Local doctor presents views for education
Dr. David McKalip, running for the District 3 post of the Bartow County Board of Education, explained his vision for the future of education for county students during his campaign fundraiser Wednesday at Sixes Tavern.
“You are going to need leaders on the school board to protect the teachers from this interference ,” McKalip said as he outlined issues he sees as problematic.
He introduced two others running for the school board in attendance. Incumbent Darla Williams is seeking re-election to her District 2 post and newcomer Travis Jordan is campaigning for the District 1 seat. The three are teaming up on several issues, including getting the senior school tax exemption extended past 2028.
McKalip, a local neurosurgeon, led the fight to get ballot approval for a local tax measure that limits property taxes to the rate of inflation. He took on the issue after both Cartersville and Bartow County school boards opted out of state legislation passed in 2024. The local measure allowed the tax restriction without the ability for local entities to opt out.
Voters approved the measure with an 80 percent “yes” vote last November. McKalip said he would look closely at budgets and efficiency if elected to provide citizens with accountability and transparency.
“I will never vote to increase taxes on property,” he said.
McKalip said the problem is money spent on education doesn’t lead to better outcomes. He wants to streamline spending, so money goes to teachers and their work the classroom rather than administrative or other costs.
An important issue, according to McKalip, is a lack of student proficiency in reading and math. Statistics show only 30 to 40 percent of students are performing at their grade levels in these areas even though graduation rates are higher.
He blames inadequacies partially on bureaucracy. Excessive paperwork, forms, and reports interfere with teachers working with students, he said.
McKalip has lived in Bartow County for around six years, moving from Florida. His wife was a teacher and his sister currently teaches in Florida. He has been active in the Republican party both locally and statewide.
Melody Dareing is a freelance writer for publications in the U.S, Canada, the UK and Germany. She is a former news director of Adelphia Channel 4 and WBHF Radio. She is on Facebook,X,YouTube, content on Substack, and has a podcast on Rumble.