My name is Tracy Brisson and I am a parent, a former educator, and an experienced public administrator running for the DeKalb County Board of Education, District 4. My mission is simple: to put students’ interests first and face the district’s challenges with transparency and expertise.
A Deep Commitment to Our Schools
My family chose DeKalb County five years ago, specifically drawn to District 4’s innovative schools and dedicated teachers. Currently the parent of a fourth-grader, I have served as an elected member of my school’s Principal Advisory Council, President and Treasurer of the school’s foundation, and Advocacy Chair for the PTA. On the district level, I serve on the Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council on Exceptional Education, advocating for inclusive environments for all learners.
Proven Administrative Expertise
My career in public education began 29 years ago as a teacher in New York City. After earning my MPA in Public Administration and Finance from NYU, I transitioned into high-level district leadership. Over 15 years, I
- Worked in the budget office, monitoring a $1.8 billion operational budget for human resources, school food, transportation, and facilities
- Helped start the largest alternative teacher certification program in the country and reformed principal recruitment
- Served as Director of Teacher Recruitment, attracting candidates to the second-largest employer of entry-level workers in the U.S.
During the Great Recession, I was tasked with navigating the difficult realities of school restructuring and closures. That experience taught me invaluable lessons about the importance of community voice, fiscal foresight, and the human impact of administrative decisions—lessons I will bring to the Board of Education.
A Career Built on Empathy and Connection
After my tenure in NYC, I worked as a consultant with other districts, authored a best-selling career guide for teachers, and spent 11 years as a small-business owner and professional wedding officiant in Savannah. Having managed a company that served over 3,500 couples, I learned a lot about bringing people from all walks of life together during their most pivotal moments. My work and commitment to equality were highlighted on NPR’s All Things Considered following the landmark Obergefell decision.
This unique background has prepared me to navigate the diverse needs and voices of our DeKalb community with grace and resolve.
A Vision for Change
I am in this race to make a difference. Many of our current challenges stem from past Board decisions. We can only move forward by facing our issues head-on, with kids’ interests as our guiding light.
Outside of the Campaign
I am a Massachusetts native who grew up in a fishing town out of an old school Ben Affleck movie- you’ll only hear my accent come out around other New Englanders. In my spare time, you can find me gardening, cooking, or playing Pokémon Go with my family. I am quite a nerd. Every September, we join our community at DragonCon to celebrate the creativity and friendship that have made Georgia home for the last 14 years.
