Bryson brings parent's perspective

By Tiarra Brentley
Contributing Writer
Columbus Post

It’s been said that mother knows best and Barbara Bryson, a mother of two, is extending that sentiment into the Columbus Public School system as she campaigns for a seat on the school board.
Bryson, a Cleveland native, has lived in Columbus for 23 years and watched her two children have remarkably different experiences attending the city’s public schools.
“I saw the evidence of what happens when one child receives everything he or she needs to be successful versus one that did not,” said Bryson.
When Bryson’s son, who is now 27, attended Columbus public schools, his needs as a student with attention deficit disorder contributed to his falling through the cracks. Despite traditional school and home schooling efforts, he never graduated. Bryson’s daughter, who enrolled in Bennett College in August went through Columbus schools and had a good experience.
Bryson became frustrated by the challenges that she and her son faced while trying to ensure that he had equal access to a quality education. It was a friend’s ultimatum that spurred Bryson into action.
“I was upset and complaining to a friend of mine and she said, ‘You can continue to complain or you can make a decision to make a difference,” Bryson recalled.
She chose the latter.

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