Maury County School Board candidates outline top issues

County General Maury County School Board Election

District 2

Candidate Frank Bellamy, 77

What city/town in Tennessee do you live in? Columbia

Education: King College, BA; MTSU, M.Ed in Guidance and Counseling; 30+ graduate hours past masters in psychology/education from MTSU/Trevecca

Job history: I have had several "jobs" before and during college, during summer breaks from schools, and since retirement, however my 39-year career in education includes: 2 years in 6th and 7th grade classrooms near Abingdon, Virginia, followed by 10 years at Columbia Military Academy from 1970-1980.

I was employed by the Maury County School system at Santa Fe Unit School from the fall of 1980 until I retired at the end of school in 2007. There were many "jobs" held at CMA, including 6-8 classroom teacher and principal, director of admissions, counselor, coach, dormitory supervisor, and summer groundskeeper and maintenance crew member.

At Santa Fe, I was a middle school teacher, licensed school counselor for grades 7-12, and later for K-8 (achieved Career Ladder Level 3 for both), testing coordinator, coaching assistant, activity bus driver, and athletic director. Since retirement, I have driven the Mule Town Trolley, worked briefly at Williams Funeral Home, and served as a school crossing guard for the Columbia Police Dept. I have had several volunteer jobs, including volunteering weekly at the Family Center, and driving for My Ride Maury. I have also owned an antique business since 1982, and have a store in downtown Columbia.

Family: I sadly lost my wife of 41 years in 2010, and the only immediate family I have is a sister in North Carolina, and a sister in Arizona. Locally, I consider my wife's brother and his family and my many friends to be "family".

Why are you running for this office?

Mrs. Kinser, the current District 2 board member, is not running for re-election, and I feel that someone who has actual experience working for Maury County Schools should continue to fill this seat. Since I am retired, I feel not only qualified, but now have the time to attend meetings, work sessions, etc.

What makes you qualified to hold this office and better qualified than your opponent(s)?

I like my opponent and would vote for him if I was not running myself. However, I believe that my 10 years of experience "wearing many hats" in private school, and my 29 years of experience working with many different responsibilities in K-12 public education, give me an edge. Because I am retired, I believe I will have more available time to devote to reading, listening to citizens in my district, studying, and learning to assess all aspects of issues affecting our schools in order to make informed decisions.

If you are elected (or re-elected), what are your top 2 to 3 priorities for your new (or next) term in office?

I believe that a major priority must be to try to achieve a stronger, more friendly relationship with the county commission, which provides the funding for the school system. I would like to see more effort made to support our teachers and administrators, not only to hire the best possible, but to retain them. I believe school safety will always be a top priority, and am thankful that our county has such a good SRO program, and would like to see it upgraded with the most up-to-date equipment available, including tools to combat the rising problem of vaping and other behaviors which are affecting our students.

What are you hearing most from voters about what they want you to accomplish, if elected?

Realizing that I cannot accomplish much alone, since all matters require passage by voting, I believe most voters, including parents of current students, simply want their children to be able to safely go to their schools and back home in the evening. While there, they want them to be in classrooms staffed by competent, caring, certified teachers. We have to be able to honor this by hiring (somehow) the best teachers we can and also finding good substitutes to take their places when sick. If we can do this consistently in all our schools, everything will fall into place, including rising test scores, etc.

What issues in the Maury County Public Schools district have motivated you to run (or re-run) for a position on the Board of Education?

I have honestly always been interested in education and all that goes together to have a successful school or system. I know that it has historically been hard to get people to run for office in the county (or most places). When I found out that Bettye Kinser was not going to run again, I decided that I could. At that time, no one else had declared. I just hope that in all districts we have thousands of voters, not just a few hundred.

What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting students in Maury County Public Schools?

I do not think this issue is basically any different than it was 100 years ago, except on a larger scale. Our job is to provide qualified, caring teachers for all grade levels and all subjects in all of our nearly two dozen schools. What makes this issue different in Maury County today is that we have built, and are building hundreds, if not thousands, of new houses across the county. We still must provide the facilities and resources to educate each child to the best of our ability ----and more importantly, to the best of their ability---if they live in million dollar homes, or in their automobiles; if they speak English, or if they speak Spanish, Chinese, or another language; if they can run a mile in 5 minutes, or they use a wheelchair, etc. We must take each student where he/she is and go from there.

Last year, the school board denied the American Classical Academy's charter school application. What is your stance on future state charter school requests?

This question cannot be answered now. I would have to hear the presentations, listen to the pros and cons, and investigate how other school systems who have charter schools feel now that they have them. I am neither "for" or "against" charter schools, per se. I need to research the concept to discover why some think they are needed.

Will you commit to being civil in how you present yourself and the way you interact with opponents and others? (Our definition of civility is being a good, active, honest and respectable citizen)

Yes

Candidate Robert Plageman - I

No response.

District 4

Candidate Darryl Martin, 63

What city/town in Tennessee do you live in? Columbia

Education: Masters of Religious Arts in Theology

Job history: Pastor 35 years, Realtor 9 years

Family: Married 42 years, 3 Sons, 6 Grandchildren

Why are you running for this office?

As a 22-year resident of Maury County, I’ve developed a great appreciation for our community and subsequently feel a need to serve it’s people, both young and old. Being a strong believer that public education must be kept at the forefront of any communities’ priorities, I look forward to representing our “leaders of tomorrow”, by providing the best opportunity possible for a solid learning experience while in their youth.

What makes you qualified to hold this office and better qualified than your opponent(s)?

Again, having served locally as a pastor, counselor, Real Estate Agent, and County Commissioner, these offices and occupations have allowed me to connect and interact with people of all walks of life. As a pastor I regularly deal with families who struggle with issues stemming from the difficulties children face in today’s world. As a realtor, I deal with newcomers and must answer as carefully as possible questions regarding Maury County school’s desirability.

But, most important I am a grandfather of 6, and I have the heart of a grandad, at this stage of life, nothing seems more important than providing the best of everything for the ones who depend so heavily upon others for their own provision, protection, and prosperity. In regard to why I am more qualified than my opponent, my education is closely related to that of the workings of a school system in regard to administration, education, and budget management. Furthermore my personal convictions lean in a different direction being more fiscally and morally conservative.

If you are elected (or re-elected), what are your top 2 to 3 priorities for your new (or next) term in office?

School board members are responsible for developing policy that directs the flow of most things within the school system. These policies are without question the strength of the system, as they provide boundaries for staff and students. Boundaries that allow liberty whenever possible and structure wherever needed. But policies can also create restraints that hinder productivity and or allow freedoms that work against the goals and purpose of education. With that the most important role of a School Board is to create policy that works in the best interest of every child.

That said, I will focus on strengthening disciplinary measures and controls within the classroom that support our educators in their work, and foster a sense of security among both students and staff.

Secondly, I will work toward raising grade point averages across the board as grades act as markers of success in learning. We must be able to see clearly where each child stands in relation to their learning, in order to better design a pathway going forward. I also have a passion toward meeting each child at the point of their personal learning style, and will support searching out various learning mechanisms and avenues of teaching that will reach into all 7+ learning skill sets while finding ways to employ what each needs.

What are you hearing most from voters about what they want you to accomplish, if elected?

Concerns over Maury County school grade point averages, a much needed support for our staff and educators who're now in place, and thoughts relating to the building of new schools and or maintenance of existing facilities. All of which I intent to address promptly.

What issues in the Maury County Public Schools district have motivated you to run (or re-run) for a position on the Board of Education?

I fear that there is too much political interference on the local level and want to see our school system run by the people of Maury County, (i.e. elected officials who represent their constituents well). While there are many state and federal laws that local government must adhere to, there are others that are left for the School Board to impose or restrict. Board members mustn't fear backlash from above when the people are wanting something more for the local community. It is my conviction that all politics should be left at the door as our efforts focus on teaching the A, B, C's of education and keeping reading development a priority K-12. This includes any far right or far left agenda.

What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting students in Maury County Public Schools?

This is a multifaceted question. At this moment though, I'd lean toward raising grade point averages and not imposing a lowered grading curve that hurts every student in the end.

Last year, the school board denied the American Classical Academy's charter school application. What is your stance on future state charter school requests?

I am for parental choice. The government does not own our children or our taxes. Every parent should have the right to choose where their child attends school to ensure a fair and balance scale for all.

Will you commit to being civil in how you present yourself and the way you interact with opponents and others? (Our definition of civility is being a good, active, honest and respectable citizen)

Yes

Candidate Chandler Anderson, 46

What city/town in Tennessee do you live in? Columbia

Education : Honors Diploma - Marshall County High School, Associates of Applied Science - Columbia State Community College, Bachelors of Science in Nursing, Tennessee State University- Masters of Science in Nursing

Job History : 2006 to 2010 Family Nurse Practitioner - Maury Regional Medical Center; 2009 to present - Chief Executive Officer, Family Nurse Practitioner- Right Care Clinic

Family: Children - Abby, Jack and Cole Anderson

Why are you running for this office?

For too long, our children have been given one path for post high school education: college. This approach has resulted in many successful careers being launched. However, it has also resulted in unnecessary student loans and frustration for children who followed this path unsuccessfully. We must provide our children with an alternative to college education. Vocational education is a cost effective alternative to traditional college. We must promote careers in the trades (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, auto repair, etc) as much as we do traditional college. Trade education is the first step in many small business owners’ success story.

We must return control of the classroom to teachers. We have allowed legislators to dictate what is best for our children instead of those who actually understand educating children. We have allowed TCAP to determine whether our children are ready for advancement to the next grade rather than teachers and parents. We must return that decision to teachers and parents.

We must adequately fund public schools. Before we have a single conversation about charter schools and voucher programs we must adequately fund public schools. The frustrations that have led to parents seeking an alternative to public schools are due to the lack of adequate funding of public schools.

Finally, we must make and keep our schools safe. No child should go to school and fear for their safety. No teacher should enter the classroom and fear for their safety. Children who consistently disrupt the classroom must be removed from the classroom. These children must have their behaviors appropriately addressed. However, the classroom is not the place for this, especially at the sacrifice of the education of their peers.

What makes you qualified to hold this office and better qualified than your opponent(s)?

I have been an educator at Columbia State. More importantly, I am the parent of public school students. Through this experience, I understand the challenges parents and children face as they navigate our public school system. When parents bring concerns to me, I will be able to understand their experience as I actually have children in the public school system.

If you are elected (or re-elected), what are your top 2 to 3 priorities for your new (or next) term in office?

Improve access to vocational schools. Return control of the classroom back to teachers. Adequately fund and support public schools.

What are you hearing most from voters about what they want you to accomplish, if elected?

To end the political manipulation of our public schools. For too long the public school system has been used as a pawn in political games. No teacher is trying to indoctrinate children. They barely have time to eat their lunch. Voters want a school board member who represents the interests of parents and children, not a political party.

What issues in the Maury County Public Schools have motivated you to run (or re-run) for a position on the Board of Education?

The need for vocational education, the debacle that is TCAP, underfunding of our school system, and the politicization of education.

What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting students of Maury County Public Schools?

The most pressing issue is ensuring our children are prepared to be successful adults and members of our community. We must teach our students basic life skills such as budgeting, navigating the healthcare system, and the establishment and appropriate use of credit.

What qualifications do you possess and would positively contribute to the Board of Education and the overall well-being of Maury students?

I am a graduate of public schools. I am the parent of students who attend public school. I am a small business owner who employs graduates of our school system. I am a Family Nurse Practitioner. From those perspectives, I can be a valuable team member to my fellow school board members.

Last year, the school board denied the American Classical Academy's charter school application. What is your stance on future state charter school requests?

We should not consider funding a single charter school until our public school system is adequately funded. The reason parents are seeking alternatives is we have allowed our public schools to be underfunded and undervalued for far too long.

What else do you want voters to know about you that will help them make an informed decision on election day?

I am seeking this position to improve the opportunities afforded our children and parents in the Maury County Public Schools system.  This is not a political position for me. Our students today will be our peers in the workplace tomorrow.

A "fun" question: When visitors ask you, "What should I do in Tennessee or your specific community?" what are the top 2 or 3 things or places you recommend?

When visiting Maury County, have breakfast at Katie Pie’s or The Stubborn Mule. After breakfast, visit the Williamsport Lakes for early morning fishing and relaxation. Once you’ve caught your limit, enjoy lunch at The Square Market and spend the afternoon shopping on our Square. For supper, check out Don Pepe’s or The Mount Pleasant Grille before catching a show at The Watershed Public Theatre or the Maury County Arts Guild.

Will you commit to being civil in how you present yourself and the way you interact with opponents and others? (Our definition of civility is being a good, active, honest and respectable citizen)

Yes

School Board District 5

Justin Haucke, I - No response.

David R. Moore -I - No response.

School Board District 6 -

Sue Stephenson-R Unopposed

District 8

Candidate Brendan Babcock-R - No response.

Candidate Gregory Hanners, 60

What city/town in Tennessee do you live in? Columbia

Education: BA English/German, U of Alabama; PhD Comparative Literature, U Texas; MBA, MTSU

Job history: 27 years in HR, Benefits & Quality at Caterpillar, Asurion and currently ResultsCX, taught Business at Central in 2022 for 8 weeks

Family: Wife Pam (retired English teacher at Central), son Kyle (23)

Why are you running for this office?

I think due to our county’s quick growth this is a challenging time for our schools, and I would like to help Maury County Public Schools grow and deliver world-class public education to all of our students. This really matters to me because my family has always attended and supported public schools.

What makes you qualified to hold this office and better qualified than your opponent(s)?

I have experience in the public schools as a student, parent and teacher and I have followed the school board closely on several issues, including the ACA charter school decision - so I think I understand many of the issues we are facing better than someone who has mainly been involved in private schools.

If you are elected (or re-elected), what are your top 2 to 3 priorities for your new (or next) term in office?

1) Get kids reading and doing math at grade level in elementary school - this is the foundation of everything that comes later. 2) Recruit and retain good teachers and improve working conditions - we need to get creative in areas like math, where we are not currently fully staffed or have difficulty finding qualified teachers. 3) Work to boost our graduation rate and our average ACT scores - areas the state and other organizations monitor and use to evaluate our schools.

What are you hearing most from voters about what they want you to accomplish, if elected?

Make sure kids are safe, make sure they are learning and making progress, make sure every class has a qualified teacher, do a better job of communicating with parents and other stakeholders

What issues in the Maury County Public Schools district have motivated you to run (or re-run) for a position on the Board of Education?

1) Is the growth we are facing and the challenge of building and staffing new schools and maintaining staff in existing schools. 2) Is threatened funding challenge posed by an appointed (not elected) state board approving charter schools against the expressed will of our local elected school board 3) Is the challenge of working with our county commission and our state legislators to get impact fees to offset the costs of new schools near Spring Hill, where real estate developers are driving huge demand. I don't think it is right to hike taxes on folks in Hampshire or Culleoka to pay for these new schools, when developers are making tons of money on this, but not paying their fair share like they must in Williamson County.

What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting students in Maury County Public Schools?

Making sure every class has a qualified, prepared teacher. Kids need someone who has the skills and knowledge to teach them and they need stability.

Last year, the school board denied the American Classical Academy's charter school application. What is your stance on future state charter school requests?

I think an outside organization requesting a charter is simply a funding drain on our schools. If a group of parents with kids in our schools wanted to start a science and technology charter based on their local initiative, that would be different. But ACA has not identified who their customers are in Maury county - we don't know what group of students they are supposed to be serving. Beyond that, we already have a private school that uses the classical academy model in Maury County in Agathos. There is no need for yet another classical academy.

Will you commit to being civil in how you present yourself and the way you interact with opponents and others? (Our definition of civility is being a good, active, honest and respectable citizen)

Yes

Maury County School Board District 10

Candidate: Lesa Webster-Dawson, 58 - unopposed

What city/town in Tennessee do you live in? Mt. Pleasant

Education: Graduate of Mt Pleasant High School, Attended Columbia State Community College.

Job history: Mt. Pleasant Power System for 15 years

Family: Husband, Robert Daryl Dawson

Why are you running for this office? I am running for this office to be a voice for our children, community and parents.

What makes you qualified to hold this office and better qualified than your opponent(s)?

I am a graduate from the Mt Pleasant school, I am a grandmother of several students, work with the youth in my community and my role as a minister has given me a strong leadership, and community engagement skills. My experience in the electric industry has equipped me with skills in planning, budget management and operational efficiency, all of which is vital for managing school resources.

If you are elected (or re-elected), what are your top 2 to 3 priorities for your new (or next) term in office?

Making sure students get the best education possible. Making sure teachers get the support they need to succeed and providing safety and well-being for all students and faculty members.

What are you hearing most from voters about what they want you to accomplish, if elected?

Voters wanting open communication with teachers and the community, teachers' salary, and funding for the schools.

What issues in the Maury County Public Schools district have motivated you to run (or re-run) for a position on the Board of Education?

Improving academic performance, school funding and budget management, student mental health and wellbeing, teacher support and retention, safety and security

What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting students in Maury County Public Schools?

The most pressing issue affecting students is peer pressure, Mental health, Academic Achievement and student engagement

Last year, the school board denied the American Classical Academy's charter school application. What is your stance on future state charter school requests?

I don't think Maury County is ready for a charter school.

Will you commit to being civil in how you present yourself and the way you interact with opponents and others? (Our definition of civility is being a good, active, honest and respectable citizen)

Yes

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Maury County School Board candidates outline top issues