Local Matters Podcast

What are the candidates for Richmond County Board of Education District 3 proposing for the future of local schools? In Candidate Conversations: School Board District 3, Janice Allen Jackson welcomes Dr. Carol J. Yancy, Dr. Kenyatta Brown, and Janice Ramirez to discuss their priorities and plans for Richmond County schools ahead of the November 3, 2026 election. Each candidate shares her background, priorities, and approach to improving student achievement, supporting teachers, strengthening parent involvement, and addressing school safety. Hear their perspectives on the challenges facing Richmond County schools and what they hope to accomplish if elected. Dr. Carol J. Yancy is a veteran educator and educational leader with more than 30 years of experience in public education. Her career includes serving as a teacher, principal, education supervisor, and assessment coordinator. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Supervision from Capella University and has dedicated her career to instructional leadership, student achievement, and supporting educators. A native of Augusta and graduate of T.W. Josey High School, Dr. Kenyatta Brown is a dual board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She serves in nursing education at Augusta University and in community behavioral healthcare. She also founded “Hey Queens,” a mentorship program focused on building confidence, leadership, and personal growth among young students. Janice Ramirez is a wife, mother of three, veteran, and longtime Augusta resident with children in Richmond County schools. As a parent advocate, she has spent years speaking up for students and families. She is running to bring a parent's perspective to the Board of Education, emphasizing accountability, communication, and ensuring families have a voice in decisions affecting their children's education. DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, views, and opinions regarding this tragedy belong solely to her. These are not to malign any profession, organization, anyone, or anything. Local Matters does not endorse candidates. To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page at www.Janiceallenjackson.com Follow us on Social Media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/LocalMattersPodcastofGeorgia Subscribe on Youtube: Local Matters Podcast of Georgia youtube.com/@localmatterspodcastofgeorg3624 Twitter: twitter.com/JAJAndAssocLLC Local Matters Podcast: Soundcloud: @localmatterspodcast Spotify: @localmatterspodcast Apple Podcasts: @localmatterspodcast

What changes could shape the future of Georgia's public schools? In this episode, Dr. Lydia Powell, a lifelong educator and Democratic candidate for Georgia State Superintendent of Schools, discusses her decision to run for office and her priorities for Georgia's students, teachers, and families. With more than 26 years of experience in education, she shares her perspectives on school funding, early childhood education, rural educational opportunities, and standardized testing. Dr. Powell has dedicated her career to improving student achievement, strengthening public schools, and building partnerships between educators, families, and communities. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Political Science Education from Florida A&M University, a Master's degree from Florida State University, and Specialist and Doctorate degrees in Educational Leadership from University of Sarasota. Throughout her career, Dr. Powell has served as a social studies teacher, special education teacher, and administrator in several Georgia school districts, including DeKalb, Henry, Clayton, and Fayette counties. She has also spent 11 years in educational leadership roles. Beyond the classroom, she has served on the Fayette County High School Principal's Advisory Council, the HOSA Advisory Board, and as a Parent-Teacher-Student Organization (PTSO) President. She currently serves as Chair of the City of Fayetteville Ethics Board and as a Post Seat Holder for the Fayette County Democratic Party. Her priorities include expanding access to quality Pre-K programs, improving educational opportunities in rural Georgia, and reducing reliance on standardized testing. Guided by integrity, transparency, and service, Dr. Powell remains committed to supporting Georgia's students, families, and educators. DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, views, and opinions regarding this tragedy belong solely to her. These are not to malign any profession, organization, anyone, or anything. Local Matters does not endorse candidates. To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page at www.Janiceallenjackson.com Follow us on Social Media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/LocalMattersPodcastofGeorgia Subscribe on Youtube: Local Matters Podcast of Georgia youtube.com/@localmatterspodcastofgeorg3624 Twitter: twitter.com/JAJAndAssocLLC Local Matters Podcast: Soundcloud: @localmatterspodcast Spotify: @localmatterspodcast Apple Podcasts: @localmatterspodcast

Lisa Martin shares why she is seeking a seat on the Richmond County Board of Education and discusses the issues she believes deserve attention in local schools. From student achievement and school safety to parent involvement, accountability, and communication, she explains the experiences and priorities shaping her approach to public education Lisa Martin has been active in youth serving organizations for over 35 years including PTA, Girl Scouts, Jaycees, Jack & Jill, and GNFCC. For PTA, Lisa previously served as Community Relations Chair, VP of Legislation, VP of Membership, VP of Programs, Reflections Chair, and Co-President of North Fulton Council PTA after serving in many local unit PTAs in Tennessee and Georgia. In all her roles with the PTA, Lisa has worked at reaching out to the larger community to help them understand the role of PTA and its mission “to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.” Through her involvement with NFC PTA and the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce Education Committee she chaired “Principal for a Day” for all participating schools in Fulton County for the first time through her leadership the GNFCC Education Committee are reaching out to both public and private schools and the other Fulton County Chambers: Johns Creek, Sandy Springs and South Fulton. Additionally, she has chaired and served on committees that annually selected the GNFCC Business Partner in Education and the GNFCC Student Scholarship. Before retiring from Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, Ms. Martin has been a long term volunteer with Girl Scouts in two of their regional councils, Greater Atlanta and Heart of the South. Ms. Martin has received their President’s Award, Pioneer Award, Lighthouse Award, and Outstanding Volunteer. Her commitment to Girl Scouts led her to receiving the President’s Call to Service Award from the Point of Light Institute and the Corporation for National and Community Service on behalf of the President of the United States. The award is to recognize the best in American spirit, and to encourage all Americans to improve their communities through volunteer service and civic participation. Lisa continues to volunteer with GSHG and Get Augusta Reading. DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, views, and opinions regarding this tragedy belong solely to her. These are not to malign any profession, organization, anyone, or anything. Local Matters does not endorse candidates. To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page at www.Janiceallenjackson.com Follow us on Social Media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/LocalMattersPodcastofGeorgia Subscribe on Youtube: Local Matters Podcast of Georgia youtube.com/@localmatterspodcastofgeorg3624 Twitter: twitter.com/JAJAndAssocLLC Local Matters Podcast: Soundcloud: @localmatterspodcast Spotify: @localmatterspodcast Apple Podcasts: @localmatterspodcast

How can better communication help rebuild trust in government? Evan Meyer shares how technology, transparency, and civic engagement can make government more accessible and effective while helping residents better understand how to get involved and make an impact in their communities. Evan is a tech entrepreneur and founder of several impactful ventures, including MyGovTools.org, BeautifyEarth.com, BeautifyEarth.org, and RideAmigos.com. His work spans government transparency and civic engagement, urban beautification through public art, transportation technology, and community building. As a civic leader, Evan has served as a District Director for the California State Senate, led his neighborhood association, worked on civic engagement strategies, and hosted Meyerside Chats. He also leads seminars on corporate culture, community and civic engagement, and political philosophy. DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, views, and opinions regarding this tragedy belong solely to her. These are not to malign any profession, organization, anyone, or anything. Local Matters does not endorse candidates. To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page at www.Janiceallenjackson.com Follow us on Social Media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/LocalMattersPodcastofGeorgia Subscribe on Youtube: Local Matters Podcast of Georgia youtube.com/@localmatterspodcastofgeorg3624 Twitter: twitter.com/JAJAndAssocLLC Local Matters Podcast: Soundcloud: @localmatterspodcast Spotify: @localmatterspodcast Apple Podcasts: @localmatterspodcast 00:00 – Cold Open: Can Government Move Faster? 01:11 – Introduction: Government Transparency 02:05 – Introducing Evan Meyer 03:04 – Welcome & Becoming a “Civic Ninja” 04:10 – Evan’s Work With Government & Technology 06:06 – Why Government Is Designed to Move Slowly 06:25 – Making Government More Efficient & Effective 08:15 – The Purpose of Government 09:00 – Entrepreneurship, RideAmigos & Beautify Earth 11:26 – GovTools & Rebuilding Trust Through Communication 11:59 – Government Communication & Constituent Engagement 13:10 – Understanding Where Tax Dollars Go 13:43 – Transparency Across Different Levels of Government 16:24 – When a Lack of Transparency Creates Distrust 17:43 – Rebuilding Trust in Government 19:20 – How GovTools Improves Government Transparency 20:44 – Making Communication Easier for Public Officials 22:16 – Why Government Needs to Tell Its Story 23:05 – Understanding Your Local Government 24:39 – Why Civic Education Matters 25:25 – Local Elections & Voter Engagement 26:23 – Becoming a More Informed Voter 27:13 – Why Local Matters Was Created 28:00 – Looking Beyond the Ballot 29:58 – Media, Information & Political Perspectives 32:20 – Evan’s Approach to Civic Involvement 33:00 – Working With Political Leaders From the Outside 34:00 – Beautifying Communities Through Public Art 37:20 – Growing Beautify Earth 39:02 – Final Thoughts 40:06 – Learning Civics & Taking Action Locally 40:41 – Where to Find Evan & His Work 41:44 – Closing

Chief Michael Pickett shares his journey into law enforcement and his approach to creating safer communities in Birmingham, Alabama. From building trust between officers and residents to crime prevention, community partnerships, and youth engagement, he explains why effective policing requires more than enforcement—it requires relationships with the people you serve. Chief Michael Pickett is a seasoned law enforcement leader with a distinguished career in public safety, special operations, and crime reduction. He was officially appointed Chief of Police for the Birmingham Police Department on April 1, 2025, after serving as Interim Chief of Police since November 20, 2024. Under his leadership, he has implemented an 8-Point Crime Reduction Plan, relaunched the Police Athletic Teams, and led initiatives that have reduced the city’s violent crime rate. Prior to his current role, Pickett served as Deputy Chief of the Special Operations Bureau, where he was instrumental in planning and executing high-profile security operations. His leadership was pivotal during The World Games 2022 (TWG), where he served as the Law Enforcement Branch Director, successfully overseeing Alabama’s one and only SEAR 1-rated event. He enhanced his expertise by becoming a 2024 graduate of the FBI National Academy. Chief Michael Pickett remains committed to enhancing the safety and well-being of Birmingham’s residents while fostering stronger partnerships between law enforcement and the community DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, views, and opinions regarding this tragedy belong solely to her. These are not to malign any profession, organization, anyone, or anything. Local Matters does not endorse candidates. To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page at www.Janiceallenjackson.com Follow us on Social Media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/LocalMattersPodcastofGeorgia Subscribe on Youtube: Local Matters Podcast of Georgia youtube.com/@localmatterspodcastofgeorg3624 Twitter: twitter.com/JAJAndAssocLLC Local Matters Podcast: Soundcloud: @localmatterspodcast Spotify: @localmatterspodcast Apple Podcasts: @localmatterspodcast