InTucker Magazine

From the Board

It’s hard to believe I only have 167 days left in my final term on the DeKalb Board of Education. It’s been a wild ride! I have worked with six different superintendents (including interims), 12 different board of education members, and countless city officials. Throughout my time in office, my favorite city has been Tucker.

Back in 2013, as president of the Emory LaVista Parent Council, I worked closely with the leaders of the Tucker Parent Council (now Tucker Cluster Council). At the time, TPC president, Michelle Penkava, was working with (future mayor) Frank Auman and (future mayor) Anne Lerner to make Tucker a city. I remember wishing I could be part of a city with such incredible advocates/leaders, especially since they all, unquestionably, supported Tucker’s schools.

Over the following years, Tucker became a city, and I became Tucker’s school board member. Even though I did not (and sadly, still do not) live within the Tucker boundaries, the Tucker community has always treated me as if I did. At every school celebration, foundation event, city meeting, TBA lunch, Tucker Day, concert, parade, or festival, I have been embraced by the Tucker community. I am incredibly grateful to Tucker citizens for the support, understanding, love and patience you have shown me.

It is almost time to launch the 2026-27 school year. School supplies, class schedules, and excited children are in our midst. Buildings have been renovated, systems have been upgraded, and floors have been cleaned. Literacy is a major focus for the district, and parents will meet new staff members specializing in reading. Interim Superintendent Sauce has scaled back testing requirements, so there should be more time focused on instruction. This school year will set the stage for Tucker’s future with initiatives such as the ESPLOST VII referendum on the November ballot and the Student Assignment Project (SAP) ramping up with a focus on the Tucker cluster. Please continue to stay engaged!

For the remainder of 2026, I will work with Tracy Brisson, who will be sworn in as my
replacement in January. Tracy is an educator, public education advocate, and parent who is committed to Board of Education District 4 and the Tucker cluster. Both Tracy and I will be in the Tucker community this fall as we listen to your concerns and plan for the future of our schools. Please take time to meet her and become a resource for her as she gets to know Tucker.

Thank you again, Tucker, for embracing me. When 2027 comes and I am no longer your school board member, I will remain a part of your community if you’ll keep me.

Happy 2026-27 school year!! Good luck!
Allyson