SELMA — Current school board member and former Selma City School Board President and Vice President Barbara Hiouas has announced her candidacy for Selma City School Board president.

Hiouas, an educator with more than 42 years experience, said she will bring to the office, “The education and qualifications necessary to lead the Selma City School System in a progressive, positive direction.”

As a career educator Hiouas has taught children on every level from K-12. Hiouas has experience as an educational ambassador to Australia through the Fulbright Foundation, a Peace Corps volunteer in Nicaragua and a director and grant supervisor for adjudicated youth in Phoenix.

“I am passionate about learning and education on every level,” Hiouas said. “I believe that education is the core of a stable, progressive community and I am dedicated to providing a quality education for every student in our system.”

While serving as president on the Selma City School Board, Hiouas said she worked to create a more congenial, productive atmosphere by reducing the backstabbing and mudslinging that had traditionally hindered the effectiveness of the school board.

“I vow to continue conducting meetings in a professional, concise fashion that leads to the success and advancement of the Selma City Schools,” she said.

Hiouas said her record as board president exhibits her dedication to the overall improvement for the Selma City Schools and Selma.

During her tenure as president of the school board, Hiouas said she directed the successful appointment of a new superintendent, initiated the revision of current board policies that will be voted on in October, helped develop a new strategic plan for the board, initiated the formation of an equitable pay matrix for classified employees and initiated discussions for a new high school.

In addition, repairs of Payne, School of Discovery, Byrd, CHAT Academy, and Edgewood schools where completed during her tenure

“I promise to keep all activities of the board transparent, to support the superintendent’s vision for building a world class school system, and to dedicate efforts towards improving the safety and academic achievement of our youth,” she said.

More information on Hiouas can be found on her Web site at www.1steducation.net.