Endearingly known in our home as hunny and mommy, Danielle Wooten will serve District 1 of the Selma City School Board with diligence, passion, and integrity.  She and I first met as undergraduates at Tuskegee University. After graduation, she continued her studies at the University of Denver for graduate school, while I pursued a career in law at the University of Alabama School of Law. Despite what seemed like the end to any possible romance between the two of us; faith and fate would allow our paths to cross again. This time she would become my wife.

I have had the personal privilege to witness Danielle’s commitment to the community. As a Selma resident, she has spent countless hours mentoring and shaping the lives of many young ladies in local high schools here in Dallas County, she serves on various boards geared toward positively influencing our children and our city, and further, she has exemplified the model of a virtuous woman to all children she has encountered.

As a product of the Selma City School System, I recall not being able to take tattered textbooks home to study because there were not enough for each student. Unfortunately, almost 15 years later, our school system is still faced with some of these same challenges. While in law school, I was fascinated with stories of the unlimited resources afforded to students from other school districts across the state which provided infinite opportunities. In that moment, I vowed that my children would attend schools that focused on exposure, and equipped them with a competitive edge in their academic pursuits. Through mentorship and engagement with students across the county, my wife and I, have a tangible perceptive on the challenges that our youth are facing both inside and outside the classroom.

The Policy Manual of the Selma City Board of Education states that its goal will be established by “partner[ing] with parents” in hopes that students will become “contributing members of society.” My wife and I are parents to three beautiful children that will be attending Selma City Schools for the next 15 years, and therefore her interest is solely in making sure that our children, and all children in Selma City, are top priority and afforded the best education possible.

We “can” compete with other school districts and will exceed expectations with Danielle Wooten and others on the school board.

Danielle’s approach in fulfilling God’s will is not only refreshing, but challenges us all to expect more. Our community must come together to expand our legacy beyond that which we have become accustomed.

Danielle’s motivation to serve the residents of District 1 is a matter of necessity to afford all parents direct input in the decision making process regarding the education of their children. On Aug. 23, vote Danielle Wooten because the school system must thrive, for Selma to thrive.

 

Brandon J. Wooten

Selma