Benjamin Straker, Sr., Board Chair,District 9

05/20/2026

🚨 WE ARE IN THE RUNOFF! 🚨
​The work isn’t finished yet, Clayton County! Thanks to your incredible support, we have advanced to the Runoff Election on Tuesday, June 16th for Clayton County School Board, District 9.

​Our public schools need proven, dedicated leadership now more than ever. I am ready to keep fighting for our students, supporting our teachers, and ensuring every school in District 9 has the resources to thrive.
​But I can't do it without you. Runoffs are all about voter turnout—your vote on June 16th will make the ultimate difference.

​🗓️ Save the Date: Tuesday, June 16th
📍 Who: Benjamin Straker for School Board District 9
🌐 Learn More & Join the Team: www.benjaminstraker.com
​Let’s keep pushing forward together for a stronger public school system! 🎓💪
​

05/19/2026

🎓 Huge congratulations to the brilliant graduates of Elite Scholars Academy under the phenomenalleadership of Principal Sam West! You have shown incredible dedication, resilience, and academic excellence. Clayton County is incredibly proud of the Class of 2026—go out and change the world! 🦅✨

05/19/2026

🎓 History in the making! 🎓
​Huge congratulations to all of our incredible Clayton County Public Schools (CCPS) graduates who will walk across the stage today!

​A special shoutout to our very own Board Intern, Adrian—we are so incredibly proud of your hard work, leadership, and dedication. Your future is incredibly bright! 🌟

​It is an absolute honor to celebrate the Riverdale High School Class of 2026 today in our brand-new Clayton County Public Schools Arena at Southlake. What an amazing venue to match the massive achievements of these students!
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05/18/2026

🗳️ Election Day is Tuesday, May 19th! 🗳️
​District 9, our journey toward excellence isn’t finished yet. Together, we have made historic strides for Clayton County Public Schools, and on Tuesday, May 19th, I am asking for your vote to keep that momentum moving forward.
​When you elected me, I promised to put our students, our educators, and our community first. Together, look at what we've accomplished:
​📈 Historic Academic Growth: We pushed our graduation rates to a record 86.3%—the highest since 2011—and we are closing the gap with the state average every single day.
🍎 Investing in Educators: We delivered competitive raises, including the FY2026 budget’s $1,500 raise and $1,000 loyalty bonuses, ensuring Clayton County attracts and retains top-tier talent.
🛡️ Proactive Safety: Through our Safe School Initiatives and community partnerships, we are building a culture of security that addresses the root causes of conflict while protecting our classrooms.
🏟️ The Arena at Southlake: We successfully opened our new 8,000-seat arena this past March—a revenue-generating asset built with disciplined E-SPLOST stewardship that provides immersive career training for our students.
​We’ve built a proven path to excellence, but the work continues. My vision for the next term is simple: No dead ends for our students. I want to see our graduation rates clear 90%, continue leading the metro area in teacher pay, and expand our career academies.
​Let’s keep delivering for District 9.
​📌 When to vote: Tuesday, May 19th
📍 Where to vote: Check your polling location at the My Voter Page (MVP) website.
​Let’s keep moving Clayton County forward. Vote Benjamin Straker for School Board District 9!
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05/15/2026

I was extremely excited to partner with Sacramento State University and our Interim Superintendent Dr. Hendrix to provide over 250 students scholarships to Sacramento State University. Ensuring that every child is College and Career Ready and have these types of opportunities is why I enjoy my role on the Board! My focus is and always will be..Student Success! Congratulations Scholars! We are proud of you!😍😍

Sacramento State University Scholarship & Admissions Event Recap📌...

05/15/2026

It is the last day of Early Voting! I would like to thank all of the wonderful organizations and people that have endorsed me, called, donated and offered support! Some people want popularity and visibility but I have always valued CREDIBILITY! Thank you for reaffirming my years of creditable, consistent, verifiable and documented service to our district and community!

I would also like to thank all of the families that have been supporting me since my 1st election and have worked with me alongside this journey! Speaking to families as I've been going door to door reaffirmed my commitment to the work and to our staff and students. Together, we are building schools that make our community proud and our students global learners! From current educators to retired educators to current students and those that have graduated, I have enjoyed every interaction and every story! Thank you for believing in me and for the positive encouragement! Together, we will keep our eyes focused on the prize...our 50,000 students! We'll see you May 19th at the polls! Let's Go Ben!

05/14/2026

Congratulations Ms. Grant! Well deserved!

05/12/2026

Thank you Center for Strong Public Schools for this endorsement!

🎓 The CSPS Action Fund proudly endorses Benjamin Straker for Clayton County School Board District 9!

Strong public schools are built from the ground up in communities, in school boards, and in the bold leadership of people like Benjamin Straker, Sr., Board Chair,District 9. We're proud to have him in our corner, and we're proud to be in his.

🗳️ Vote for Benjamin Straker on May 19!

🔗 www.strongschoolsnow.org

05/10/2026

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms, Grandmothers, Aunts, Foster Moms, Bonus Moms and Pet Moms! You are celebrated for all that you do and the unique ways you mend our hearts!

05/05/2026

Benjamin Straker, Sr., District 9, serves as chairman of the Clayton County Board of Education and his leadership style is not defined by spotlight or spectacle. Instead, Straker describes his approach simply: lead from the back and focus on the mission...Educating Our Children.