By Lisa Tindell
news editor

A retired educator has thrown her hat into the political ring as she seeks the district 3 seat of the Escambia County Board of Education.
Patsy Jacks, who is running as a Republican, said she wanted to continue to serve in the field of education, even after she has retired.
“I’m just not ready yet to leave the field of education,” Jacks said. “There is more to be done. After 35 years, I still want to continue to serve in the field of education.”
Jackson, who retired from teaching in 2005, said being on the school board will allow her to help those who educate the children in the county.
“I am excited about the opportunity to run for Escambia County School Board, District 3. Seeking this seat on our county school board gives me yet another chance to be an instrumental player in the field of education,” Jacks said. “Winning this race would provide me a new purpose in the Escambia County School System: to ensure that the students in our county will continue to be assigned the best teachers and administrators in the safest, environmentally friendly schools in this area. Current methodology in teaching will guarantee that our citizens’ children will be competitive in an ever-changing world.”
Having taught in the classroom, Jacks said the classroom is the center of learning for students.
“The pivotal center of education is the classroom; whether that classroom is in an elementary school, a middle school, a high school, or a vocational school,” Jacks said. “It is in that classroom where the processes of teaching and learning begin. No doubt, teaching is a ‘special’ calling. Successful teachers build relationships with their students, their students’ parents, and with their community. It all boils down to trusting, caring, sharing, and building relationships in the classroom. Once that camaraderie is built, the teacher and the students are on the same team, a team that thirsts for success.”
During her career in education, Jacks has served as teacher and administrator for schools in Escambia County. She served as community education coordinator for the Brewton City School system after having taught 11th grade English at Milton High School. Following her work with Brewton City Schools, she spent 20 years teaching English at schools in Escambia County including W.S. Neal High School, T.R. Miller High School, Brewton Middle School, Escambia County High School and Escambia County Alternative School During her career she served as assistant principal and principal at Escambia County High School.
Jacks graduated from Jefferson Davis Community College and went on to attend Auburn University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary English. She later earned a master’s degree in English at Auburn University Montgomery where she also earned a master’s certification in administration and supervision.
She and her husband of 42 years, Wendell, have two children and three grandchildren.
Jacks will be challenging incumbent Jack “Donnie” Crutchfield who will be running on the Democratic ticket.
The election to determine who will be members of the school board will be held in November. No primary will be held in the race.