Virginia Anne Manson vying for District 11 seat on Hamilton County school board

Photo contributed by Virginia Anne Manson / Virginia Anne Manson is running for Hamilton County school board District 11.
Photo contributed by Virginia Anne Manson / Virginia Anne Manson is running for Hamilton County school board District 11.

Virginia Anne Manson has announced she will run as a Republican candidate for the Hamilton County school board to represent the newly created District 11.

The new district comprises Alton Park, East Lake, Eastside, Lookout Valley, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, St. Elmo and Wolftever.

A mother of three children and grandmother of three, Manson said her children attended both public and private schools.

"My experience as a parent in the public schools was with a community school where parents and teachers worked together to create a true sense of community," Manson said of Lookout Mountain School. "We worked together towards a shared goal of educating and preparing students."

(READ MORE: How did Hamilton County redistricting change the political map?)

Manson, who has worked in admissions at Baylor School since 2006 and plans to retire later this year, said her work experience has given her "a front row seat to the effectiveness of student-centered education with supportive parent involvement."

In both her parental and professional experiences, she said she saw how transparency and open communication between parents and teachers was beneficial for the school environment and especially the students.

Transparency in education is a primary goal for Manson if elected. She said that will encourage parent involvement and open, healthy dialogue between educators and parents to the benefit of students.

"I believe a strong fundamental education is crucial to an individual's happiness and success in life," Manson said, as to why she believes the people of District 11 should elect her to represent them on the school board. "My motive is to work for all Hamilton County students, so the opportunity for an excellent education is available to all students."

Other candidates who have picked up papers to run for District 11 school board representative are Democrat Jill Black and Republican Steve McKinney, according to the Hamilton County Election Commission website.

Contact Emily Crisman at ecrisman@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6508.

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