My wife and I are enthusiastic supporters of Tom Decosimo’s campaign for the District 2 Hamilton County School Board.   

We have made our home in Hamilton County, and specifically Signal Mountain since 1997.  We have invested much of our time and resources participating in groups that support the Hamilton County School system.  Tara spent more than a decade in leadership roles in the Signal Mountain PTA’s, serving as president of the Thrasher PTA, two terms as president of the Signal Mountain Education Fund raising financial resources for the Signal Mountain schools and Red Bank High School, and in other leadership roles.  Both of us spent innumerable amounts of time and made personal sacrifices to ensure our community was able to have a high school for all our children.  Two years ago, we participated in stopping the secession of the Signal Mountain Schools from HCDE.

While our children are all out of school now, all three reside in Hamilton County and we’ll have a grandchild (and hopefully more, in Hamilton County Schools) within a few years.  We are very concerned with the success of the schools and what they mean for the economic success of the county.

Tom Decosimo, his wife, and family have spent decades not just living within District 2, but in living the values of their faith and supporting the well-being of the people of our community by giving their time and efforts, volunteering and serving on numerous local boards and charities.  Tom’s businesses have helped make Chattanooga and the entire region more prosperous by providing financial solutions to companies, families, and individuals.  He’s created economic opportunities for others by helping to create dozens of jobs in Chattanooga.  With the financial issues that our school system will undoubtedly be facing as a result of the COVID-19 induced economic downturn, I can’t think of a better choice than having a successful local business person to help our schools through this time.  

To further complicate our financial concerns, outside influences have recently gained popularity with the HCDE board – those more political in nature and with agendas less focused on the fundamental components of math, science, reading, and writing that are so important to our children and their success.  Tom has the intelligence and maturity to be independent minded and non-political.  His experience working with and leading large diverse companies will assist in mitigating some of the differences the board sometimes publicly displays.  He is focused on the agenda that will best help our children and the success of our school district.  

Tom is a proven leader with a proven track record.  We are extremely fortunate to have a person of his stature and ability offer himself to the community to serve us on the school board.  Please join us in voting for Tom Decosimo for District 2 Hamilton County School Board.

Bob and Tara Linehart