By Vallean Jackson, For The Tribune
JEFFERSON COUNTY — President Carita Venable has been dedicated to education since she can remember. Since first being appointed to the board in February 2019, she continues to be the voice for students and parents across the county.
With a background in education from teaching in classrooms at Jefferson County Schools and Birmingham City Schools, being an instructional coach, assistant principal, principal, a school improvement supervisor, and senior leadership coach for the Southern Regional Education Board, she is a true trailblazer devoted to making a difference in the lives of others.
Since graduating, the University of Montevallo, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Samford University alumni have continued to pursue the field of education. With 18 years of education geared towards teaching, she believes that education is a great equalizer, and from first volunteering at Camp Birmingham in high school, she knew education was her passion and
where she wanted to be.
Recently re-elected for another term for district 5 on JEFCOED, she is determined to provide the best circumstances for students academically and be well-rounded in every aspect of their lives. For her, the care of students goes beyond the confinements of the classroom. Venable had this to say in an interview about her recent re-election:
Q: Why did you decide to run again for another term?
Venable: Growing up, my mother made sure that my sister and I had a great educational foundation. So I wanted to do that and be that for all students that I came in contact with every day. This is why education is my field of choice. Also, I did not feel like my season was up with what I have been called to do in Jefferson County schools for the students, their families, faculty, and staff. I am moved with compassion that we are doing our absolute best, but I am all about continuous improvement.
Q: What was going through your head as you waited for the election results?
Venable: Nothing. I was not nervous or had any doubts. I knew what I wanted to do, and I don’t have any doubt in what I have been called to do. Whether I have a position or not, I am still called to impact the lives of students. You can’t be focused on anyone or anything else when you have a calling to do what you are supposed to be doing. I can’t worry about anyone else, I have to be focused on my own race, and that is how I looked at the election.
Q: If, by chance, you were not re-elected, what would your next steps have been?
Venable: To continue to do what I am doing by making a difference. I am blessed to be in a career that allows me to impact education and to touch the lives of others no matter what. I currently work as a senior leadership coach with the Southern Regional Education Board. I have the opportunity to work with teachers, administrators, and central office personnel to impact the lives of children. I would have continued to serve students and families through my church, volunteering opportunities, the things I am doing now, and just continue being who I am.
Q: What are your goals while in this new term?
Venable: A focus definitely in light of everything that is going on, school safety is a priority for us. Secondly, a continuous improvement in student learning. We know we have some gaps, but we have to work very hard with parents, teachers, and the community to help fill those gaps for our students. Thirdly, continue providing mental health resources that help students and families beyond just the school setting. Lastly, just overall improve our climate and culture for our employees as well as our schools. We want to be like Jefferson County is where I want to be because it is the best place to be.
Q: What advice would you give parents based on the recent events going on in the world?
Venable: To begin with, I would say that parents always need to keep an open line of communication with their children. Make sure that open dialog is there to know the feelings of the child, how safe do they feel, do they know of the safety procedures the school has in place, and what is not making them feel safe. As well as communicating with the school about different needs as it relates to safety. We are very fortunate in Jefferson County schools to have school resource officers in all of our schools. Also, each one of them has a crisis plan in place in the event of a crisis with personnel, resource officers, and administrators to carry out that safety plan. Communication is very important.
Q: What would you say is the best reward of working at the BOE?
Venable: When I have former students reach out to me and say, “Hey Ms. Venable, I voted for you because of the teacher you were to me, and I want to support you,” “Hey, this is what I am doing now..”, “Hey, can you come to my graduation, wedding, baby shower?” etc. To see that impact that you have on someone’s life is beyond a paycheck and is most rewarding. The greatest reward is the success of our students… not just academic success, but I want students to be successful in every area of their lives.