Bristol Tennessee School Board Candidates Gear Up for Aug. 1 Primaries

In Bristol, Tenn., the upcoming Aug. 1 primary election features some noteworthy contests for the city’s Board of Education. This election includes two confirmed candidates: Donna Kay Coffey and Charles Taylor, representing the Democratic and Republican parties respectively. Additionally, current board chair Eric Cuddy seeks re-election as an independent candidate.

Coffey, a seasoned court reporter with 12 years of experience, is running for office for the first time. “I am an older woman and I’m familiar with the needs of students, teachers, and parents because I have a family,” said Coffey. “You have to have a very listening ear and understand how much money is available and what we need.”

Encouraged by friends to run, Coffey hopes her candidacy will inspire others to get involved. “My first goal is to encourage other people to pay attention to what’s going on and get involved,” she stated. Coffey has also voiced concerns about Tennessee’s push for a voucher system, arguing it could divert funds from public schools that need support.

On the Republican side, Taylor is also stepping into the political arena for the first time. He works as an account executive and has two children in the city school system. “I’ve got two kids going into fourth and first grade, and I’m hoping to help make a better school system for them,” Taylor said. “I don’t really have an agenda, I’m willing to learn and just want to help.”

Taylor has attended several Board of Education work sessions and acknowledges the challenges ahead, particularly in terms of budget management as federal ESSER funds dry up and inflation continues. “Repairs to buildings, whether electrical, HVAC, or roofing, all costs more money now, and some of the higher grants are starting to fall off,” Taylor noted. “There’s gonna be less money with things costing more.”

Despite being new to the political landscape, Taylor is committed to learning and investing the time needed to make informed decisions. “I’m not going to have all the answers, but I would do my best to make the best decision for the school system,” he added.

In contrast, Cuddy, who has opted to run as an independent candidate, brings experience to the table. He noted that a law passed in 2021 now requires school board candidates to register with a political party. “The independent designation is the only way to make the statement that the education of our young people has no business being politicized,” said Cuddy, who serves as a regional vice president of a global insurance broker.

If re-elected, Cuddy aims to build on the successes achieved over the past five years, particularly the collaborative efforts during the pandemic. “We have worked as a team with our administrators to face the challenges of educating our children during a pandemic, with great focus on helping our children to overcome and recover from any deficits during that time,” he shared. “If re-elected, I intend to focus on cultivating students who are ready for their future.”

This election presents an interesting mix of perspectives and experiences, providing Bristol, Tenn. residents with distinct choices. As the primaries approach, all candidates are urging the public to stay informed and become involved in the decision-making process, highlighting the importance of community engagement in shaping the future of local education.

Whatever the outcome, the Aug. 1 primary election is set to be a pivotal moment for the Bristol Tennessee Board of Education.