About Whitney - Whitney McGinniss for DeKalb School Board

Biography

Whitney’s Biography

Whitney, Brad, and Lee at Fernbank Science Center

Whitney speaking with parents at John Lewis Elementary

Whitney with her students from Kitobo Primary School in Kenya

Whitney McGinniss is a dedicated public servant, with more than 20 years of experience in the government and nonprofit sectors. Whitney has worked with families and youth in various roles, including as a food stamps and Medicaid caseworker, suicide prevention counselor, reproductive health educator, and homelessness prevention caseworker. After receiving her master’s degree, Whitney moved into administrative and leadership positions, developing and evaluating programs, maintaining and analyzing data, writing and managing grants, and promoting continuous quality improvement for several local nonprofit organizations.

Whitney was first elected to the DeKalb County School Board in 2022. Since then, she has been a tireless advocate for:

Improved communication, engagement, and transparency with district stakeholders
Data-driven approaches and objective evaluation of educational programs
Improved school facilities and management of ESPLOST spending
A comprehensive 5-year review cycle for all district policies and regulations
Greater collaboration with county, community, and municipal partners

Before joining the DeKalb County School Board, Whitney served in a variety of educational roles, including as a middle school science and English teacher in Kenya, a GED tutor for pregnant teenagers in state custody, and a member of the Principal Advisory Council (PAC) for Druid Hills Middle School.

Whitney received a K-12 public education in Tallahassee, FL, where she graduated valedictorian from the School for Applied Individualized Learning (SAIL High). Whitney has associate degrees in liberal arts and graphic design from Tallahassee State College. She received her bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of South Florida and her Master of Public Policy from Georgia State University. Whitney maintained a 4.00 GPA throughout her college career and has been honored with several educational and research achievement awards.

Whitney has lived in DeKalb County with her husband and son for more than 10 years. In addition to her role on the School Board, Whitney serves on the board of the Laurel Ridge Springbrook Civic Association, reviews homeless services grant applications for the City of Atlanta and State of Georgia, and participates in “get out the vote” efforts each election cycle. She enjoys gardening, arts and crafts, home improvement, thrifting, and current events.

Meet the Family

Whitney’s Family

Whitney, Brad, and Lee celebrating the Lunar New Year

Whitney and Brad at DCSD’s annual employee awards celebration

Whitney and Lee on the beach in Savannah, GA

Whitney met her husband, Brad, in Tallahassee, while he was completing his psychology degree at Florida State University. Brad went on to receive his Master of Public Health from the University of South Florida. After college, Brad and Whitney served together in the US Peace Corps, where they were assigned to the remote Kenyan village of Njoro. Brad and Whitney relocated to DeKalb County in 2012. Brad works as a supervisory scientist, mentoring early career professionals and contributing to peer-reviewed publications.

Whitney’s son, Lee, attends DeKalb School of the Arts, where he studies film/media and visual arts. Lee also enjoys science and math, and would like to pursue a STEM career after he graduates. Lee is an A/B honor roll student and an active member of the Student Film Club. Before attending DSA, Lee attended Fernbank Elementary, Laurel Ridge Elementary, and Druid Hills Middle. In his free time, Lee enjoys playing video games, drawing, and hanging out with friends. Lee spends his summer helping young artists at Mainstreet School of the Arts and learning advanced techniques at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center.

Exchange Students

Isabel stayed with our family during the 2021-2022 school year and attended Druid Hills High as a freshman. Originally from Germany, Isabel’s interests included travel, fashion, and dancing. While in the US, Isabel participated in track and cross country, helped build a homecoming float, and earned A honor roll for both semesters. In addition to seeing many sites around Atlanta, we took Isabel on trips to Washington DC, Charleston SC, Asheville NC, and Tallahassee FL. Isabel is interested in returning to the US for her university studies.

Ginni stayed with our family during the 2023-2024 school year and attended Druid Hills High as a junior. Originally from Italy, Ginni’s interests included Harry Potter, sports, animals, and the miliary. While in the US, Ginni joined the DHHS swim team, participated in NJROTC, and marched in the Atlanta Pride Parade. In addition to seeing the many sites around Atlanta, we took Ginni on trips to New York City and Panama City Beach. Ginni is interested in returning to the US to serve in the military.

Qualifications

Whitney’s Qualifications

First elected to serve on the DeKalb County School Board in 2022
20+ years of experience in the government and nonprofit sectors, including management and leadership roles
Master of Public Policy from Georgia State University, graduated summa cum laude
Has a high schooler and a foreign exchange student attending DeKalb County schools
Served on several PTA committees, Principal’s Advisory Council, and Emory Lavista Parent Council
Taught middle school science and English as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Kenya
10+ year resident of DeKalb County, currently volunteers with Partners for HOME and the Laurel Ridge Springbrook Civic Association
Received a K-12 public education, graduated Valedictorian of SAIL High School in Leon County, Florida