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Dr. Billie Jean Young, a product of the Alabama Black Belt, has announced her candidacy for Alabama State Board of Education, District 5.

The District 5 Seat of the Board represents Autauga, Bullock, Choctaw, Clarke, Dallas Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Montgomery, Perry, Pike, Sumter, Washington and Wilcox Counties.

Covering 14 counties, District 5 is the largest in the state.

A Native of Choctaw County, Young said she knows and understands the needs of Alabama’s school children.

“I am a daughter of the Alabama Black Belt where I have spent the greater portion of my life and I know and understand the needs of Alabama’s school children,” said Young. “I was born and raised in Choctaw County, educated in its public schools. My work for more than two decades as both an educator at the secondary and college levels, combined with residencies in the arts with students of all ages, has given me an insider’s view.”

Young attributed her inspiration to run for the position to her mother and a teacher.

Young said their inspiration also led her to earn degrees from Selma University, Judson College and Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law.

“I believe that our school children are among our nation’s brightest and that it is up to us to help them realize their full potential,” said Young. “I believe that if we focus our attention on our children, we can close the achievement gap for Alabama’s school children.”

Young believes that comprehensive wraparound services should be provided to Alabama school children to not only meet the students’ scholastic needs, but social and emotional needs as well.

As Artist-in-Residence at Judson College, Young also believes that students can benefit greatly from participating in the arts.

“I believe that participation in and exposure to the creative arts can help to release the potential within the child,” said Young. “I can count to numerous cases of my work with children as proof of this.”

Young asks for support in her quest to give the state the educational boost it needs to prepare children for a 21^st century workforce.

“Our children deserve better,” she said.