POWDER SPRINGS — Bobby Allen said that if he were elected to the Cobb County school board’s southwest post, he would reach out to the community to increase student resources.

“I would work with the schools to establish additional learning opportunities,” the first-time Democratic candidate said. “I would work with (Parent Teacher Organizations) to help educate parents on various resources and information about how they could and should help in the education process.”

Originally from Mississippi, the 45-year-old father of two has lived in Cobb County since 1995 and is a professor at Shorter University and a math coach with Atlanta Public Schools.

Allen said his main priority is combating academic performance problems.

Like Morgan, Allen is a strong proponent of Teach For America, calling it a “great” program, but said he wouldn’t support it if it cuts current teachers.

He says the $25 million in Race to the Top funds that the district is seeking should not be used for the teaching program.

“Part of the superintendent’s bid to sell people on TFA is that it wouldn’t come from Cobb County funds,” he said. “He indicated that he would go to the community and secure those funds to pay, and I think he should hold his word to that.”

“With that, I think Race to the Top could be used in a number of different ways. I wish we could have used it to save some teaching positions.”

According to Allen’s June 30 campaign finance report, he has raised about $4,600, nearly double what his opponents have collected. David Morgan has raised about $1,300 and Karyn Harrison has received about $2,500.

Allen has a balance of about $2,300.

Allen is being endorsed by both education organizations, Cobb County Association of Educators and Educators First. If he were to win in the July 31 primary, he would more than likely take the seat on Jan. 1, 2013, because no Republicans qualified for the race.