The City of Chattanooga has been my home since 1983 when I enrolled at the University of TN at Chattanooga where I received a Bachelor and Masters of Science in Criminal Justice.  I later received a master’s degree in Social Work from Southern Adventist University.

In 2008 I retired from the TN Department of Children’s Services, where I served, advocated, and provided needed services to children & families for over 20 years.  

My experiences come from a variety of places.  First I am a parent of a graduate of the Hamilton County School System.  Secondly, I am an active community leader: Past Officer of the Glenwood Neighborhood Association, City of Chattanooga Neighborhood Leadership Academy, Police Citizen Academy, UTC Black Alumni Council, Chattanooga Neighborhood Services Youth Conference Speaker: Voices & Choices,  Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated , and a member of New Horizon Church.  Thirdly, I have been a Para- Professional, Juvenile Probation Officer, Child Abuse Investigator, Trainer, Facilitator, Regional Juvenile Justice Coordinator, Domestic Violence/Rape Crisis counselor, Supervisor and other social service job related experiences.  Those experiences have allowed me to be a part of creating policy and procedures for government and community systems.   Finally, I am employed as a Building Stable Lives Life Coach, where I help connect community resources to residents who have a desire to improve their lives. 

I am seeking the District 5 School Board vacancy in order to put my knowledge, skills and ability to work for the community.   Having the many educational experiences allows me to understand the holistic approach that is needed with the implementation of the TN Common Core.   I know and understand the importance of being able to choose an educational path of college or vocational trade.   My ability to take advantage of vocational training in high school allowed me to become a licensed Cosmetologist.   I believe I can bring a clear prospective of both to the board.

My life’s work has been working within my community advocating, engaging others and locating needed resources for families.   I will continue those efforts and be committed to accessibility, transparency and inclusion to create a positive change that will benefit the academic achievement of our children.  My top priorities are to provide a safe school environment, create effective partnerships and advocate for adequate funding to meet the needs of our children and teachers.   Education is the responsibility of us all and we must work together to create the resources needed to educate our children in a safe, well-funded and friendly environment.  We must lead by example and partner with others to utilize the resources that are currently available and work together to create those that are not.

Jackie Thomas