Qualifying open for 2 school board seats

Qualifying is under way for two nonpartisan seats on the Catoosa County Board of Education in the Nov. 2 election.

Incumbents Jane Everett and David Moeller say they will seek re-election. Other prospective candidates have until Friday to file qualifying paperwork.

Suzanna Tingle, poll worker in the Catoosa County Elections Office, said qualifiers may file papers between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. today and up to noon Friday.

Mrs. Tingle said she hopes voters take interest in the school board race, though there is still some time before candidates start campaigning.

Mrs. Everett, the representative for District 2, said she will try to retain the seat for a third term so she can continue to help guide the education system.

"Being on the school board gives me an opportunity to create a better environment for teachers and students and parents and ensure we continue a tradition of quality education," she said.

Mr. Moeller is finishing his first four-year term in the District 4 seat and plans to seek another.

"I've got two little girls at Tiger Creek Elementary, I've got a 11/2-year-old coming up through the system and my wife works at Ringgold High," he said. "I know the importance of a good school system and what it does for the community as a whole. It's something that's important to me."

Both incumbents said they won't hit the campaign trail for a while, though.

Mr. Moeller said he would gauge his campaign activities by the number of opponents he winds up facing, but said he would participate in any scheduled debates whether he is opposed or not.

Mrs. Everett probably will wait to the end of the summer break to start her campaign, she said.

"I kick off when school starts," Mrs. Everett said.

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