Melvin was born in Chicago. He obtained his doctorate degree in criminal justice. He moved to Columbia County in 2017.

Melvin is a sociology professor at Paine College. Previously, he was a member of the Marine Corps Vietnam and has held various law enforcement positions.

Melvin's candidacy for Board of Education member is his first entry into politics.

As of March 24, 2022, Melvin Mahone did not have a website or any information online.

Teacher Recruitment

Augusta Chronicle

On the discussion of CRT and book bans, he said, "That’s nothing but far-right culture wars trying to rile up the masses and get votes... I would tell them to me it’s a violation of the First and 14th amendments and the constitution to ban thought and books."

- On the discussion of CRT and book bans, he said, "That’s nothing but far-right culture wars trying to rile up the masses and get votes... I would tell them to me it’s a violation of the First and 14th amendments and the constitution to ban thought and books."

School Curriculum

College & Career Readiness

Said, "We have to keep up with the times and diversify the county school board. Currently, we don’t have any Blacks on the school board, and I think it’s abysmal that we’ve only had one since Reconstruction." He also added that about 20-25% of the students in Columbia County are African-American.

- Said, "We have to keep up with the times and diversify the county school board. Currently, we don’t have any Blacks on the school board, and I think it’s abysmal that we’ve only had one since Reconstruction." He also added that about 20-25% of the students in Columbia County are African-American.

Administration

Melvin Mahone

Ashley lives in District 3 with her husband, Justin, and two children. She attends Warren Baptist Church.

Ashley has not previously run for any public office.

Facebook

Wants school board members to praise teachers more.

- Wants school board members to praise teachers more.

Wants more parent influence on curriculum content.

- Wants more parent influence on curriculum content.

As of March 24, 2022, Ashley Lee’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ashley Lee

Judy is the current member of the Columbia County Board of Education for District 3.

Wants to create conditions conducive to teacher well-being.

- Wants to create conditions conducive to teacher well-being.

Considers the current curriculum to be in line with Georgia state standards

Said the current curriculum does not have an agenda.

- Considers the current curriculum to be in line with Georgia state standards
- Said the current curriculum does not have an agenda.

As of March 24, 2022, Judy Simmons Teasley’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judy Simmons Teasley

- The Board of Education runs the public school system. The Board of Education is entirely independent from the rest of the county government.
- Board of Education members work together to make school policy, set the budget, and appoint the superintendent to run the schools day to day.
- Board of Education members are elected to four-year terms in nonpartisan elections.