3 incumbents, 1 new board member sworn in
Three Hamilton County Schools board members will return along with one newcomer for the next four years.
Incumbent representatives Rhonda Thurman of Soddy-Daisy and Joe Wingate of East Brainerd were re-elected to their respective seats on Aug. 6, while Tiffanie Robinson of downtown Chattanooga ran unopposed.
Newly elected member Marco Perez will take the seat representing Red Bank and Signal Mountain, which was previously held by Kathy Lennon.
Lennon took her name off the ballot in April, citing health reasons. Her last day in office was Aug. 20. Perez won Lennon’s seat in the Aug. 6 election over Tom Decosimo, 5,272 votes to 3,850.
Thurman was sworn in on Sunday at Veteran’s Park in Soddy-Daisy as she “wanted as many family members there as possible.” She told the Times Free Press on Tuesday that she personally planned the ceremony. According to her Facebook page, she made a public post inviting people to attend.
Thurman said that her top priorities remain the district’s reopening plans and students’ reading levels. She won her seat over challenger Stephen Vickers, 3,554 votes to 3,130. She has been on the board for 16 years.
On Tuesday, Perez, Robinson and Wingate were sworn in before district staff and family members at the Department of Education building. This will be both Robinson and Wingate’s second term.
Perez said his goals are safety and the best educational opportunities for all students.
Robinson’s goals include education equity, facilities and keeping students on track with their studies.
Wingate said he wants to continue the momentum
Above: District 2 school board member Marco Perez is sworn in Tuesday by Judge Christie Sell in the Hamilton County Schools board room.
Above left: With the help of her 9-year-old son Elijah, District 4 school board member Tiffanie Robinson is sworn in.
Below left: District 7 school board member Joe Wingate is sworn in with the help of his 10-year-old son Luke. District 1 member Rhonda Thurman was sworn in on Monday. the board has achieved so far academically. Wingate, the board chairman, topped challenger Debbi Meyers for the District 7 seat, with 3,714 votes to 3,154.
The school board meets the third Thursday of each month.