Retired veteran school administrator Dr. Tom McCullough today formally announced his candidacy for the District 1 Chattanooga City Council seat.

“I have devoted my entire adult life to community service, primarily through public education,’’ Dr. McCullough said. “I hope to continue serving the Chattanooga community, but in a different capacity through city government.”

Dr. McCullough said his 42 years in education, particularly his 36 years in school leadership, have been good preparation for holding a seat on City Council.

“I have worked hard to develop a reputation as a good listener, a consensus builder, an organizer and a visionary,’’ Dr. McCullough said. “I believe these are the qualities needed to continue moving Chattanooga forward.’’

The candidate also cited his budgetary experience as a school superintendent and a legacy for working with a wide variety of individuals in his years as a school principal.

Dr. McCullough picked up qualifying papers several weeks ago and has subsequently qualified to run. District 1 includes Lookout Valley, Moccasin Bend and part of North Chattanooga, Mountain Creek, the area north of Red Bank, and a part of Hixson. The candidate lives in the Mountain Creek community.

Dr. McCullough was principal at Hixson High from 1982-1990, a time when Hixson won several national awards. He also served as dean of instruction at Chattanooga State Community College from 1990 to 1998. He was a school superintendent in Georgia from 1998-2003 and headmaster at David Brainerd Christian School from 2004-2009. He was named principal of Signal Mountain Middle/High School in 2009 and retired earlier this year. Dr. McCullough’s campaign strategy is centered on this broad base of influence.

He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Tennessee--Knoxville and a doctorate in educational leadership from Vanderbilt University.

Born and raised in Chattanooga, Dr. McCullough is a graduate of Red Bank High School. He and his wife, Faye, a retired school counselor, have been married 43 years. They have two children, Zac, a lieutenant with the Chattanooga Police Department, and Alison, a nurse. The McCullough’s have four grandchildren. They are members of First Baptist Church, Chattanooga.

Commenting on the District 1 incumbent’s decision not to seek re-election, Dr. McCullough said Debra Scott won the respect of many in the district for her hard work and determination to do the right thing. She is known for her efforts to hold city supervisors accountable in the use of public tax monies, the candidate said.

More than 5,000 students have graduated from area schools under Dr. McCullough’s leadership. His campaign strategy is centered on this broad base of influence. Paula Reese is serving as Dr. McCullough’s campaign treasurer. For more information, contact the candidate at votefortom@yahoo.com or at 423-255-2795.