County Schools Superintendent Jesse Register today suspended Assistant Superintendent Fred Carr for sending an email on his school email in support of city mayoral candidate Ann Coulter.

Mr. Carr will be suspended with pay pending a review of the issue and a meeting with Dr. Register on Monday.

"Our focus is on schools, not on mayoral politics, and Fred knows that," said Dr. Register, who was informed of the email late Tuesday afternoon. "We will gather all the information available and meet with Fred on Monday to determine what further action is needed."

Ron Littlefield, who is running against Ms. Coulter in the April 12 runoff, said, "First they use the non-profit RiverCity Company to groom their candidate and now they use the scarce public resources and administrative offices of the Hamilton County Schools to push her election.

"I believe the hardworking citizens and taxpayers of our great city deserve much better than continual unethical campaigning such as Ann Coulter continues to push."

Jeff Olingy of the Coulter campaign said, "While she had no knowledge of the email, Ann Coulter appreciates the support of Fred Carr. Mr. Carr has known Ann Coulter for 30 years and knows firsthand of her leadership abilities, her commitment to this city and its schools, and of her integrity."

School board member Rhonda Thurman said the email is a violation of federal law as well as school policy.

She said, "You cannot use school stationery, a school marquee or a server to promote a political candidate. You can't hold political rallies on school property.

"When are the schools going to learn this? The last time it was sending out a flier at CSAS in support of a candidate. It is critical that something is done to stop this."

Mr. Carr sent the email from his address at carr_fred@HCDE.ORG

He said:

Subject: BHS Class of '71: Ann Coulter for Mayor

Brainerd Class of 1971:

If you are in town, you know…if you are living out of town, here’s some news!!

Ann Coulter, Brainerd Class of 1971, is in a runoff election for Mayor of Chattanooga.

Ann placed first in a line of candidates at the March 1, election with 42% of the total vote.

She is now in a runoff election against Ron Littlefield, a long-time local politician.

Details about Ann and her background and platform are at: http://www.coulterformayor.com/

Ann needs our support in her stretch run to become the next Mayor of Chattanooga. She has a history of public service and all the traits of leadership that were instilled in us as students at Brainerd. (well… maybe she picked up a few more along the way…)

Please support Ann by voting if you are a Chattanooga resident, or contacting your friends and relatives who are still in Chattanooga and encouraging them to vote for Ann for Mayor at early voting or on Election Day, April 12, 2005.

I look forward to seeing all of you at our 35th reunion next summer.

Fred Carr, class of ‘71