Help our students thrive by sending a classroom teacher to represent us on the school board.
Meet Adam
Educator | Advocate | Steward
Adam Shirley has worked in public education for 18 years, including four years with the Clarke County School District. Over that span, he has served as a tutor, substitute teacher, and paraprofessional, and for the past 14 years has dedicated himself to teaching seventh- and eighth-grade science -- all while consistently demonstrating a deep commitment to public service. Since 2018, he has served on the SPLOST 2020 Citizens Advisory and Oversight Committees. From 2021 through 2025, he served as a board member on the Athens-Clarke County Board of Elections and Registration.
Now, Adam is asking for your vote in order to continue serving the public as District 7’s representative on the Clarke County School Board.
The Issues
Our school system has had six superintendents since 2016. While most have been excellent, that level of turnover is unacceptable. Education is challenging enough when upper administration is providing stable and consistent leadership. As a school board member, Adam will work with CCSD and the new superintendent to ensure they stay at the helm for years to come.
Expand Pre-K Access
Pre-K access is one of the strongest investments a community can make because it helps children enter kindergarten ready to learn—building early literacy, math, and social-emotional skills while identifying support needs early. It also strengthens families and the local economy by providing reliable care that helps parents work, and it advances equity by narrowing opportunity gaps before they widen. Unfortunately, for many it is currently prohibitively expensive.
On the school board, Adam will work to achieve universal pre-K for CCSD, and to expand the service to include three year olds.
Support Our Teachers And Administrators
We must support our teachers and administrators because they are the people who turn a community’s values and resources into safe, stable classrooms where students can thrive. When a school board backs educators with clear expectations, fair compensation, and the tools they need, schools retain great staff, families build trust, and the entire community benefits from stronger student outcomes.
Ensure Our Tax Dollars Are Invested Wisely Into Our Schools
CCSD does not have enough money to provide our students with the superior education they deserve and parents demand. As a board member, Adam will work with the rest of the board and administration to optimize the revenue and expense portions of CCSD’s budget.
On the revenue side, Adam will join and lead every available effort to increase funding from local, state, and federal sources.
On the expense side, Adam will work with fellow board members and district administration to guarantee all of our expenses are laser-focused on CCSD’s mission to empower all students to fulfill their potential. When voters can rest assured every taxpayer dollar is being invested wisely in our schools, then they can join the effort to demand lawmakers fund schools sufficiently.
Fight For Policies That Support Our Students, Families, and Employees
For decades, state lawmakers have underfunded the Clarke County School District, leaving students, families, and educators to do more with less. Adam will push for the resources our schools deserve. As a school board member, he will fight to correct long-standing funding gaps while keeping Athenians informed and engaged—because supporting students, families, and employees starts with both funding and transparency.
Curious what the school board actually does in Athens-Clarke County?
Donate today to support Adam!
Your donation helps to elect Adam Shirley-a proven, community-first leader who will strengthen Athens–Clarke County schools by supporting students, families, and educators. Each dollar helps provide the resources to reach voters, share Adam’s plan, and build the broad support needed to win this election!
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