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’s commitment to service has included extensive volunteering in public schools. After receiving her bachelor’s degree, Whitney joined the US Peace Corps, where she taught middle school Science and English in Kenya. Whitney has also volunteered with Communities in Schools, Girls on the Run, and as a GED tutor for pregnant teenagers. As a mother, Whitney has been an active member of the Fernbank Elementary PTA, Laurel Ridge Elementary PTA, Druid Hills Middle PAC, and Emory-LaVista Parent Council. 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
- Holistic support for students and learning beyond test scores
- Competitive pay and a supportive work environment for district employees
- 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
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 the last 15 years. During that time, they have opened their home to high school exchange students from France, Germany, and Italy. 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.
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
- Taught middle school science and English as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Kenya
- Master of Public Policy from Georgia State University, graduated summa cum laude
- Served on several PTA committees, Principal’s Advisory Council, and Emory Lavista Parent Council
- Has a high schooler attending DeKalb County schools
- 15 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
Whitney reading to 2nd graders at McLendon Elementary
Lee at a Druid Hills High School homecoming game
Whitney volunteering with City of Atlanta’s annual homeless count
Whitney’s Priorities
Whitney speaking on ways to improve working conditions and employee engagement
Whitney speaking on the importance of modern school facilities at Cross Keys High
Whitney speaking on the need for evidence-based curriculum and robust internal evaluation
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
- Holistic support for students and learning beyond test scores
- Competitive pay and a supportive work environment for district employees
- 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
While priorities are important, so are the skills to translate them into action and results. Since her election in 2022, Whitney has overseen district improvements in several critical areas:
- Increased student test scores and the district’s highest ever graduation rate, including a 9.4 percentage point gain for Cross Keys High.
- Improved staff morale and retention, allowing the district to start this school year with zero teacher vacancies.
- Completed school renovation projects in District 2 totaling more than $35 million, with major modernization projects underway at Cross Keys and Druid Hills.
- Reduced administrative spending from 14% to 10% of the overall budget and a continued positive financial health rating.
- Expanded and elevated communication in District 2 through Whitney’s monthly listening sessions, newsletter, and participation in school events.
- Resumed meetings with the DeKalb County Commission after a 5-year hiatus and improved collaboration with the DeKalb House and Senate Delegations.
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 for Brad’s employment with the Centers for Disease Control. Brad currently 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. He also volunteers during the summer with Main Street School of the Arts and the Märchen Sagen Academy.
Whitney’s Contact Information
Contact Information:
💻 District Email: whitney_mcginniss@dekalbschoolsga.org
💻 Campaign Email: whitney@whitneyfordekalb.com
📱 Google Voice (call or text): (404) 946-8344
☎️ District Office Phone: (678) 676-0027
📬 District Office: 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Social Media Accounts:
🖥️ Facebook: @whitneyfordekalb
📸 Instagram: @whitneyfordekalb
💼 LinkedIn: @wlmcginniss
🎬 YouTube: @whitneyfordekalb
⚙️ Linktr.ee: @whitneyfordekalb
Whitney’s Listening Session at Woodward Elementary
Whitney speaking with the Clairmont Heights Civic Association
Whitney’s Listening Session at Waller’s Coffee