Why I want to continue to serve on the Sullivan County Board of Education?

God has blessed me so much throughout my seventy- five years of life. I am at a point in my life where I can serve my community, not needing to be focused on my career. Twelve years ago, God led me to offer my service to the students, families, and staff of our community by representing them on the Sullivan County School Board. He is continuing to lead me to use the knowledge, relationships, and experience I have gained through my 38-year involvement with Bristol and Kingsport City Schools and the twelve years as a member of the Sullivan County Board of Education. Much progress has been made towards the three main goals that I outlined in the forum in June 2012; however, more work needs to be done to fully accomplish these goals.

  

Goals/priorities for 2024-2028

1.      DETERMINED to keep Sullivan County students as our greatest natural resources by providing updated facilities with expanded curricula especially the enhanced CTE Programs.

2.      EXPERIENCED: Please prayerfully consider me as your District 5 Board member. I ask that you compare my education, experience, leadership positions and accomplishments as a Board Member with the other candidates. 

3.      COMMITTED to approving a budget that ensures Sullivan County teachers and support staff are paid a salary comparable to Kingsport and Bristol and fighting for more local control of our educational processes including curriculum and testing.  

Background

·         Currently serving as District 5 Board member for Sullivan County (2012-2024)

·         Served as Chairman for three years (2020-2023)

·         Served as Vice Chairman for four years (2016-2020)

·         Level 4 Board Member

·         Served as member-at-large for Tennessee School Board Association for 2023

·         Sullivan County resident since 1980

·         Christian believer and member of Indian Springs Baptist Church for 36 years

·         Sunday School teacher at Indian Springs Baptist Church

·         Served three years on State Resolutions Committee for Tennessee Baptist Association (2013-2015)

·         Scott County Virginia native-graduate of Rye Cove High school

·         Education: Bachelors, Masters and Master’s plus 45 from ETSU

·         Married for 51 years to Ann Jones (retired Sullivan County teacher)

·         Occupation: Retired from Bristol City Schools in 2009

·         Assistant Director of Schools, Bristol, TN (1995-2009)

·         Principal, Tennessee High School, Bristol, TN (1991-1995)

·         Assistant Principal, Tennessee High School, Bristol, TN (1985-1991)

·         Assistant Principal, Vance Middle School Principal, Bristol, TN (1979-1985)

·         Director of Alternative School, Tennessee High School (1978-1979)

·         Math teacher, Tennessee High School, Bristol, TN (1976-1978)

·         Director of Admissions, Steed College, Johnson City, TN (1975-1976)

·         Math teacher at John Sevier Middle School, Kingsport, TN (1971-1975)

·         One granddaughter attends West Ridge High School

·         One granddaughter is a 2023 graduate of West Ridge High School and attends East Tennessee State University