I am pleased and honored to write on behalf of Tucker McClendon to support his candidacy for District 8 representative on Hamilton County’s School Board. I worked as a teacher and administrator in Hamilton County for 20 years, and I believe that Tucker McClendon is the representative our schools need.
A graduate in political science from the University of TN at Chattanooga, Tucker McClendon has vowed to bring a renewed focus on the children of Hamilton County and to advocate for new, innovative ways to fund our schools.
He will create advisory councils that give parents, students and teachers an opportunity to have a voice in decision-making. Up to this point, those who have the most invested in our children have had the least influence in ongoing decisions that affect the classroom. Advisory councils will help change that.
Tucker McClendon has promised to advocate for school resource officers in every school. School resource officers are vital in protecting our children and providing a stable, positive role model from law enforcement.
Tucker McClendon also wants to lower the teacher/student ratio and to work toward recruiting and retaining good teachers. Many teachers enter the profession because they want to make a difference in children’s lives, but over-crowded classrooms makes this almost impossible. Lowering the teacher to student ratio allows teachers the chance to properly educate our children and to address specific needs with each student. Once we find good, caring, hard-working teachers it is vital that we do what is necessary to keep them in Hamilton County’s classrooms.
I’ve known Tucker since he was a student at East Brainerd Elementary. He is a proud graduate of Ooltewah High School. He’s a young man with integrity, who has always been mature, driven and focused. I believe that the Hamilton County School Board needs someone young and energetic with fresh ideas. I encourage everyone to support Tucker McClendon for School Board in District 8. I have confidence you won’t regret this decision.
Lea Ann Bolick