Benjamin Straker, Sr.

County School Board District 9

STRONG SCHOOLS. STEADY LEADERSHIP.Support Benjamin Straker’s Re-election for District 9. Together, we’re building a better future for our Clayton County students.

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BUILDING A BETTER TOMORROW, TODAY

PROVEN PATH TO EXCELLENCE FOR CCPS

1. High School Graduation Rates: Closing the GapThe Record: We have reached a historic milestone. As of the Class of 2025, our graduation rate hit 86.3%—the highest since the state began the current tracking method in 2011. This was a significant 3.3% jump in just one year, and we are now within one percentage point of the state average.The Difference: We launched the "4-E Effect" (Enrollment, Enlistment, Employment, Entrepreneurship) and expanded wraparound supports.Future Vision: I will continue advocating for "No Dead Ends," ensuring every student has a tailored pathway—via Dual Enrollment or career academies—to reach a 90%+ district-wide rate.2. Competitive Pay for Our EducatorsThe Record: The FY2026 budget includes a $1,500 raise for all employees and a $1,000 loyalty bonus for returning staff. This follows FY2025's 10% to 14% average increase for many certified staff.The Difference: We didn’t just give raises; we structured them to ensure our lowest-paid workers saw the highest percentage gains, making CCPS a competitive destination for top talent.Future Vision: I am committed to leading the metro area in teacher pay, long-term retention, and staff mental health support.3. Safety & Security: A Comprehensive ApproachThe Record: Safety is about heart, not just hardware. Our late-2025 "Power of Peace" tour united law enforcement and the District Attorney to mentor our youth.The Difference: We have institutionalized School Safety Week and expanded our Safe School Initiative Tip Line, ensuring that security is a proactive, community-wide effort rather than a reactive one.Future Vision: I will oversee the implementation of next-generation security technology in all buildings while doubling down on restorative justice and mental health resources to address the root causes of conflict.4. The Arena at Southlake: Oversight & OpportunityThe Record: We are at the finish line. The $117 million Arena at Southlake opened in March 2026. This isn't just a building; it’s an 8,000-seat revenue-generating engine that we secured through disciplined E-SPLOST stewardship.The Difference: As Chair, I’ve ensured this project hosts local graduations to save families travel time while housing the JA Delta Discovery Center and CCPS Creator Studios for immersive career training.Future Vision: My next term will focus on rigorous oversight of the arena’s operations to ensure it remains a "black ink" asset for the district, creating 300+ local jobs and providing a world-class stage for our students' achievements.

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About

Benjamin Straker, Sr.
District 9 Representative, Clayton County Board of EducationElected in 2015, Benjamin Straker, Sr. is a dedicated advocate for Clayton County students. A resident of Rex, Ben’s commitment to education began as a parent leader, serving as President of the Adamson Middle School PTSA while his two children attended local schools.With over 20 years of experience in grassroots community leadership and advocacy, Ben has collaborated extensively with elected officials to drive outreach and education initiatives. He holds a B.B.A. in Sales and Entrepreneurship from Bernard Baruch College and earned his MBA from Clayton State University in 2018.

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