Adam Shirley Joins Race for Clarke County School Board
With the term of current Clarke County School District 7 representative LaKeisha Gantt coming to a close in December, the political landscape is seeing new contenders step forward. Adam Shirley, a seasoned educator, has announced his candidacy for the District 7 seat on the Clarke County Board of Education.
Shirley’s campaign is centered around key initiatives aimed at enhancing educational opportunities and support within the district. He is advocating for increased access to pre-K education for all three- and four-year-olds in Athens. Additionally, he seeks to promote state and federal policies that bolster support for students, families, and school employees. A significant focus of his platform is to nurture a culture within the district that values the independence of teachers and administrators as professionals.
Boasting an extensive background in education, Shirley has spent 18 years in the field, with a notable four-year tenure at CCSD. His experiences range from roles such as tutor, substitute teacher, and paraprofessional to teaching science to seventh- and eighth-grade students for 14 years.
Beyond his teaching credentials, Shirley has been actively involved in community service and governance. Since 2018, he has contributed to the SPLOST 2020 Citizens Advisory and Oversight Committees. Moreover, his civic engagement includes serving on the Athens-Clarke County Board of Elections and Registration from 2021 to 2025.
Expressing his commitment, Shirley stated, “CCSD has made some great strides recently, but there’s still a lot of work left to do. I’m ready to be part of the team that builds on that success and prepares our students with a world-class education.”
