What is your name?

Lyndsey Coates

Tell us more about yourself.

I've got deep roots in Roswell growing up here and attending local schools. My husband Chris and I have been raising our family of 5 here since 2012. I’m a small business owner in real estate and long-time contributor to my community giving back in a multitude of ways. In 2016 when a new Title 1 school called Vickery Mill Elem opened, I became heavily involved as PTA president to help create a great community for the diverse school. I won a $10k grant to be able to bring Star House into the school. Started School Meal Program in 2020, VP of Fundraising at Mountain Park Elem., president of Roswell NEXT, and VP of Roswell Soccer Club. All of this involvement led the current BoE member Katha Stuart to ask me to run with her full endorsement as well as 40+ other educators and parent-volunteer leaders.

What office are you running for?

Fulton County School Board, District 1

What is your party affiliation?

Non-Partisan

Attach a photo of yourself

Attach your resume or CV.

Where did you go to school?

- I am a product of Fulton County Schools and graduated from Milton High School (2000). - B.A., Journalism, Georgia State University, 2007

Provide the link to your campaign website.

coates4fultonschools.com

What is your job/occupation?

Real estate agent

What city/neighborhood do you live in?

Roswell (Shallowford Park)

Is this your first time running for office?

No

What experiences have best prepared you to hold elected office?

The experiences that have best prepared me for elected office are a combination of education, professional, volunteering, community building, and listening. There isn't a specific degree or career that lends better than another to hold public office. However, my education and professional life combined with my passion for community involvement, adept communication skills, understanding of the legislative process, ability to build relationships, and acting with integrity ensure I will be successful in this role.

What is the most critical issue currently facing your district and how would you address it?

I believe the most critical issue we ae facing right now is a teacher shortage. There are 30% less people entering the profession since 2020. I want Fulton schools to be the top pick for teachers so we can retain and recruit top talent. While it is critical we have best in class pay and benefits, it's also extremely important to make sure they feel supported in a variety of ways. I want to create a cross-school mentorship program for veteran and new teachers. I'd like to reduce paperwork and documentation as well as many teachers I've spoken with cite that as an issue.

What are your thoughts on the role of public schools in educating students about potentially controversial topics?

This wasn't a required question when I initially submitted my answers so leaving blank.

What’s something the district isn’t doing now that you think it should do?

Neurodiversity Inclusion; specifically dyslexia* - It's estimated that 20% of people are affected by this learning ability. Currently, FCS has no way to diagnose dyslexia and create an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Parents that can afford it are having to go through a private diagnosis which is expensive. Begs the question what happens to the parents that can't afford it. In Roswell, we have the most low-income students in all North Fulton. We should be able to help with this so ALL students are educated to the best of their ability.

What would you suggest so your school board can work better together?

My understanding is they are all working extremely well together, and have for the last year. Mrs. Stuart was reluctant to give up her spot because she said the last year has been so much fun with a strong positive trajectory. I plan to be the continuity of that upward motion and to do it with integrity, passion and fun!

What do you think about a parental requirement to “opt in” if they want their child to receive sex education?

I understand the concern from parents wanting more control, having educational alignment with their family values, and how requiring opt-in may lead to increased engagement. However, forcing an opt-in instead of reverse could cause many other unforeseen issues. The major issue of lack of access to essential info could lead to an increase in misinformation among teenagers. It can lead to a lack of preparedness for what happens to the human anatomy, and seems to stigmatize the human body suggesting there is something inherently controversial about it. I'll add that these programs have been, and need to continue to be, age-appropriate.