have served on the Forum committee. This well-rounded view of North Springs has shown me the value of our multifaceted school and an appreciation for all of the groups that it takes to meet the needs of our students. I believe that it is important to take North Springs into the future as a leader in academic innovation. I want all of Fulton County to know our school and our students as a benchmark for excellence.
Candidate 4: Paula Rogers
I wish to serve on the school governance council to provide the school with a parent's perspective and to assist in helping to continue the success of the school. I have lived in the Atlanta area for over 50 years and my children will be a product of the Fulton County school system. I think it is important to be involved with how my children are educated. My children have not only attended public school but have attended private as well as boarding school. I think their tenure at these different types of schools gives me a unique perspective and ideas to help make the school successful. I am an analytical person who pays close attention to details. I think my combination of education, personality traits and experiences will be an asset to this position.
Candidate 5: Tasha McCall
My name is Tasha McCall and I want to support you as Parent Representative on North Springs Charter High School's (North Springs) School Governance Council (SGC). My husband, Donald McCall, Sr., and I are the proud parents of scholars, Eli McCall, a North Springs Math & Science Magnet student, and Elizabeth McCall, a middle school student. I want to serve you and your students for three reasons. First, I am committed to the success of North Springs. I support North Springs mission of Excellence, Equity and Excitement in Education. I have dedicated myself to serving students. I've served as PTA parent, President of LSAC (2009 – 2011) and SGC Chair (2013 – 2016). Our SGC accomplishments included a $90K seed award and strategic plan. I want to continue this active involvement. Second, I care about our scholars and believe every child can learn. I believe in high academic expectations for scholars and a safe environment that fosters a love of learning, excellence, respect, and community. Third, I am a successful working mom in Sandy Springs. I have 15+ years of experience in financial services. Currently, I'm a FinTech Director. I've earned a B.A. in Political Science and a Teaching Certificate from Yale University. I've taught history and mentored youth through Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Junior Achievement. I have made positive contributions to local communities. I ask for your vote to serve you and your students as North Springs SGC's Parent Representative.
Thank you to all parents who have submitted their candidacy to help support North Springs High School. SGC election voting begins on March 11th and runs through March 18th. Please look for the election voting email from Fulton County to cast your ballot.
The School Governance Council generally meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month in the media center. All parents and interested community members are welcome to attend and may sign up before the meeting to speak during the public comment period.
For comments or concerns the SGC needs to address,