Michelle Coward Seeks Election
Michelle Coward, the incumbent Board of Education representative for District 5 in the Jasper County Charter System, announces her bid for re-election, aiming to continue her dedicated service to the community she dearly loves.
Ms. Coward was appointed in March 2023 to fill the vacated seat of Lewis Rice. Several years ago, Michelle, along with her husband Jason, relocated from Newton County to Jasper, captivated by the exceptional schools the county offered. As a mother of an adult daughter and a son attending Jasper County Middle School, Michelle brings a genuine passion for education to her role.
Before joining the Board of Education, Michelle served on the School Governance Team for Washington Park Elementary School, demonstrating her commitment to grassroots involvement. As the full-time Director of Finance at Eastridge Church, Michelle utilizes her extensive 20-plus years of accounting experience to contribute to the Finance and Policy Committees on the board.
Michelle’s voting record reflects her dedication to the community’s growth and prosperity. She voted to purchase land for a new school, supported staff bonuses, and actively participates in shaping policies that positively impact the school system. With Jasper County’s graduation rate increasing to nearly 93% (8+ points higher than the state average) in 2023 and Milestone testing scores on the rise, Ms. Coward feels confident her presence on the board will continue the upward trend.
In her statement regarding the re-election bid, rs. Coward expresses her love for Jasper County’s current state, emphasizing the importance of supporting teachers with sound policy and decisions. With the county becoming a sought-after relocation destination, Michelle advocates for wise decisions that accommodate growth while preserving the rural values and small-town charm that define Jasper.
Michelle’s commitment extends beyond board meetings, as evidenced by her involvement in children’s ministry at Eastridge Church, where she teaches Sunday mornings and contributes to Vacation Bible School every summer. She completed 21 hours of continuing education last year, focusing on new board member classes and an in-depth study of school safety.
As Michelle Coward seeks re-election, she envisions a future where every student in Jasper County has the opportunity to succeed, building on the accomplishments of the Jasper Charter System. For more information or to contact Michelle, email her at JMJCoward@gmail.com.
