Moving Forward with Joy Tellis Cooper, BOE District 8 Board Member

06/18/2026

06/17/2026

The day after an election is always a time of reflection for me.

Since March, I have been running nonstop. Many things were put on hold or pushed aside because I knew how important this election was; not only for the scholars of Clayton County but for our community as a whole.

We are at a critical moment in our district's history, where public education is under attack. Good leadership must be transparent, accountable, trustworthy, fiscally responsible, and committed to protecting the integrity of the organization entrusted with educating our scholars. We have an Interim Superintendent who is ready to lead the way with a focus on student achievement (Onward & Upward) and a dynamic team of teachers and staff who are prepared to move our district forward.

District 8, thank you for once again placing your trust in me and allowing me to serve as your Board Member and advocate for the next four years. I am honored, humbled, and grateful for your confidence in my leadership.

To my family and loved ones, thank you for your patience, understanding, and unwavering support. For every event I missed, every moment I could not be fully present, and every time duty called me away, you stood by me. I could not have done this without you.

To my supporters, community leaders, faith leaders, volunteers, and the true MVPs (District 8 voters) thank you, thank you, thank you! Your encouragement, hard work, and belief in our shared vision made this victory possible.

I do not take this responsibility lightly. The work continues, and there is much more to accomplish on behalf of our scholars. Together, we will continue building on our progress, advocating for student achievement, supporting our educators, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed.

I am ready to get back to work.

With gratitude,

Joy Tellis Cooper
District 8 Board of Education

06/17/2026

🏆 VICTORY! Congratulations to Joy Tellis Cooper on winning the June 16 runoff for Clayton County School Board District 8!

Clayton County’s students have a real champion on their board. Joy came back stronger and her community showed up for her when it mattered most. We are so proud to have stood with her every step of the way.

🔗 www.strongschoolsnow.org

06/17/2026

06/16/2026

District 8: Today is the day. Let’s finish strong and re-elect Joy Tellis Cooper to District 8 Board of Education. Polls are open from 7am - 7pm.

06/15/2026

Vote Joy Tellis Cooper - District 8 School Board

06/15/2026

06/15/2026

Vote Joy Tellis Cooper District 8 Board of Education.

🗳️ We’re not done yet, and neither are they.

Four of our endorsed candidates are headed to the June 16 runoff, and the CSPS Action Fund will be with every single one of them until the last vote is counted.

Dr. Mark Baker — House District 68
Rep. Venola Mason — House District 94
Joy Tellis Cooper — Clayton County School Board District 8
Benjamin Straker — Clayton County School Board District 9

These four leaders came this far because Georgia’s students deserve champions in the legislature and on their school boards. This week we finish what we started.

🗓️ Runoff Election: Tuesday, June 16
🔗 www.strongschoolsnow.org

VoteEducation

06/13/2026

🗳️ RUNOFF ELECTION DAY – JUNE 16TH 🗳️

I am asking for your vote to continue serving as your District 8 Board of Education representative.

Over the past four years, I have remained committed to putting students first, practicing fiscal responsibility, and ensuring that every decision made supports the success of our scholars, educators, and community.

As your School Board Member, I have worked to:

✅ Maintain a balanced and healthy budget while supporting the needs of our schools

✅ Advocate for policies that promote equity and opportunity for all students

✅ Support initiatives focused on literacy, academic achievement, and student growth

✅ Engage parents, educators, students, and community stakeholders through regular meetings and open communication

✅ Champion transparency, accountability, and strong governance

✅ Support programs that prepare students for college, careers, and lifelong success

✅ Award scholarships to graduating seniors and invest directly in our future leaders

My commitment remains the same: Protecting, Supporting, and Advocating for our scholars.

Together, we have made meaningful progress, but there is still important work ahead. I am ready to continue building on our successes while focusing on literacy, increasing graduation rates, retaining high-quality teachers, and maintaining the financial stability of our district.

On June 16th, I respectfully ask for your vote and your continued trust.

Vote Joy Tellis Cooper
District 8 Board of Education

Community updates and events