New APS Board Leaders Have Strong Southwest Atlanta Ties

Reuben R. McDaniel, an at-large member of the Atlanta Board of Education, was elected chair at Monday's school board meeting, replacing Brenda J. Muhammad who was elected to lead the board when former chairman Khaatim Sherrer El stepped down last year, according to school officials.

Byron D. Amos, the new District 2 representative, was elected vice chair, replacing McDaniel.

McDaniel was elected in a 5-4 vote, according to an announcement from APS. New board member Byron Amos, elected at the end of 2011 from District 2, was elected vice chair.

Amos was elected to the board in a special vote to fill the seat held by former member Khaatim Sherrer El, who moved to another city.

Both McDaniel and Amos will serve two-year terms in their respective positions, beginning immediately.

The duties of the chair include presiding over the Board’s monthly and special meetings and serving as spokesperson for the Board. The vice chair performs these duties in the absence of the chair.

McDaniel, an investment banker and former protege of Maynard Jackson, the city's first African-American mayor, is a Buckhead resident but an active member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 306 Peyton Road, in southwest Atlanta. McDaniel currently serves as the church's Senior Warden, the highest lay position in an Anglican church.

A graduate of Washington High School, Amos is a community organizer and CEO of Capacity Builders in Vine City. He against Historic West End resident and community organizer Angela Brown.