Candidate for Georgia State School Superintendent
BUFORD, Ga. — Dr. Nelva Lee, a Democrat running for Georgia state school superintendent, is campaigning on a platform centered on accountability, academic performance and workforce readiness, drawing on more than 30 years of leadership experience in healthcare administration.
Lee, a licensed nursing home administrator and adjunct professor, said in an interview with The North Gwinnett Voice that her background managing complex systems and driving measurable outcomes has prepared her to address challenges in Georgia’s public education system, including declining academic performance, teacher retention and classroom discipline.
She emphasized the need for stronger accountability measures, improved literacy outcomes and expanded career pathways for students, while advocating for policies that support teachers and restore order in classrooms.
Understanding local districts
Q: What is your familiarity with Gwinnett County Public Schools and Hall County Schools, and what are their strengths and challenges?
I am familiar with both districts, and they reflect the broader challenges facing Georgia — rapid growth, increasing diversity and widening achievement gaps.
Gwinnett has strong infrastructure and resources but is facing challenges with performance consistency and classroom discipline. Hall County, while smaller, faces challenges tied to high-need populations and limited resources.
The state should provide flexibility, targeted funding and data-driven solutions rather than one-size-fits-all mandates.
Academic performance and literacy
Q: How would you address academic gaps and literacy concerns?
We cannot celebrate rising graduation rates while ignoring declining academic performance. That is not success.
I support phonics-based instruction because it is evidence-based, but it must be implemented consistently with proper teacher training and clear accountability.
Success should be measured by literacy, math proficiency and long-term outcomes — not just graduation rates.
Curriculum and classroom experience
Q: What role should the state play in curriculum decisions?
The state should set standards and ensure accountability but not micromanage curriculum.
Parents and teachers deserve transparency and a voice, and if curriculum changes are not producing results, the state must step in to correct course.
Teacher retention and workforce
Q: What steps would you take to recruit and retain teachers?
Teacher turnover is a leadership issue. Beyond salary, teachers need:
- Safe classrooms
- Strong administrative support
- Reduced bureaucratic burdens
- Clear discipline policies
We must also elevate the profession and create alternative pathways to bring more qualified individuals into education.
“We cannot have effective learning without order in the classroom.”
Student environment
Q: What policies would you prioritize regarding student behavior and safety?
We cannot have effective learning without order. Discipline must be restored in schools, and teachers should feel supported in their classrooms.
Bullying and behavioral issues must be addressed early with both intervention and accountability.
Health and student well-being
Q: What should schools do to support student mental health?
Mental health is a growing concern, and schools must respond with:
- Increased access to counselors
- Early intervention programs
- Partnerships with community providers
When it comes to environmental concerns, there should be zero tolerance for unsafe conditions.
Attendance and engagement
Q: How would you address chronic absenteeism?
Chronic absenteeism reflects deeper issues such as disengagement or lack of support.
We must re-engage students through relevant pathways, strengthen parent partnerships and ensure accountability where necessary.
Technology & school policy
Q: What is your position on student cell phone use?
Cell phones are a major disruption in classrooms. I support clear, enforceable policies that limit use during instructional time while allowing reasonable access when appropriate.
School choice and funding
Q: What impact do school choice programs have?
I support expanding school choice so parents can choose the best environment for their children. However, funding must follow students in a way that does not harm public schools.
Georgia’s funding model should be modernized to better support high-need districts.
College and career readiness
Q: How should schools prepare students for life after graduation?
Not every student needs a four-year degree, but every student needs a path.
We must expand trade certifications so students graduate with skills, credentials or a clear next step. Education should lead to opportunity.
Vision and leadership
Q: What is your vision for Georgia’s education system?
My vision is for Georgia to become a national leader in education again.
Over the next 5–10 years, I want to see improved literacy rates, stronger workforce pathways, safer classrooms and real accountability at every level.
Closing
Q: Why should voters choose you?
I bring proven leadership, not political promises. I know how to fix broken systems and am willing to make difficult decisions.
The one thing families should know is this: I will fight for your children like they are my own. Georgia’s students deserve excellence.
About this series
Questions were developed using input from families, educators and community members in Gwinnett and Hall counties through an online poll. Responses are published with only minor edits for grammar and clarity.
As part of its commitment to fair, accurate and unbiased coverage, The North Gwinnett Voice provided the same questionnaire to all candidates running for Georgia State School Superintendent.
