There are three candidates seeking the two School Board seats up for election in August in the First 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.

Tom Hunt, 69, Benton. Madisonville HS graduate, attended Hiwassee College. Retired after 35 years at Bowater. Spent 10 years on the School Board, including 4 years chairman and 8 years on executive committee. Served as president of Benton Family Health Care Board for 3 years.

I am a candidate based on my past record. I must admit that I am a rather outspoken person who will stand for what I believe is right if it means standing by myself. Being a School Board member is probably one of the most thankless positions among all elected officials.

The main function of the Board is to elect the director and make policy only. The Director runs the day-to-day operations.

My priorities are the safety of our children and all employees; teachers teaching at all times to every child, with a positive environment free from harassment by anyone, especially Board members; and making sure that all funds are used wisely and that we operate within our means.

We need to reinstate the School Resource officers for the safety of the schools.

Jayson Lamb, 34, Benton. Graduate of PCHS. Police officer for ten years, served as School Resource Officer through City of Benton for five years. Finishing up first term on the School Board.

The responsibilities of the School Board are to help select the Director of Schools, to supervise him and help him with school functions, to put in Board policies and uphold them.

I think this Board is the best for quite a few years. We’re getting along, getting things done, and there’s not a lot of fighting. I feel things are getting done; we’re making slow progress.

I want to start working on some of the schools, to get them up to shape. We need to focus on Benton Elementary and Chilhowee Middle.

I want students to have what they need and the teachers to have what they need to teach properly, and a nice safe place to do it in.

I don’t see any big changes needed. There’s always progress we can make. We are doing good, getting along, and are productive. I would like to keep the School Resource Officer program, whether I’m there or not, because it’s a good program. We also need SROs in the Basin schools.

Tracy McAbee, 35, Benton Station. Graduate of PCHS, doctor’s degree in education. Teaching biology and forensics in Whitfield County, GA. Completing first term as School Board member.

The main function of the School Board is to try to make sure we’ve got the funds so teachers have what they need to teach.

I’m from Polk County and I like having somewhat of a voice in the Polk County schools. I taught here for several years. I want to try to be a positive for our county, a positive voice for the teachers.

My priority is to try to make sure we have the funds so teachers have what they need to teach and students have what they need to learn. That’s all the School Board can do.

I can’t think of any changes I would like to see. We have the best teachers in the world. They do more with less than any I’ve seen.