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District 7 school board members face off

Hamilton County School Board District 7 incumbent Donna Horn speaks during a candidate forum held by the Greater Chattanooga Association of Realtors at the group's headquarters on Amnicola Highway on June 1. Nine school board candidates, including Horn's opponent, Joe Wingate, answered questions about their candidacy at the forum.
Hamilton County School Board District 7 incumbent Donna Horn speaks during a candidate forum held by the Greater Chattanooga Association of Realtors at the group's headquarters on Amnicola Highway on June 1. Nine school board candidates, including Horn's opponent, Joe Wingate, answered questions about their candidacy at the forum. Hamilton County School Board District 7 incumbent Donna Horn speaks during a candidate forum held by the Greater Chattanooga Association of Realtors at the group's headquarters on Amnicola Highway on June 1. Nine school board candidates, including Horn's opponent, Joe Wingate, answered questions about their candidacy at the forum.

By Gabrielle Chevalier 1 min read

photo Hamilton County School Board District 7 candidate Joe Wingate.

With the impending selection of the next Hamilton County Schools superintendent, the upcoming school board general election Aug. 4 carries more weight than ever.

Which is why, according to UnifiEd Executive Director Elizabeth Crews, attending debates for the four districts where the incumbents face challengers – districts 1, 2, 4 and 7 – is crucial.

“The thing on everyone’s mind is the new hiring of the superintendent,” Crews said. “Which is why we ask each candidate what that process looks like and how they see the community getting involved in that decision. That’s important for people to come out and hear before the vote. I think that’s paramount.”

Current District 7 school board representative Donna Horn and challenger Joe Wingate’s debate is Thursday, July 7 at East Hamilton Middle/High School at 6:30 p.m.

Early voting for the school board election starts July 15 and runs through July 30. General voting will take place Aug. 4. To learn more about polling times and locations, visit elect.hamiltontn.gov.