Sen. Ramsey Named Legislator of the Year by Organization of DeKalb Educators

ODE President David Schutten congratulates Senator Ramsey on being named Legislator of the Year

ATLANTA (May 14, 2010) – State Sen. Ronald Ramsey (D-Lithonia) was recently named Legislator of the Year by the Organization of DeKalb Educators (ODE) because of his commitment to public education in Georgia.

“I am honored and humbled by this award from the Organization of DeKalb Educators,” said Ramsey. “It is of utmost importance to protect our educators. They work diligently to ensure our children receive a quality education. In turn, we must work to ensure they receive fair treatment in the General Assembly.”

“We appreciate Sen. Ramsey and all his work for educators,” said David Schutten, President of ODE. “We look forward to continuing to work with the senator to further promote public education in Georgia.”

Sen. Ramsey was first elected to the Georgia Senate from the 43rd District in 2006, while serving in his seventh term as municipal court judge in Stone Mountain. He represents citizens in portions of DeKalb and Rockdale counties. Ramsey is a proven champion for educators across Georgia, fighting to ensure the education system is not unnecessarily burdened during tough financial and economic times. He serves on a number of influential committees, including Urban Affairs Committee, Judiciary, Insurance and Labor, Special Judiciary and State and Local Government. He lives in Lithonia with his wife Doris and their two children, Ronald, Jr. and Christyn.

ODE is the local affiliate of the Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) and the National Education Association (NEA).  ODE was founded in 1974. It is now a member of the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE). Today, they represent approximately 4,600 DeKalb County School System employees including teachers, paraprofessionals, custodians, bus drivers, secretaries, cafeteria workers and administrators.  They are now the largest local teachers’ organization in Georgia.  ODE is the leading voice for public education in DeKalb County, advocating excellence in DeKalb public schools.

The GAE is a professional organization for public education professionals. It is a grassroots organization. At last count, there are more than 40,000 GAE members across the state. As an organization, GAE believes that public educators are the faces on education’s front line. Their mission is to support, protect, and strengthen those who nurture Georgia’s children.

Sen. Ronald Ramsey, Sr., represents the 43rd Senate District which includes portions of DeKalb and Rockdale Counties. He may be reached by phone at 404.463.2598 or by e-mail at ronald.ramsey@senate.ga.gov .

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
May 14, 2010
For Information Contact:
Natalie Strong, Deputy Director
Katie Wright, Communications Associate
katie.wright@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028