Kelvin Bouie Sr., of Attapulgus, has announced his plans to run for the Decatur County Board of Education, District 1, seat. That seat had been filled by Clarissa Kendrick, who resigned from the position June 30.

Bouie said he decided to run for the school board because he wants to make sure the county’s children get the best schooling possible.

“I have lived in District 1 all of my life and have always tried to support the people of that district,” he said. “I want to be sure that all of the county’s children get a good quality education.”

Bouie served eight years on the Attapulgus City Council and is the chairman of the Decatur County Democratic Party, as well as a member of the Decatur County Planning Board. He said his familiarity with government business is an asset.

“I know that our schools are having a hard time making their budget,” he said. “I hope that I could help alleviate some of that pain, and help us find federal and state sources of funding to lessen the burden on local taxpayers.”

Bouie graduated from Bainbridge High School in 1981 and has worked for BASF (formerly Engelhard) in Attapulgus for 31 years. He is the manager of the United Steelworkers Local 170 and a member of the Attapulgus Volunteer Fire Department. Bouie has also served as a youth sports coach for YMCA and Bainbridge Leisure Services.

If elected to the board, Bouie said he would work hard to develop policy that meets the needs of all students, parents and teachers.

“I believe that the board should set policy and procedures to make sure that all of the teachers and students are treated fairly,” he said.

Bouie is married to his wife, Gail, and they have two sons, Jamaar and Kelvin Jr. They have five grandchildren. Bouie is a member of the Second Morning Star Baptist Church in Attapulgus, where he is a member of the choir.

Bouie is also a member of Calvary Lodge No. 389, the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Second Chance Outreach Center, the West Bainbridge Elementary parent involvement committee, and the Oak City Consistory No. 66.