Hamilton County school board member Donna Horn announces intent to seek re-election

Hamilton County School Board member Joe Galloway, right, makes a positive statement Thursday night about Superintendent Rick Smith, second from left, as the board attempts to reach a decision on Smith's final days. From left are, Dr. Jonathan Welch, Smith, Donna Horn, Dr. Greg Martin and Galloway.
Hamilton County School Board member Joe Galloway, right, makes a positive statement Thursday night about Superintendent Rick Smith, second from left, as the board attempts to reach a decision on Smith's final days. From left are, Dr. Jonathan Welch, Smith, Donna Horn, Dr. Greg Martin and Galloway.
photo Donna Horn of the Hamilton County Board of Education

Donna Horn, the vice chairman for the Hamilton County Board of Education and representative of the 7th District, has announced her intent to seek re-election.

Horn's district comprises East Hamilton Middle High, Apison Elementary, Bess T. Shepherd Elementary and Westview Elementary.

She is in her second term as vice chairman, and said in a news release she is the best candidate for the position because of her "steadfast dedication, communication and interaction with the teachers, students and parents of this district."

She also noted in an extensive list of her other positions and activities that she is an outspoken opponent of vouchers, she supported local efforts to change the Basic Education Program to increase funding for local schools, and she voted to prevent tying teacher evaluation scores to TNReady student test scores.

Horn taught special education and kindergarten in Hamilton County for 20 years and has been honored as one of four school board members recognized as a Certified Ambassador of Public Education for the 2015-2016 school year by the Tennessee State School Boards Association.

The press release also states Horn has "shown through her tenure over the last four years her commitment to improving public education."

"She hopes to continue her work by being re-elected and would appreciate your vote on August 4th."

Horn currently makes $9,384 a year in her position as school board vice chairman. Pay for school board members is tied to that of Hamilton County commissioners, who make a little over double what school board members do.

So far, the other three school board members who are up for re-election this year, Rhonda Thurman, Dr. Jonathan Welch, and George Ricks Sr., have also said they will be running again.

Contact staff writer Emmett Gienapp at egienapp@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6731.

Upcoming Events