Rhonda Thurman has faithfully served on the School Board for 12 years. She has always done what was in the best interest of the students, teachers and taxpayers while serving in her position. We have come to rely upon her judgement backed up with her research and facts.
She has always made herself available to explain her position on any issue while others duck for cover and decline to comment on serious issues. When the news media wants information they call Rhonda because they know she will give them a straightforward answer.
Some people in the community are raising questions (or creating questions) as to her views on various school system topics because they do not like her honesty and willingness to let the public know what is happening in the school system. Rhonda is one of the very few "non-system" members on the board with loyalty to the taxpayer being a strong trait of her character.
Most other board representatives are prior educators or spouses of educators. Combine those facts with what appears to be a movement by out of district "significant community players" to support her opponents it would be wise to consider the question...why?
If accountability and transparency are important to you, make sure you vote for Rhonda today. Early voting ends on July 30 and election day is Aug. 4.
Nancy Patty
Hixson
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I have no dog in this fight, I don't even live in Hamilton County, but I have had a child that attended school and I have been a follower of the Hamilton School Board for years. Why? I don't really think I can give you a solid answer other than it's somewhat political and I'm interested in reality checks.
For years I've "seen" Rhonda fight back, fight for her district (and others) and fight the very committee she sits on. The only thing different about her is that she fights with facts, facts that are available to anyone interested enough to research. Personally I admire and respect a person (male or female) who holds down a full time job and finds the time to serve their community. From what I can see she's done a fine job and also a thankless one. She appears to research her topic, weigh the pros and cons, make her decisions based on what she feels is best for her district and then fights to the bitter end. Isn't that what you want in a representative? Would you rather have someone who goes along to get along? That definitely doesn't appear to be in Rhonda's vocabulary.
Yes, I'm doing what the others who have posted here are doing, putting in my two cents regarding a situation that I have no involvement whatsoever. I do respect a person that isn't afraid to stand up and fight when all others prefer to simply "compromise" and accomplish net zero. That hasn't worked for you folks in the past, what makes you think it will work in the future? Get that Marine in there so that he can make decisions like Rhonda does...based on what's best and not what's popular.
Sue White