Bristol Tennessee School Board Candidates Gearing Up for August 1 Primaries

Bristol, Tenn. — City voters are in for a bustling August 1 primary election with candidates vying for a place on the Bristol Tennessee Board of Education. The excitement is palpable as the community gears up to choose between three notable contenders, each bringing their unique perspectives and commitments to the table.

Two main candidates, Donna Kay Coffey and Charles Taylor, will appear on the party primary ballots. Coffey carries the Democratic flag while Taylor is under the Republican banner. Interestingly, both candidates are setting their sights on public office for the first time.

Donna Kay Coffey, a seasoned court reporter with 12 years of experience, has a straightforward yet compassionate vision for the school system. “I am an older woman and I’m familiar with the needs of students, teachers, and parents because I have a family,” she shared. Coffey’s friends played a pivotal role in her decision to run, further strengthening her resolve to motivate others to engage in local issues.

“My first goal is to encourage other people to pay attention to what’s going on and get involved,” Coffey emphasized. She is particularly concerned about the state’s push for a voucher system and has expressed her firm stance against it. “I’m going to always vote against something that’s going to take away money from the support of our poor children in our schools,” Coffey said, underscoring the necessity of budget allocation to support public education.

Charles Taylor, an account executive at Burke, Powers, and Harty Insurance, also joins the fray with a very personal connection to the school system. “I’ve got two kids that are in the school system, one going into the fourth grade, one going into the first grade,” he explained. His candidacy shines light on his genuine aspiration to make a difference for his children and others.

“I don’t really have an agenda going into running for school board, and I’m willing to learn and just want to help,” Taylor added humbly. With economic conditions presenting challenges such as soaring inflation and dwindling federal funds, Taylor anticipates tough decisions ahead concerning the budget. “The cost of doing everything has gone up with inflation…there’s gonna be less money with things costing more,” he noted. Despite acknowledging he doesn’t have all the answers, Taylor’s readiness to learn signals a fresh approach.

Eric Cuddy, the third candidate, currently chairs the board and is running as an independent. Cuddy’s decision to sidestep party affiliations stems from a desire to keep education non-political. “In 2021, a law was passed by the Tennessee state legislature requiring school board candidates to register with a political party,” Cuddy remarked. “The independent designation is the only way to make the statement that the education of our young people has no business being politicized.”

Cuddy’s intentions, if reelected, revolve around continuity and growth. “It has been a challenging but rewarding time to be on the BTCS Board of Education,” he said, reflecting on his tenure. His leadership through the pandemic has focused on helping students recover academically. “If reelected, it will be my intention to build upon the strong relationships I have with my fellow board members to focus on cultivating students who are ready for their future,” Cuddy stated.

As the primary date draws near, Bristol’s residents find themselves presented with distinct choices, each candidate bringing a wealth of dedication and willingness to serve. Whether it’s Coffey’s emphasis on observing and participating, Taylor’s commitment to addressing budgetary constraints, or Cuddy’s vision of non-political excellence in education, voters have an array of promising options on August 1.