Dates for debates between Hamilton County Board of Education candidates have been announced by debate co-hosts Chattanooga 2.0 and UnifiEd. Debates are scheduled from May 7-21, for candidates in county districts 3, 6, 8, and 9, with a date for district 5 debate to be determined.
The debates will include questions from a moderator with set response times and opportunity for rebuttals. Members of the audience will also have the opportunity to pose their questions directly to the candidates.
“We are holding the debates well in advance of the Aug. 2 elections to give voters an opportunity to hear candidates’ stances on key issues around our public schools and engage in meaningful discussion throughout the summer,” said UnifiEd interim executive director, Natalie Cook. “There is momentum for positive change in our schools. Now is the time for voters to find out exactly where their would-be school board representatives stand on education issues, decide which candidate shares their vision for the future of our schools, and then go vote.”
Jared Bigham, executive director of Chattanooga 2.0, said, “In order to build the ‘smartest community in the South,’ our community must have transparent forums for engaging with candidates. We hope attendees will come prepared with questions that reflect their top priorities for shaping the future of education in Hamilton County.”
The debates will be hosted in conjunction with partner organizations Urban League of Greater Chattanooga, Inc. and the Hamilton County Education Association.
Debate Schedule
All debates will be held from 6-8 p.m.
District 3 - Monday, May 21 - Hixson High School Candidates: Miracle Hurley, Joe Smith
District 6 - Tuesday, May 8 - Lookout Valley Middle/High School Candidates: Michael Henry, Jenny Hill
District 8 - Monday, May 7 - East Ridge Elementary School Candidates: Tucker McClendon, David Testerman
District 9 - Monday, May 14 - Ooltewah High School Candidates: D’Andre Anderson, Steve Highlander
(District 5 debate date to be determined)
Full debate details and candidate information are at www.SchoolBoardDebates.com.