Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

Marilyn Parker, 53, was born and raised in Maryville TN. After receiving her BS in Early Childhood Education at Tennessee Tech University she taught public school in Blount County TN before moving to Winston Salem NC in 1979 where she married Dr R Lamar Parker.

She was a public school teacher for seven years while she received her Masters Degree in Education and Reading. Continuing her passion for education she has been a preschool director at Ardmore Through the Week School for the last 31 years.

Her  four children graduated from the Winston Salem Forsyth County school system.

She is currently serving her 3rd term on the WSFC School Board while in her 4th year as Finance committee Chairperson for the school system. She is a member on the Board of Directors for the NC School Boards Association.

During these difficult budget times, I feel experience is essential. My educational background, classroom teaching experience, and Board of Education experience is essential for decision making involving programs and academic instruction.

Having served as the Finance Committee Chairperson I have gained knowledge about the entire budget; various funding sources; and how each funding source must be used. This knowledge of curriculum and budgets is imperative during these times of budget shortfalls and academic sanctions.