Dr. Jonathan R. Welch, local businessman, announced his plans Monday to seek the position of Hamilton County Board of Education, District 2 representative.
Dr. Welch was raised on Signal Mountain and attended Thrasher Elementary School. As a fourth and fifth grader, he rode his bike to school every day and it is the same school that he now walks his young children to each day. His childhood experience at this Hamilton County school and at Signal Mountain Middle School initiated the educational foundation that has served him throughout his life.
“I am fortunate to have a strong foundation that started at home by my parents and was further nurtured by the teachers who gave me positive educational experiences," said Dr. Welch. "These experiences have inspired me to run for the Hamilton County School Board. I have a great desire for my children and all of the children of Hamilton County to have similar enriching, rewarding, and productive public educational experiences. I passionately believe that public education enriches community and strengthens society.”
Prior to seeking election, Dr. Welch has supported public education in multiple ways. He was an active participant in the Founders’ Fund, raising moneys for the new Signal Mountain Middle/High School; he served on the Mountain Education Foundation’s Board of Directors; and participated actively in community groups supporting the Signal Mountain Middle/High School during its construction phase. He comes from a family of public education participation and support as his mother and wife are currently employed as guidance counselors in public schools. He is also a member and serves on the Board of the Chattanooga Area Dental Society.
Dr. Welch taught Sunday school for many years at Red Bank Baptist Church and for the seventh year he will travel to Honduras where he will participate in a mission trip that provides free dental services to the residents.
Dr. Welch studied at UTC where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. He then attended the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry and was awarded a doctorate in Dental Surgery. After graduation, Dr. Welch joined his father’s practice, Welch Dental Center. He and his wife, LeAnn, are members of Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church and they have three children.
“I would welcome the opportunity to serve the community as our representative to the Hamilton County School Board," said Dr. Welch. "Growing up in this wonderful community was a great pleasure. Working and raising children in this community is equally delightful and so the opportunity to serve Hamilton County and District 2 would be a tremendous honor and taken with very deep responsibility."
Dr. Welch’s name will be listed on the Aug. 2 ballot.