Striving for the Best

Doris A. Graham

Florissant Patch: What is your educational background? 
Doris Graham: My education began in a one room schoolhouse called Attucks Elementary School located on the corner of Hanley Road and Bonhomme Avenue in Clayton, MO.  I moved into the city of St. Louis when I was in the third grade and attended Benton Elementary School on Kingshighway and St. Louis Avenue.  After the Supreme Court Decision of 1954, I was transferred to Gundlach Elementary School.  All of my education has been in St. Louis. 

I'm a graduate of the following:

• Soldan High School- 1963
• Harris Teachers College-1967-BA degree in Elementary Education-Principal ship
• St. Louis University-1979-Ph.D. Education Administration/Superintendence
• Aquinas Institute of Theology at Saint Louis Univ.-2001-Master of Arts Degree in Pastoral Studies and Preaching

Florissant Patch: What issues are important to the Ferguson-Florissant school board? 
Graham: The issues include, closing the academic achievement gap, high achievement for all and fiscal stability. Even during this recession, our board has been good stewards over the district's money.  We thank the voters for passing the School Bond with 70 percent approval. We strive to have a balanced budget. So far, we have not had to lay off any teachers. Excellent classroom teachers are so important for the achievement of our students. We are, also, working toward our district going "green."A green committee has been established.  Local control and parental involvement is very important.

Florissant Patch: What makes you a great candidate? 
Graham:  My character makes me a great candidate.  I am blessed to have a firm foundation on Christian principles.  I live by the golden Rule "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." I believe that honesty, integrity, love and compassion are the special ingredients that are needed to interact effectively with all people.  I am a good listener, and I respect the opinions of others.  All of the above, plus my wisdom and knowledge equates to a great candidate; the best candidate for the Ferguson-Florissant Board of Education.

Florissant Patch: Why did you decide to run again for a seat on the Ferguson-Florissant school board?
Graham: I decided to run again for a seat on the school board because I want to continue to work hard to provide the best education possible for the children of the Ferguson-Florissant school district.  I want to continue our belief "High Achievement for All" where we think of every student as our very own. I want safe schools, accountability, parental involvement and transparency. I have the experience, knowledge and the passion to see equity and justice in all decision-making endeavors. I am a fearless hard worker who believes in rolling up my sleeves and getting the job done. 

Florissant Patch: Do you have a message that you want voters to know? 
Graham:  My message to the citizens of the Ferguson-Florissant School District is to vote for me, Doris Ann Graham, on Tuesday, April 5.  I am the first name on the ballot. You can "Expect the Best" when you vote for Doris Ann Graham. I would like to continue the work that is needed as a board member.  I will always strive for the best. I was elected to the board in 1988.  I have been a committed, trusted and passionate board member for 23 years.  I have never wavered on doing what is best for our students and staff in our public schools. I believe in "High achievement for All."  Each student has a right to the best public education a community can provide.  I am a product of public schools. I truly believe that the Ferguson-Florissant School District is a great place to educate all children.