Stephanie Nelson

Publisher

 

Debbie McDonald Quarles has qualified on the Republican ticket for the Escambia County School Board District 1 seat.

Quarles is a retired teacher with 37 years of experience. She has taught at Flomaton and W.S. Neal middle schools, as well as tutored in the after-school and summer programs. She has served in numerous capacities with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and as an Alabama Educators Association convention representative. She was three times elected as teacher of the year in the systems.

“After 37 years of teaching, it’s hard to remember all the hats that I’ve worn, but I know that the most special has been that of ‘teacher,'” Quarles said. “I do know that as needs arose, I tried to help in any way that I could. I love my school and my students, and it’s always been an honor to serve.”

It’s that dedication to service that Quarles will use as a member of the school board, she said.

“When I was contacted that Mike Goolsby had decided not to run again (for the seat), and would I consider running, it didn’t take me long to realize that this could be a new and different opportunity to impact the school life of the students,” she said. “It has always seemed to me that a teacher would have a unique perspective to offer the board as decisions are made, and I would love the opportunity to do that if given the chance.”

Quarles earned a bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Troy State University and a master’s degree from Livingston State University.

Quarles will face Randall Little and Kevin Hoomes in the Republican primary in June. No Democrats qualified for the seat.