Meet the Candidate: Linda Benton

Cartersville’s general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 8, and only two school board seats are contested. Candidates will be introduced on Cartersville Patch. Linda Benton, a long-time school board member, is challenged by .

Beginning work on the school board in 1994, Linda Benton was named chairman in 2000 and each year since. As the board's leader, Benton awards diplomas to graduates and in addition to work sessions and business meetings, attends the six committees' meetings held throughout the month.

"Quality education is essential to the success of every child....For the last 11 years my board colleagues have honored me by electing me to serve as president by a unanimous vote. This year I have the privilege of seeking re-election to the school board for another term," Benton said on her "Re-elect Linda Benton, Cartersville City School Board" Facebook page. "I am passionate in my efforts to see that every student in the receives the best possible quality education. I am proud of the what we have accomplished, yet there is always work to be done."

Benton is among three generations in her family to have graduated from , including her husband, Jerry. The couple has three adult children and a granddaughter.

In addition to 25 years of employment at , Benton is either a founding member or member of several boards, including Cartersville Community Foundation, Luke and Margaret Pettit Environmental Preserve and .