Q&A with Mark Cantrell, seeking reelection to Muscogee County School Board
Editor’s note: This is one of the Ledger-Enquirer Q&As with candidates running for a contested seat on the Muscogee County School District Board. Early voting for the 2026 local nonpartisan election, which coincides with the Georgia primary, begins April 27, and election day is May 19.
The contest for the District 6 seat on the nine-member Muscogee County School District Board is between 16-year incumbent Mark Cantrell and challenger Bob Roth.
Here is the Ledger-Enquirer’s emailed interview with Cantrell:
Why are you seeking re-election to the MCSD Board?
“I’m seeking re-election because I care deeply about our students, our schools and our community. I am a proud graduate of Jordan Vocational High School. My daughter graduated from and taught in the MCSD, and I have a grandson who just started school in the MCSD, so I am personally invested in our school district. My service on the board is a way to give back to the school district and community that has been so good to me and my family. It has been an honor to serve, and I remain committed to listening to our community, working collaboratively with fellow board members and our superintendent, and keeping students at the center of every decision.”
Why should District 6 residents vote for you?
”During my time on the board, I’ve focused on improving student outcomes, supporting our teachers and staff, and being responsible with taxpayer dollars. We’ve made real progress with graduation rates, SAT results and Advanced Placement scores that reached all-time highs and have exceeded state and national averages. I’ve also worked to ensure our district operates with transparency and accountability, while also working for collaborative and respectful board relationships. There are still challenges ahead, but I believe my experience and steady leadership will help us continue moving forward in a way that supports students, earns community trust, and keeps our district in strong financial and academic standing.”
What is your most significant accomplishment since you have been on the board?
“I can’t single out just one thing because I’m proud of so many, such as the graduation rate, improving safety and security measures at our schools, new playgrounds, the building of Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts and the new Spencer High School, the development of Jordan’s College and Career Academy and Brewer Innovation Academy, and the expansion of our career and technical educational programs, to name just a few.
“One accomplishment I’m very proud of is helping strengthen the district’s financial stability while keeping the focus on student success. We’ve worked to make responsible budget decisions, invest more directly in classrooms, and better support and retain our teachers. I’m also proud of the more cooperative and transparent way the board works today, which has helped us make steady progress for students and families.”
What is the most significant issue you want to advocate for, and what will be your solution if reelected?
“Two areas that need continued focus are early literacy and chronic absenteeism. Making sure students learn to read well in the early grades is critical to their long-term success, and we have to keep working with families and schools to make sure students are in class every day. Even before the legislature mandated teaching the science of reading, our district began training our elementary teachers in it through a partnership with the Rollins Center that will be completed at the end of this year, so the focus is now on monitoring the work and supporting our teachers for success. This year, our district received a grant for the next five years to hire 10 more social workers to work with families to help them with barriers to children attending school. These priorities are important to me for my work on the board because student success starts with strong reading skills and regular attendance.”
What is your occupational and educational background?
“I graduated from Jordan Vocational High School in 1977 and later attended the National College of Broadcasting, where I earned certification and licensing as a radio engineer. I spent 30 years working on radio and television.
“In addition to my work in broadcasting, I am the CEO and one of the co-owners of Action Buildings Inc., a family business I have helped operate for 41 years. What began as a single location has grown to 16 locations across Georgia and Alabama. Through this work, I have gained extensive experience in business management, operations and serving our local communities.”
What is your community involvement and history of leadership roles?
“For 15 years, I served on the National St. Jude Children’s Hospital Country Cares Board of Directors helping to raise $80 million nationally for children with cancer. I also chaired the local St. Jude Children’s Hospital radio fund for 25 years here in Columbus and served as chairman for the St. Jude Dream Home that together raised over $10 million for cancer research. For 25 years, I was the marketing director and chairman of the Shriner’s Circus in Columbus, raising funds for the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. For the past 16 years, I have had the honor of representing District 6 on the Muscogee County School Board, where I served as the construction liaison.”
What else should the Ledger-Enquirer’s readers know about you and your campaign?
“I have spent my entire adult life helping children, and serving on the school board allows me to continue giving back to my community and preparing our children for the future.”
This story was originally published April 6, 2026 at 5:00 AM.
