I want to say thank you for the outpouring of support from community members here In District 1, and all over Hamilton County. It has been my pleasure talking with so many of you about how to best meet the needs of our students, families, and schools.
If elected, one of my top priorities will be to develop a clear line of communication with the community through the formation of an advisory board made up of parents, community members, and school faculty. This advisory board will consist of people from all across my district, which covers Soddy Daisy, Sale Creek, Northwoods area in Hixson, Bakewell, Mowbray Mountain and Flat Top Mountain. By having members from all across the community on this advisory board, it will give me the proper insights into what issues our schools here in District 1 face.
In addition to the advisory board, I plan to be in each District 1 school at least once a month. I want to make sure faculty and students know who I am and know that I am approachable.
Another priority when elected to the school board will be to work on infrastructure of the schools in District 1. We have some things that are needing to be started and finished, such as the repairs to the building at Soddy Daisy Middle School. I will also make it a top priority to get Sale Creek their long-awaited football field, which seems to be forgotten about.
I also want to focus on the technology infrastructure in District 1 as well. We need to make sure that every child has access to a computer and a reliable internet connection. Our partnership with EPB is an amazing start! Our schools did a great job back in March transitioning into online learning, but there were certain issues that did arise. As a school board member, I will work with others to ensure that our children in District 1 have the appropriate resources they need in order to succeed.
I would like to create a scholarship for a graduating high school senior at each of the high schools in District 1, which would be Soddy Daisy High School, Sequoyah High School, and Sale Creek Middle High School, using part of the salary that is paid for being a school board member.
I am confident going into Thursday that the great people of District 1 agree that it is time for a change in their school board representation. Sixteen years is too long for any elected official to serve. I’ve talked to many people all throughout District 1, from Sale Creek to Soddy Daisy to Mowbray Mountain and Flat Top Mountain. Many people agree that we need a school board member that will listen to what our community needs and to be able to get things accomplished. We need a fresh perspective and a new set of eyes looking the issues that District 1 faces. I believe I am the best person to do so.
Stephen Vickers