My campaign announcement at the TSD Board of Education Meeting, March 24, 2024 laid out clear priorities:

My name is Ayesha Potts, and I am here tonight because I believe in the power of strong public schools, and I want to ensure that Troy remains the best of the best. 

I believe in our teachers, and I know that they are key to the success of our children and the success of our schools. 

I believe in our community and know that these are OUR schools. We have always been a city filled with pride for our district and have always held our schools to a high standard. 

For these reasons—and many more—I am announcing my candidacy for the Troy School Board.

I am an immigrant to this country, like so many others here in Troy. Education is—and always has been—a top priority for my family. Like many people, we moved here for the top tier schools. This was our destination, and I want to make sure that Troy remains a premier destination for families. 

In order to do that, we must ensure that rigor and excellence remain the focus for Troy Schools. We need to both support and challenge students at every level—whether they need extra help to bridge gaps in achievement and learning—or a curriculum and opportunities that allow them to soar ahead.

I know Troy Schools. I have lived here for 19 years and have volunteered at every level for more than 16 of those years, inside our classrooms and as PTO president. I have two children who have graduated and are doing very well, thanks to the preparation they received here. I have two children who are still in the Troy School District–and I see the exceptional education that they are receiving every day.

This does not mean that we do not have room for improvement. I think it’s vital that we listen to one another, listen to our teachers and listen to our community. We must always strive to be better and to do better. We cannot rest on our reputation or past success. We must always be looking forward, to ensure that the future is even better than the past. 

I am passionate about this city, and I have spent my adult life serving it—as a nurse, a mother and a positive force for good in our district. I have built strong relationships with so many in our schools—and in our community. I know that what we all have in common is the love for our children. We must now use that common focus to move forward. 

Together, we can celebrate our successes, solve any problems and foster an even better tomorrow for our students. I look forward to working with you and thank you for your time.