A 16 year educator, Carly is a graduate of Agnes Scott College, earning a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in Teaching English at a Secondary Level. She completed her specialist degree in Educational Leadership with Berry College and has been working on and off with grants for 20 years. While Carly’s first love is teaching high school English, most of her career as an educator has been focused on school improvement and professional learning. She has presented her work with schools and districts across the state and nationally. In her 7 years at the Georgia Department of Education Carly has worked with Title II, Part A, Equity, Professional Qualifications/In-Field, and Teacher and Leader Effectiveness. Currently she works with the Consolidation of Funds Initiative and Equitable Services.

Bonnie Knight is the Assistant Superintendent of Foothills Education Charter High School.  Prior to joining Foothills Education Charter High School, she was Assistant Superintendent for Madison County Schools and Rockdale County Schools.  She currently is responsible for the Business Operations aspects, including finance and human resources, at Foothills.  Prior to joining Foothills, she was responsible for finance, human resources, facilities, transportation, school nutrition and public relations.  She has been consolidating federal funds with Madison County Schools and then Foothills since the first year it was allowed in the state of Georgia.

Shaun Owen is the Deputy Chief of Staff, Director of Consolidated Federal Initiatives and State Ombudsman at the Georgia Department of Education.  She leads the Consolidation of Funds Initiative, which combines local, state, and up to 12 federal funds to gain greater flexibility and allowability and she oversees Equitable Services.  Shaun has worked at the GaDOE since 2008 where she has led several statewide initiatives such as the Governor’s Directive for Resource Development and previously was a decorated classroom teacher and business owner.   Shaun has served as the president of the National Council of State Social Studies Specialists and started the Collaborative of State Ombudsmen in the Spring of 2017 to help facilitate cooperation and develop support for this new position under ESSA.  Shaun earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership, and a Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership.  Shaun’s passion is improving education for all students.   

Paulette Richmond Hart considered pursuing constitutional law as a career, but education won in the end. An educator for 24 years, Paulette is passionate about research related to academic achievement for all students ... all learners. Her other interests include school improvement, diversity, equity, student discipline and alternative learning opportunities. Paulette has worked with middle school, high school, non-traditional and collegiate programs, both at the instructional and administrative levels. In addition, she has worked with the Georgia Department of Education which afforded her the opportunity to support statewide initiatives, collaborate with school and district leaders and facilitate professional learning sessions. Currently she serves as one of the associate superintendents in Dougherty County Schools providing oversight to the following departments: Federal Programs, Family and Community Engagement, Turnaround and School Improvement. Paulette is married to Troy Hart Jr. who also serves students, staff and families in Dougherty County Schools.  

Audra Saunders currently serves as the Chief Academic Officer for the Cartersville City School System.  Her main responsibilities are curriculum, federal programs and assessment.  The Cartersville City School System has four schools that serve approximately 4600 students in grades preK through twelve just North of metro-Atlanta.  Prior to the appointment of Chief Academic Officer, Audra served as curriculum assistant principal for twelve years, which includes Cartersville High School (2012-2015) and Campbell High School in Cobb County, Georgia (2004-2012) where she also served as Athletic Director for two years.  Cobb School Counselor Association awarded her Administrator of the Year in 2011.  Audra began her career as a middle school science teacher at Crabapple Middle School in Fulton County, Georgia.  She then transitioned to teaching high school science at Sprayberry High School in Cobb County, Georgia.  Audra received a B.S. in Education - Secondary Biology from Kennesaw State University, an M.Ed. in Instructional Technology – Media from the University of West Georgia, and an Ed.S. in Administration and Supervision from the University of West Georgia.  She is a collaborative leader who builds community support and positive relationships with all school stakeholders in order to positively impact student learning.   Audra and her husband, Mark, live in Kennesaw, Georgia.

Todd Stephenson is a Management and Program Analyst in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, School Support and Accountability.  In this capacity, he works with different aspects of the Title I, Part A program and other ESEA programs, including allocations, use of funds, and equitable services.