Everett Fairchild decided there are too many important school board decisions for him to not seek re-election on the Hamilton County Board of Education.
With three of four board members who are up for election not running again, Mr. Fairchild, who has served 16 years on the school board, decided his experience was valuable. The 80-year-old former Hixson Junior High principal announced this week he will seek another term as District 3 representative.
“My experience in the school system gives me an edge on people who have not been involved,” he said. “As I looked at what the future held for the school system, I feel like I can make a contribution.”
Mr. Fairchild said he is concerned about the lack of planning and communication that went into the decision to bring Volkswagen to Hamilton County. The school system should have been alerted that an influx of workers was headed this way, he said.
“I don’t mean to criticize the county and city for what they did to attract VW, but they should have known we don’t have enough buildings and classroom space for the people who are moving in to that end of the county,” he said. “We’re probably going to have to rezone some kids.”
He also sees a need for another program like the successful adult high school and possibly for another alternative school.
Board members have discussed the possibility of turning the old Hixson Middle School, which is in Mr. Fairchild’s district, into a second adult high school. The only other county school that serves students who previously have dropped out or are in danger of doing so is located in Harrison. There is no transportation provided to the school.
“We really need a place north of the river for kids who drop out,” he said.
Mr. Fairchild also discussed the need for more teacher-to-teacher mentoring instead of spending thousands of dollars to bring in consultants who “try to sell us on new programs.”
“I think some of that money would be better spent helping our new teachers have contact with teachers already in our system who are successful in what they’re doing,” he said. “We need to be looking at our successful programs and see what’s working.”
* Name: Everett Fairchild* Age: 80* Family: Wife, Margaret* Occupation: Retired principal
School board member Linda Mosley said she has learned a lot from Mr. Fairchild during the year she’s been on the board. In the next 18 to 24 months, the board will have to start negotiating a superintendent contract, since current Superintendent Jim Scales’ contract runs out in 2012. Ms. Mosley said she hoped to have Mr. Fairchild’s expertise around for those decisions.
“I really respect his opinions on things, and the history he brings to the board. Everett’s experience is invaluable,” she said. “For me, that’s just huge for him to run again.”