Atlanta Public Schools Board of Education member for District 6, Tolton Pace, is on the campaign trail to retain the incumbent seat and Keep The P.A.C.E for his community. As an APS graduate, former APS educator and APS spouse, Pace is focused on Progress & Pathways, Advocacy & Alliance, Community Collaboration and Equity for every APS student and staff.
Pace’s staunch commitment and affinity for District 6 trace back to his deep native roots in the area. Not only was he born and raised in District 6, but he also grew up going to church, attended middle school, got licensed and ordained in ministry, bought his first house, and worked at both Therrell and South Atlanta high schools—all in District 6.
Pace’s visionary spirit and drive for advancing District 6 also comes from his invaluable mentorship under Michael R. Hollis, the late Air Atlanta founder, entrepreneur, and advisor to Mayor Maynard Jackson. Hollis helped instill many of the guiding principles and best practices that Tolton lives by today.
“I believe my brother always recognized Tolton’s genuine servant-leadership and unwavering dedication to the District 6 community,” said Julius Hollis, brother of the late Michael R. Hollis. “The Hollis family proudly stands with Tolton as he seeks to retain the incumbent seat and boldly Keep the P.A.C.E. moving forward across District 6.”
Since joining the Board 10 months ago, Pace has served and advanced the district through significant accomplishments:
P – Progress & Pathways
● Closed APS’ $100M deficit
● Raised student achievement across all subjects on Georgia Milestones
● Reached the highest graduation rate in APS history
● Investing in literacy while expanding college-and-career pathways
A – Advocacy & Alliance
● Partnered with Morris Brown College for guaranteed college admissions (detailed announcement to come)
● Partnered with the YMCA for staff wellness benefits (detailed announcement to come)
● Delivered raises for frontline staff—cafeteria, custodial, and nursing teams
C – Community Collaboration
● Protected Therrell’s IB program by amplifying parent voices
● Leading the development of APS’ 5-Year Strategic Plan through open dialogue
● Engaging students directly through Breakfast with the Board
E – Equity
● Expanding student mental health access through APS’ Talk It Out (844-935-0933)
● Championing early learning for every child by 2030
● Building partnerships with Grady Health System to support families and educators
