Knox County Board of Education District 1 primary election voter’s guide

Knox County Board of Education District 1 is centered around downtown and includes neighborhoods to the immediate east and west, including Mechanicsville, Lonsdale, Fort Sanders and East Knoxville.

Here are the candidates in the May 5 primary.

Rev. John Butler (incumbent)

Party affiliation: Democrat

Age: 66

Occupation: Clergyman

ONLINE QUESTIONNAIRE ANSWERS FROM THE CANDIDATE

What is your top priority for improving Knox County Schools? 

Academic excellence.

Knox County Schools is improving academically but has a vast gap in achievement between its top and bottom schools. How can a board member push to change that?

A board member can help push change through strong policy development and consistent enforcement; recruiting and retaining excellent administrators, teachers, and support staff through innovative staffing approaches; ensuring access to a 21st century curriculum that emphasizes rigorous learning, intentional instructional strategies, and targeted interventions; and expanding preschool opportunities and capacity. These components will increase achievement and narrow the equity gap. Students will grow when they have consistent access to these opportunities.

The toxicity and divisiveness of the national political conversation is more frequently appearing in local politics. What will you do to encourage a local focus and a healthy civic conversation?

I will continue to encourage a local focus and a healthy civic conversation by staying mission-focused. We must remain grounded in the mission of KCS, “to prepare students for life by providing a high quality education that is accessible, meaningful, and future focused.” This requires keeping the focus on students and the staff who support them. It also means being aware of the needs within one’s own district as well as across the county, because BOE members are charged with supporting all students. This is especially important because what is accessible, meaningful and future focused may look different from student to student and community to community.

What personal or professional experience do you have that qualifies you for the school board?

Since I began serving as the District 1 Board of Education Representative on September 1, 2022, I have participated in over 120 School Board work meetings, regular meetings, policy review meetings, quarterly work sessions, retreats and committee meetings. I have also attended numerous Tennessee School Boards Association trainings. I have served as a PTA president and on two schools’ Community School Planning Committees. Additionally, I have served as a board member of the Great Schools Partnership and on the KCS Disparities in Education Outcomes Task Force and Steering Committee. I also previously served on a school board in North Carolina. My broader professional experience includes service as an Army officer (captain); social worker case manager; certified conflict mediation and resolution specialist; program developer, grant writer, and grant manager; community organizer; pastor and presiding elder.What is your responsibility to work with other branches of Knox County’s government? With the city of Knoxville? With state legislators? How will you navigate those relationships?

As a school board member, it is my responsibility to work collaboratively with other branches of government when decisions, resources and policies impact the mission of Knox County Schools. This includes working with county commissioners on funding, partnering with the city of Knoxville and the mayor’s office on programming and community initiatives, and aligning with the county mayor on budget priorities. At the state level, legislators establish laws that guide education, and the BOE develops policy within that framework, making strong relationships necessary for effective advocacy to prioritize public funding and resources staying in public schools. I navigate these relationships through consistent communication, transparency and a clear focus on student outcomes, ensuring that all efforts remain aligned to supporting students and staff across Knox County.

Does a board member who oversees public schools have an obligation to oppose efforts to shift control of any schools or taxpayer funding from Knox County Schools? If not, under what circumstances do you support the shift of taxpayer funding or the oversight of individual schools? 

Yes. A school board member has an obligation to advocate for public dollars to remain in public schools and to protect a system designed to serve all students. Shifting funding weakens resources and accountability. Since Tennessee law allows for vouchers and charter schools, the BOE must operate within those requirements. For public charter schools that are approved for operation, the BOE must do their due diligence by holding them accountable and monitoring their performance, just as we do with our traditional public schools. I will consistently advocate for decisions that prioritize public education, protect equitable access, and ensure strong accountability.

Did you use AI assistance to help write your answer? If not, please write “n/a.” If so, please elaborate. 

N/a.

IN-PERSON INTERVIEW ANSWERS FROM THE CANDIDATE

What inspired you to run for the school board? 

I decided to offer myself for reelection to continue the work that we’ve done and make sure that we do it to the level of excellence that we want it to be. Over the last three and a half years, we have had tremendous academic achievements in Knox County Schools and Region 5 where a number of our challenges have been. Great work being done is good but having to sustain it … that’s what we haven’t been able to do in Region 5 schools. Having in place interventions and systems to fix or to bring our students up to where we want them to be is good but developing programs that will be maintained is part of the work I’m wanting to do.

What are the values that guide your thinking about public education?

I believe that public education is a right. It’s a responsibility of the nation. We can’t expect to have people to provide services as adults if we don’t train them as students. Public education is one of the things that you get what you give. The value, to me, it’s a faith value. It’s the responsibility of the parents. I also think it’s the responsibility of the village. Our village is Knox County Schools.

What will be your leadership style within KCS? With the public?

I was trained as a military officer, then I became a social worker and a case manager. Even though there were different objectives, it still was accessing critical thinking, problem solving, communication, valuing people. People are your greatest asset, and time is your greatest resource. I’m mission-focused, purpose-driven and outcome-oriented. I’m one of nine. Part of what I’ve tried to do is understand what the issues are and how do they help us or distract us from educating our students. Listening is a valuable tool. People are busy. When they elect you, they elect you to go and do stuff. Working with schools, talking to parents, talking to students, listening. All the opportunities that we have, generally going to the school but also organizations that support the school, businesses, churches other support social organizations. And then you got the media and you got social media. Being accessible and being available.

Who is someone in a leadership position that you think is doing a good job? 

I admire so many. This is my one today: (former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of State) Colin Powell. He served at the highest level of government, at one of the most critical times. He did it with integrity and with value and principle. At times, he did it pushing back at those who wanted to do it the wrong way and decided he would do it the right way. He never was a perfect person, but honorable. I think that leadership is not “likership.” It’s that you look and see what is best for what we all desire. At this point, it’s educating our kids. That’s the question I always ask, ‘How does this affect the education for all our kids?’

Charles Frazier

Party affiliation: Republican

Age: 71

Occupation: Sales executive

ONLINE QUESTIONNAIRE ANSWERS FROM THE CANDIDATE

What is your top priority for improving Knox County Schools? 

My top three priorities are:

• Workforce readiness: I advocate for “education in all fields,” ensuring students are supported whether they pursue a four-year degree or a career as a plumber, electrician or auto technician.

• Collaborative leadership: Building a unified team across all levels of school administration to improve student outcomes.

• Technological advancement: Leveraging East Tennessee’s growing tech landscape to ensure our students have the skills needed for the modern world.

Knox County Schools is improving academically but has a vast gap in achievement between its top and bottom schools. How can a board member push to change that?

While we must follow state-mandated metrics, I believe in looking beyond just “failing” labels. I prioritize:

• Graduation rates: I am encouraged by the rising graduation rates at schools like Austin-East and will focus on keeping that momentum.

• Data-driven assessment: Having helped administer state tests and manage data entry for the state of Tennessee, I understand how to interpret these metrics to make practical improvements in the classroom.

The toxicity and divisiveness of the national political conversation is more frequently appearing in local politics. What will you do to encourage a local focus and a healthy civic conversation? 

I will focus on pivoting the conversation on shared local outcomes; use localized data to drive decisions and use small group discussions rather than the open mic type meetings. I will host sessions that explain the mechanics of local government. When residents understand how the budget is formed or how an ordinance is passed they are more likely to engage in the process constructively.

What personal or professional experience do you have that qualifies you for the school board? 

Education is my family legacy and my personal passion. My grandfather and sister both dedicated their lives to teaching in Knox County, and as a former substitute teacher at Austin-East High School and a graduate of Carter High, I have seen our system from every angle. I believe education is a team effort ‒ from the superintendent to the administrative assistants and teachers.What is your responsibility to work with other branches of Knox County’s government? With the city of Knoxville? With state legislators? How will you navigate those relationships? 

To effectively represent District 1, I understand this is a “bridge role.” I would not be just a school official; this position is a community anchor. Navigating these relationships means being the person who connects a family’s need for housing stability (city/county) with their child’s ability to learn in the classroom (school board).

Does a board member who oversees public schools have an obligation to oppose efforts to shift control of any schools or taxpayer funding from Knox County Schools? If not, under what circumstances do you support the shift of taxpayer funding or the oversight of individual schools? 

As a school board member, my primary legal and ethical obligation is defined by my role as a fiduciary of the district. I am tasked with overseeing the “health” of the system as a whole ‒ its financial stability, its academic performance and its service to the public.

Did you use AI assistance to help write your answer? If not, please write “n/a.” If so, please elaborate. 

N/a.

IN-PERSON INTERVIEW ANSWERS FROM THE CANDIDATE

What inspired you to run for the school board? 

This seat is so important to our community. I’m the only candidate that was a schoolteacher. My interest in making and helping our schools do a better job in terms of getting better education is challenging. I don’t have all the answers, but I have some things I’d like to apply to help make our educational process more rewarding for our students.

What are the values that guide your thinking about public education?

Public education has a great challenge. If you look at my district, Austin-East High, the grade they received was a D (in 2024). Now we have this comprehensive support and improvement for schools. We have some serious issues. Green Magnet Academy, the math and science academy has issues. Maynard Elementary has a low grade. Sarah Moore Greene Magnet, technology has a low grade. We have to make some changes. We have to get better parent involvement than we’ve had in the past. That relationship needs to be built to make sure that we have more of our kids that are there on time and ready to learn. I have to work with all of the schools in the district. I have to meet with principals and meet with teachers and see what I can do. I want to listen to young people as well.

What will be your leadership style within KCS? With the public?

The superintendent is the chief operating officer for the county. I will respect him as that position, I don’t walk in with all the answers. I want him to say, ‘Sure I want you to visit any school in the district.’ I’d like to go an audit a class and see what I can learn from that. Every chance that I have in the community, I will encourage the parents to participate in the PTA, I will encourage the parents to participate in the process of education because education starts at home.

One of my goals is to do a summer enrichment program. They would come and participate in the learning process and I would love to have a church help us out, to feed the kids a light breakfast and lunch, and to have them come for maybe a month and a half and get some standards in terms of reading.

Who is somebody in leadership who you think is doing a good job?

Pastor Daryl Arnold. Management is to plan, organize, implement and develop. He’s a good planner, good organizer, good implementer and good developer. Before we take on any project, we have to have a plan. Each year, I have to have a plan for the District 1. In that plan, I have to have seven objectives to reach. Through that, how do I reach those? How do I implement those? I want to help improve the educational arm of our community and be a great advocate for the young people, the administration of schools and the dynamics of education.

O’Tavais “O.T.” Harris

Party affiliation: Democrat

Age: 21

Occupation: Educator and college student

ONLINE QUESTIONNAIRE ANSWERS FROM THE CANDIDATE

What is your top priority for improving Knox County Schools?

My top priority is ensuring every student ‒ regardless of zip code ‒ has access to a high-quality education that prepares them for college, career and life. That means focusing on academic achievement, strengthening parent engagement, improving student attendance rates and supporting teacher retention.

We must close opportunity gaps by investing in early literacy, expanding career and technical education pathways, and ensuring schools have the resources they need. Stronger schools create stronger communities, and I am committed to building systems that support students from kindergarten through graduation.

Knox County Schools is improving academically but has a vast gap in achievement between its top and bottom schools. How can a board member push to change that?

Closing the achievement gap starts with equity in resources and accountability in outcomes. A board member must ask tough questions about data ‒ not just district averages, but school-by-school performance, attendance rates, discipline trends and graduation pathways.

We must:

• Prioritize early literacy and numeracy interventions.

• Invest in high-need schools with proven supports, including instructional coaches and wraparound services.

• Ensure equitable transportation access across the entire district ‒ not just in certain areas ‒ so every student has reliable access to academic programs, magnet opportunities, extracurricular activities and after-school support.

• Strengthen partnerships with community organizations to address barriers outside the classroom.

• Reduce chronic absenteeism by engaging families early and consistently.

• Transportation is an equity issue. When students cannot reliably get to school or access expanded learning opportunities, achievement gaps widen. If we are serious about closing gaps, we must make sure opportunity is not determined by geography.

• I believe in data-driven decision-making paired with community voice. Every school should have a clear improvement plan with measurable benchmarks. When we lift our lowest-performing schools, we lift the entire district.

The toxicity and divisiveness of the national political conversation is more frequently appearing in local politics. What will you do to encourage a local focus and a healthy civic conversation?

Local school board governance should be about students ‒ not national political agendas. I will keep conversations centered on academic outcomes, student safety, teacher support and fiscal responsibility.

I believe in transparency, accountability and respect.

That means:

• Hosting community listening sessions.

• Providing clear communication about board decisions.

• Encouraging civil discourse, even when we disagree.

As a leader, I will model professionalism and remind our community that our shared goal is student success. We can disagree on policy without becoming divided as a community. Our children are watching how we lead.

What personal or professional experience do you have that qualifies you for the school board?

I bring a combination of educational, leadership and business experience. I am currently serving as a teacher assistant and am pursuing advanced studies in education, giving me direct insight into classroom needs and student engagement.

I am also the founder and CEO of OT’s Business Consulting, where I manage budgets, strategic planning and organizational development. That experience equips me to understand district financial oversight and long-term planning.

Additionally, my service as a resident assistant and community leader has strengthened my ability to mediate conflict, support student well-being, and build strong relationships with families and stakeholders. Leadership is about service, accountability, and vision ‒ and I have demonstrated those qualities in every role I’ve held.What is your responsibility to work with other branches of Knox County’s government? With the city of Knoxville? With state legislators? How will you navigate those relationships?

A school board member does not operate in isolation. Education intersects with county funding, city services and state policy. My responsibility is to build collaborative relationships that prioritize students over politics.

With Knox County government, that means working responsibly on budget planning and advocating for adequate funding. With the city of Knoxville, it means collaborating on youth programs, safety initiatives, and community development. With state legislators, it means advocating for policies that support public education, teacher retention and equitable funding.

I will approach these relationships with professionalism, preparation and respect. Even when we disagree, I will remain focused on solutions and student outcomes.

Does a board member who oversees public schools have an obligation to oppose efforts to shift control of any schools or taxpayer funding from Knox County Schools? If not, under what circumstances do you support the shift of taxpayer funding or the oversight of individual schools?

A board member’s primary obligation is to protect and strengthen public education. I believe in strong public schools that are accountable, transparent, and equitably funded.

I would oppose efforts that weaken district stability or divert funding in ways that harm the majority of students. However, I also believe in accountability. If a school is consistently underperforming, we must examine evidence-based solutions ‒ including targeted interventions, leadership restructuring, or strategic partnerships ‒ always with student outcomes as the guiding principle.

Any shift in oversight or funding must be data-driven, transparent and clearly demonstrate improved outcomes for students. Public dollars should remain focused on serving the public good.

Did you use AI assistance to help write your answer? If not, please write “n/a.” If so, please elaborate. 

Yes. I used AI as a drafting tool to help organize my ideas clearly and concisely. The perspectives, priorities and positions expressed in these responses reflect my personal beliefs, leadership experience and campaign platform.

IN-PERSON INTERVIEW ANSWERS FROM THE CANDIDATE

What inspired you to run for the school board? 

I’ve witnessed firsthand the struggles that teachers and parents and students face day-to-day. As someone who graduated recently from high school, that tied me back to seeing what teachers and families need. I’m a big advocate of making sure everyone can succeed no matter their region or where they come from. Given that my (college) major is English and my minor is Black American studies, I aspire to be a teacher. I work as an assistant teacher. Just being there hands-on with kids and just listening to some of the teachers and their concerns about what they feel like they would have a better classroom if they had those resources. One of those main concerns I’ve witnessed is having a voice. Those teachers feel like they’ve been overlooked or if they come with a concern, it’s more shoveled under the rug.

What are the values that guide your thinking about public education? 

Accountability, transparency and commitment. If you are receiving public funds, you should be held to the same standard of accountability, transparency and being honest with not just yourself, but the people around you. My nana was an educator. She taught for 30 years. I’m the only person that wants to be a teacher in the family. Just being around my little brothers has pointed me into the different lives of kids. I was one of those kids in school who would see what a teacher needed help with. Just stay around kids or my teachers so I can get their ins and outs of how their day went.

What will be your leadership style within KCS? With the public?

I’m more of a hands-on figure. I typically ask if you want to do this. I’ll make a point and then say, ‘Do y’all want to do this? If y’all don’t want to do this, we don’t have to do this’ or ‘If you have another idea, let’s break it down.’ I think it’s one of my things, is I take initiative. Just listen to others. Taking time out. I’m not always right. I’m a grown man able to admit that I’m not always right.

Who is someone in a leadership position that you think is doing a good job?

Different principals but more specifically, my old principal Dr. Dexter Murphy. Looking up to him and seeing the way he was my former principal and now he’s at a district level. He has played a prominent role. Also Mr. Carlton Batista over at Springfield. African American males aren’t really in teaching. Those two have been prominent in education, growth and shaping the lives of kids and also shaping my life. I’ve been blessed to follow up under their wing.

Breyauna Holloway

Party affiliation: Democrat

Age: 41

Occupation: Entrepreneur

ONLINE QUESTIONNAIRE ANSWERS FROM THE CANDIDATE

What is your top priority for improving Knox County Schools?

Securing funding.

Knox County Schools is improving academically but has a vast gap in achievement between its top and bottom schools. How can a board member push to change that?

By securing and increasing funding for support staff in the classroom, after-school tutoring, more academic programming in after school child care facilities, combining academics and athletics in our community sports groups, etc. One of my goals is to create a districtwide PTA where parents, teachers, students and community partners can collaborate and carry out effective techniques to close that gap.

The toxicity and divisiveness of the national political conversation is more frequently appearing in local politics. What will you do to encourage a local focus and a healthy civic conversation?

Leaving party affiliation out of the conversation is a start and focusing on who and what matters in our backyards, i. e., the students, families and staff, is how I would keep things healthy and civil.

What personal or professional experience do you have that qualifies you for the school board?  

Personally, I was born, raised and educated in District 1. I am a third generation graduate of Austin/Austin-East High School. My two oldest children were also educated in this district starting at the preschool level (with the exception of middle school), and graduated from A-E as well. I currently have children attending Vine and Maynard Schools.

Professionally, I have previously served on numerous boards, volunteered with nonprofit organizations, served as a UT scholarship mentor, been a rec league cheer coach, a supporter of youth sports and a community advocate. I also have previous government experience having worked for both the city of Knoxville and the state of Tennessee. I also have a bachelor’s and master’s degree and the focus of my education is centered around criminal justice and organizational leadership and management.

What is your responsibility to work with other branches of Knox County’s government? With the city of Knoxville? With state legislators? How will you navigate those relationships? 

A good working relationship is a must amongst local representatives and those in local government. Federal funding comes down through the state level and securing funding is my number one priority. The schools in my district are all within the city of Knoxville limits as well so it would be a joint effort between county and city to ensure funding and safety in those schools. I think my years of networking and previous employment experience put me in a place to be able to hit the ground running further building relationships and tangibly putting plans in place.

Does a board member who oversees public schools have an obligation to oppose efforts to shift control of any schools or taxpayer funding from Knox County Schools? If not, under what circumstances do you support the shift of taxpayer funding or the oversight of individual schools? 

Yes, a public schools board member has an obligation to oppose efforts to shift control of Knox County Schools and any funding for those schools. A board member is chosen to by their district to protect the interests of their public schools.Did you use AI assistance to help write your answer? If not, please write “n/a.” If so, please elaborate. 

No.

IN-PERSON INTERVIEW ANSWERS FROM THE CANDIDATE

What inspired you to run for the school board? 

My children inspired me to run. I have five children that have either graduated from or are currently in District 1 students. I’m running because everything that happens within Knox County Schools has a direct effect on my household. District 1 needs a lot of funding secured. Those schools are lacking in a lot of areas, from academics to athletics. I think everybody’s kind of familiar with issues about teacher recruitment and retention, but those who don’t live in District 1 don’t know there’s a lot of students that are zoned for District 1 schools that don’t attend those schools. I want children that are zoned for our schools, for them and their parents to be proud to send them to District 1 schools.

What are the values that guide your thinking about public education?

I was publicly educated in District 1. I graduated from Austin-East High School. My two oldest children graduated from Austin-East and my three youngest have been going to a District 1 school. I’m not just talking the talk, I’m walking the walk.

What will be your leadership style within KCS? With the public?

I consider myself a situational leader. Each school is different. It has different needs, different priorities, different staff. I would approach each school from an individual situational leadership style based on their needs and wants. I’m used to multitasking and having to individualize wants and needs. I’m used to working with the public professionally. I worked for 311 on and off for years, I’ve been involved with PTAs, I’m currently on the Maynard Site Steering Committee, been involved with youth sports as a coach. Having to deal with kids and parents, it’s second nature to me.

Who is somebody in a leadership position who you think is doing a good job?

Danny Mayfield has always been the local politician I’ve drawn inspiration from. He died when I was in high school, but I remember how he created a buzz in the homes in his district. It got people excited about community involvement and politics. He was able to rally people and keep them informed. He was visible in the community and was really putting the work in at a boots-on-the-ground level. If I win, I would be pretty much representing that same district that he represented. I’m a presence in our community every day. I’m visible.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knox County Board of Education District 1 primary election voter’s guide