Former Member Says He'll Run for Cornett's School Board Seat

Former Bartow Schools board member Matt Shultz announced this morning on his blog that he intends to run in the special election to fill the District 3 seat left vacant when, following her arrest, Angie Cornett resigned.

Voters in 2010 chose Cornett over opponent David Palmer, and she took office in 2011, succeeding Shultz, who had served on the board from 2004 to 2010.

Cornett, who was at the center of alleged ethics violations on the school board, now faces a misedemeanor reckless conduct charge for allegedly ramming a student with her SUV in the Walmart parking lot during a Dec. 28 dispute over a parking space.

"I know [Cornett] personally and know her to be an outstanding individual and a couple of unfortunate situations have caused people not to believe that, but I appreciate her service on the board," Superintendent John Harper told The Daily Tribune News.

Atlanta Journal-Constitution Get Schooled blogger Maureen Downey expressed a different opinion. After watching videos of the incident at Walmart and Cornett during a school board meeting, Downey asks, "How do these folks get elected," and wonders "if there are any functioning school boards left in Georgia."

Shultz's full release addresses some of the board's latest issues:

In light of yesterday’s news, I would like to announce that I am going to run in the special election for the open school board seat representing District 3. The education of our children is one of the most important responsibilities we have as a society so that we can pass on the traditions and values of this country. Our children and this community have been let down in recent months and we must all stand up and demand more from those who are representing us. I understand that we must move past personal politics and focus on ensuring that our school system is seen as an asset as new employers seek to locate their businesses here. My service on the board from 2004-2010 will allow me to step in immediately and go to work for the students and teachers of the Bartow County. I am a certified teacher in the state of Georgia with a Master’s Degree in Executive Leadership and I am currently pursuing a Doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction from Liberty University. Our school system will only be effective and trusted again when we ensure transparency and always focus on doing the right things in the right way. My guiding principle will always be the truth…even if that means we have to stand up in front of the community and admit we made a mistake. We have all of the pieces in place to be one of the best systems in the state if we will not get distracted by selfish ambition and personal agendas. With your help and support, I look forward to being the kind of leader that leads from the front, defends the truth, protects the innocent and exhibits personal integrity. If you are willing to go on this journey with me again I would love to have your support in the weeks to come.

The school board will request a special election from the county Elections board. Stay with Cartersville Patch for updates on the date and qualifying period.

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• Updated: Walmart Parking Lot Video of School Board Member Released
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• Bartow BOE: We Deserve Better
• Ethics Complaint Filed Against School Board Member
• Parent to School Board: 'Embarrassed' by Member's Actions