HUNTSVILLE – Jessica Fortune Barker has qualified as a Democratic candidate for State Board of Education, District 8.

Fortune Barker formally announced her candidacy on Feb. 17 in Huntsville at 3322 S. Memorial Parkway, Suite 103. Current board member Mary Scott Hunter is not running for reelection to the state board.

Fortune Barker describes herself as “a young upstart, mother, wife and Huntsville schools alum. The Democratic candidate is a unique millennial candidate already serving as a volunteer advocate for parents and students of Huntsville City Schools,” campaign publicist G. Lynnette Hollins said.

This campaign “is steeped heavily in a passion for providing the best education possible for not only her children but every child in Alabama,” Hollins said.

“Fortune Barker is a natural leader, organizer and advocate with a passion for fair and equitable education for all children,” Hollins said. “She is very active in her children’s school and has become a trusted intermediary for parents and students alike throughout the Huntsville City Schools system.”

“Having earned the respect of administrators and teaching staff, Fortune Barker has an innate ability to effect real change,” Hollins said.

“Fortune Barker is building steady momentum and support from community leaders, educators and frustrated parents all desiring to work toward providing the children of Alabama an education that will carry them into successful adulthood,” Hollins said.

A fresh approach from Fortune Barker will promote collaboration between stakeholders to ensure the best for Alabama public school students in her district and statewide, Hollins said.

“She believes it is time for our public school system to restore a voice to students, teachers, administrators and parents,” Hollins said.

For more information about Fortune Barker’s plan to put ‘unity’ into community, visit barker4education.com.