There are three candidates seeking the one School Board seat up for election in August in the Second District. Candidates were asked what they feel is the primary responsibility of the Board, why they are running, what their top priorities are, and whether they would like to see any changes.

Ken Dickens, 36, Old Fort. Graduate of PCHS, trade school, served in the Army. Works at Johns Manville in Etowah.

The main responsibility of the School board is to make sure everything runs right.

I’m running for the position because I just want to make a difference, to do my part.

I don’t have an agenda. I wouldn’t know priorities until I get there, see how things are. I haven’t seen the books or anything.

I don’t have any specific changes I’d like to make. I wouldn’t want to say until I get into it.

Grady Samples, 66, college education, retired schoolteacher. Finishing up first term on School Board.

The School Board has to make policy, pass the budget, and a few more things. It depends on what comes up.

I think I’ve accomplished quite a bit for South Polk. A new awning is coming up for the bus loading area, and a new sidewalk had to be put in for the cafeteria workers. There are a few more things I want to get done. We’re supposed to be getting a camera going down one of the halls.

We’ve been two new high schools and can be proud of that. Now it’s time to give attention to the elementary schools. South Polk and Benton need a lot of things. The tile in the ceiling at South Polk needs to be replaced, and general maintenance.

The ceiling tiles would be a priority. You can see where there is mold or mildew.

I wish we could get “white boards” in every school, where the teacher can write on the computer and it goes onto a screen or the wall.

Right now I think we’re getting along better than we have in the past eight years. We get along well, talk to one another. It has worked real well. I’m happy with everything -- it’s going good. My school is the best in the county.

Russ Swafford, 19, Old Fort. Graduate of PCHS, currently attending Lee University with a major in business, accounting and political science in hopes of going to law school. Work part-time at the Health Department.

The main responsibility of the School board is to work alongside the Director of Schools, make decisions that are best for the students, to work hand-in-hand and do what’s the best policy for the teachers and students in the county.

We have a pretty good school system but need help with finances. I bring a lot of different things to the table. I graduated a year ago and know where there needs to be improvement. I want to see more students in the Tennessee Scholars program and to keep schools off the target list by meeting Average Yearly Progress requirements like we have been.

My top priorities would be to improve the schools, improve the educational system. I would like every student to graduate as a Tennessee Scholar. I would like to implement that to provide the best education possible.

I don’t think I’m too young. I want to play a leadership role in the community. I’ve been around the school system all my life. I hope to add diversity to the Board. JFK once said that nobody is too old or too young for public service. I know what’s I’m doing and I’m good at it. I just want to help our county.

We have a lot of great people doing a great job. There are minor things we can improve on. I realize this is not the richest county, but we can still provide the best education for our students. We need good financial management.