DUPLICATE: Former ASU football coach Hamp Smith announces his support for school board candidate Shirlette Davis-Marcus

ALBANY — Dougherty County School Board District 6 hopeful Shirlette Davis-Marcus picked up her first endorsement this week when former Albany State University football coach Hamp Smith threw his weight behind Davis-Marcus and her quest for the seat being vacated by Darrell Ealum.

Davis-Marcus, a ninth grade teacher at Mitchell County High School, is battling Dean Phinazee and Princess Milledge in next week’s Democratic Primary.

Smith said he decided to support Davis-Marcus after hearing her speak about her strong belief in career academy schools

“I don’t think our school system is doing enough to get our kids ready for jobs. Not all kids are meant to go to college,” Smith said. “We need a career academy to teach them job skills to make them more attractive in the job market. She is an advocate of a career academy and she is a current teacher, and I think teachers who are in the schools should have more influence on the school board.”

Davis-Marcus said she was flattered to have picked up the endorsement of a sports icon such as Smith.

“I’m honored to have his endorsement and I think it shows I have the support of people who think a career academy is needed and is possible within the Dougherty County School System,” she said.