Celebrating the Trailblazing Women Who Shaped Atlanta Public Schools
- Board Member Erika Mitchell
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
As we observe Women’s History Month, it is essential to honor the remarkable women who have shaped Atlanta Public Schools (APS) through their leadership, vision, and dedication. These women broke barriers and set high standards that continue to influence the district today. Their stories inspire educators, students, and community members alike, reminding us of the power of commitment and courage in education.
Bazoline Estelle Usher: A Pioneer in Education Leadership
Bazoline Estelle Usher stands out as a foundational figure in APS history. Born in 1855, she pursued higher education at Atlanta University, graduating second in her class. Her academic excellence led her to teach math and science, subjects critical for expanding educational opportunities for African American students during a time of segregation and limited resources.
Usher’s influence extended beyond the classroom. She became the first African American to hold an official position in Atlanta’s City Hall, overseeing Negro instruction for APS. This role placed her at the forefront of educational policy and administration, where she advocated for quality education and resources for Black students.
Her leadership continued as the first assistant principal of Washington High School. She also played a key role in transforming the David T. Howard School into a high school, expanding access to secondary education for African American youth. Usher’s work laid a strong foundation for future educators and leaders in APS, demonstrating the impact of dedicated leadership in challenging times.
Betty Strickland
Breaking Barriers in School Administration
A series of groundbreaking achievements mark Betty Strickland’s career in Atlanta Public Schools. A graduate of Henry McNeal Turner High School and Clark College, she began her work in APS in 1962. Strickland became the district’s first female middle school principal and the first African American principal of Inman Middle School, breaking through significant racial and gender barriers.
Her leadership extended to the highest levels of the district when she served as APS’s first African American woman interim superintendent in 1998. This milestone reflected her decades of experience and commitment to improving education for all students.
Throughout her 30-plus years in education, Strickland worked as a teacher, principal, and curriculum specialist. Her career exemplifies how perseverance and dedication can open doors and create lasting change in school leadership.
Julia O’Keefe Nelson
The First Woman on the Atlanta Board of Education
Julia O’Keefe Nelson was a formidable force in Atlanta Board of Education governance. As the daughter of Dr. Daniel O’Keefe, one of the founding figures of APS, she continued his legacy as the first woman elected to the Atlanta Board of Education.
At a time when female property ownership was uncommon, O’Keefe Nelson managed and administered multiple properties. She was a strong advocate for curriculum development, ensuring that APS classrooms were equipped with adequate teaching materials. Her influence on educational policy and governance laid the groundwork for more women to take on leadership roles in APS.
Mary Agnes Jones
Champion of Negro Education
Mary Agnes Jones was a powerful advocate for equitable education for African American students. Elected as the Supervisor of Negro Education in 1920, she worked tirelessly to expand opportunities for Black students within APS.
Jones was the first woman to serve as president of the Georgia Teachers and Education Association and a former regional vice president of the National Teacher’s Association. She collaborated with organizations such as the NAACP, YMCA, Urban League and Red Cross to improve educational access and resources for African American students. Her advocacy helped shape policies that advanced Black education in Georgia.
Helen Ira Jarrell
The First Female Superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools
Helen Ira Jarrell was a pioneering figure in Atlanta Public Schools leadership. After graduating from Girls High School, she began her career as a teacher in the 1910s and later became a principal in the 1930s.
Although Laura Smith briefly served as interim superintendent in 1918, Jarrell is widely recognized as APS’s first female superintendent. She introduced the community high school model and successfully advocated for the equalization of teacher salaries—an issue she inherited from her predecessor. Jarrell retired in 1960 amid controversy related to school integration, She remained a dedicated educator, later working with the Georgia Department of Education.
Continuing the Legacy of Women in Education
The contributions of these remarkable women continue to shape Atlanta Public Schools today. Their leadership, advocacy, and commitment to education paved the way for future generations of educators, administrators, and students. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let us honor their legacy by continuing to champion equity, excellence, and opportunity for all students in Atlanta Public Schools. Their stories remind us that education is more than just a system—it is a movement powered by visionary women who refuse to accept limitations. May we continue to build upon their legacy and inspire the next generation of women leaders in Atlanta Public Schools.
Erika Y. Mitchell
Board Member-District 5
Board Chair (2024-2026)
Atlanta Board of Education
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