One of the most important yet thankless jobs anyone can perform in Hamilton County is serving on the school board. Even when a board member works conscientiously, he or she will face many critics for decisions that the board makes.
So we commend the candidates who are seeking the five school board seats that are up for grabs in the Aug. 5 county general election, and we make the following recommendations:
District 3: Everett Fairchild
In District 3, longtime board member and former principal Everett Fairchild faces three opponents: Marty Haynes, Ken R. Smith and Tony Westendorf.
Among the issues Mr. Fairchild hopes to address is educating adults who previously dropped out of school. He also wants to provide mentoring for newer teachers by successful, experienced teachers who already are in the system, rather than by costly outside consultants. Mr. Fairchild has said the superintendent, Dr. Jim Scales, should be replaced.
Mr. Haynes, who works in industrial sales, wants to use online technology to let the public know more precisely how the board spends tax dollars. He, too, would like to see a new superintendent in office, and he wants to address low graduation rates and lack of discipline.
Mr. Smith - not to be confused with current board member Kenny Smith, who is now running for County Commission - said the many good things going on in our schools get too little attention, and he hopes to change that. Owner of a company that designs and develops websites, Mr. Smith said he is experienced in balancing budgets and using money carefully.
Mr. Haynes and Mr. Smith are worthy challengers, but we believe Mr. Fairchild's educational background and knowledge of the school system make him the best candidate.
District 5: Jeffrey Wilson
Incumbent Jeffrey Wilson is unopposed in District 5. We have not agreed with every position Mr. Wilson has taken, such as his opposition to open enrollment, which would let students attend the schools of their choice outside district lines. But we believe he wants what is best for students, and his lack of opposition suggests his constituents are generally satisfied with his performance.
District 6: Joe Galloway
It is a delight when two candidates treat each other not as enemies but as respectful opponents. So it is in the District 6 contest between retired, longtime Lookout Valley middle and high schools teacher Joe Galloway and retired longtime Hamilton County employee Gary Patterson. Each has gone out of his way to treat the other courteously, and they have become friends on the campaign trail.
Mr. Galloway wants to improve communication between board members and the County Commission, which provides funding for the schools. He has a heart for children, including those from difficult family backgrounds. He wants schools to focus not only on college-bound students, but also on those who would thrive in a vocational setting.
Mr. Patterson wants the board to be more accessible and accountable to the public, and he wants to be sure students have the basic supplies they need in school.
We respect both candidates, but we feel Mr. Galloway's long experience in the schools gives him the advantage in this contest.
The winner will succeed board member Janice Boydston, who is not seeking re-election.
District 8: David Testerman
Three bright and energetic gentlemen are vying for the District 8 school board seat being vacated by Kenny Smith as he seeks a spot on the County Commission. Of the three, we believe retired schoolteacher and principal David Testerman has the edge. Mr. Testerman, who has 30 years of experience in local schools, wants more vocational opportunities for students, believing that will prevent some from dropping out. He would like to have a superintendent who is from this area rather than one brought in from out of town.
Candidate Dean Arnold is a respected local author. He worked for years for the former Chattanooga Resource Foundation as director of public policy. He hopes to bring a conservative approach to budgeting and to spur more private-sector involvement in education.
The other candidate, Andrew Mullins, a former Chattanooga police officer and now a benefits consultant for Aflac, believes principals should have more authority to deal firmly with students who cause serious disruption in school.
We feel any of these candidates would be capable and conscientious, but our preference is for Mr. Testerman.
District 9: Mike Evatt
Half a dozen candidates have tossed their hats into the ring for the District 9 seat that respected board member Chester Bankston is leaving to pursue a seat on the County Commission. In our view, Mike Evatt stands out as the best candidate.
Mr. Evatt worked in maintenance in the Chattanooga and Hamilton County schools since 1974, becoming supervisor of buildings and grounds in 1994. He helped unite the city and county maintenance departments when the systems merged in 1997. Before retiring in 2007, he helped with the planning of $100 million worth of school construction and renovations. He has since focused on his private business as a general contractor. His wife teaches at Ooltewah Middle School.
Mr. Evatt offers a constructive, conservative vision for the school board, and his years of experience give him an understanding of how the school system works. He also wants greater discipline in the classroom.
We do not doubt that Mr. Evatt's five opponents want the best for our schoolchildren, but Mr. Evatt has the best combination of experience and knowledge of the system.
We encourage voters to study the candidates and issues before casting their ballots in early voting or on Aug. 5.