Category Archives: Williamson County

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Parish Picks Up Endorsement in Williamson County School Board Race

Veteran board member backs Parish for District 9 seat

A longtime Williamson County School Board member is backing a political newcomer in the race for the vacant District 9 school board seat.

Rick Wimberley is endorsing Shandus Parish for the job, praising Parish’s commitment to open communication and willingness to work with all parties to advance excellence.

“Shandus has a good grasp of the challenges of school board work and an understanding of what the real role is and what it’s not,” Wimberly said. “She’s prepared. She’ll be open to input from the public, her colleagues, and WCS staff, and will put aside politics and partisanship when making tough decisions. I think Shandus will make an excellent Williamson County School Board member.”

The election is August 1st.

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Tonight in Williamson County

Is something strange happening in the District 3 School Board race?

Statements from education advocacy group Williamson Strong and the Williamson County Democratic Party suggest something may be amiss at tonight’s Williamson County Commission meeting.

In a social media post, local education advocacy group Williamson Strong raised concerns that the County Commission may be attempting to influence the outcome of the upcoming election and implored the Commission to not appoint anyone currently running for the vacant seat.

Local Democrats echoed that sentiment.

The agenda does not list any current nominees for the position.

In any case, the person selected to fill the vacancy will only hold it until September. That’s when the candidate who wins the August election for the seat will take over.

Is something strange happening? Or is the County Commission just fulfilling its required duty?

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United in Opposition to Vouchers

Williamson County Democratic school board candidates oppose school voucher scheme

All four Democratic candidates for Williamson County School Board oppose expansion of the state’s school voucher scheme.

The move to expand vouchers is being pushed by Williamson County’s State Senator, Jack Johnson, and Gov. Bill Lee, a Williamson County native.

In a joint statement announcing their opposition, the candidates said:

We are united in opposing vouchers because we’re listening to our neighbors, members of our communities and parents of students in Williamson County who are overwhelmingly against using taxpayer dollars to fund private schools. 

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Parish Announces School Board Campaign

District 9 race shaping up in Williamson County

A committed community volunteer and parent of two children in Williamson County Schools is running for School Board from District 9.

Shandus Parish announced her candidacy for a seat on the education policy-making body this week.

As for why she’s running, Parish says, “Growing up, public school was my sanctuary—a refuge of safety and enrichment where I could thrive away from my challenging home life. For me, school was more than just a place to learn. It was a place where I had agency, where my income, background, and zip code didn’t matter. Now, as a parent, I want to ensure that every child in Williamson County has access to the same opportunities that shaped my life.”

More on Williamson County elections:

School Board Battle in Fairview
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School Board Battle in Fairview

Mobley announces District 1 school board campaign

Elmer Mobley has officially announced his candidacy for Williamson County School Board District 1, representing the Fairview area.

Mobley is a longtime community activist and advocate for public education.

In his announcement, he explains the simple reason he’s running:

“My vision for our schools is simple,” Mobley explained. “Every child, regardless of background or zip code, deserves access to an equitable education that fosters excellence, engagement, and a sense of belonging.”

MORE ON WILLIAMSON COUNTY ELECTIONS:

Williamson County’s Aprea Announces Re-Election Campaign
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Four Democrats Seeking Seats on Williamson County School Board

Local party fields slate of candidates in 2024 elections

The Williamson County Democratic Party announced it is fielding candidates for school board in districts 1, 3, 9, and 11 in 2024.

The party said its candidates will focus on issues such as teacher compensation, improving school funding, and ensuring the safety of students.

The candidates include Elmer Moberly in District 1, Diane Cochran in District 3, Shandus Parish in District 9, and Laura Granere in District 11.

More on Williamson County School Board races:

Williamson County’s Aprea Announces Re-Election Campaign
Candidate Announces for Williamson County School Board
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Williamson County’s Aprea Announces Re-Election Campaign

5th district school board member to run for a second term

A current member of the Williamson County School Board has announced she’ll be seeking re-election in 2024.

Jennifer Aprea, who represents the 5th District (Nolensville area) filed her petition to run as an Independent in the upcoming election.

“As a current WCS parent, volunteer, and engaged Board member, I feel strongly that our rapidly growing area deserves continuity in their representation which is why I’m choosing to run for another 4-year term serving their needs,” says Aprea.

Voters can find out more about Aprea on her campaign website.

In other Williamson County election news:

Candidate Announces for Williamson County School Board
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Candidate Announces for Williamson County School Board

Tony Caudill files to run in District 11

An Independent (nonpartisan) candidate has filed to run for Williamson County School Board from District 11 (Franklin, Thompson’s Station).

Tony Caudill announced this week that he will run in the election to be held on August 1, 2024.

“Williamson County Schools are among the best public schools in the nation and have played a significant role in attracting families and businesses to our area. I believe the Board should work on opportunities for continuous improvement and focus on the very real issues that accompany rapid population growth, such as staffing, transportation, student safety, and adequate funding, which impact our students and staff members on a daily basis,” says Caudill. “My commitment will always be to strive to do what is best for all of our students, their teachers, and their collective success.”

For more information on Caudill’s campaign, check out his website.

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Williamson Parents Speak Out Against Charter School

Founders Classical Academy is a charter school that has applied to operate in Williamson County. That application was rejected – not once, but twice by the Williamson County School Board.

Now, Founders is appealing to the Tennessee Charter School Commission. If the Commission grants the appeal, Founders will open in Williamson County despite the objection of the elected school board.

Parents in Williamson County don’t seem happy about this possibility.

Here’s more from NewsBreak:

Jeni Davis, lifelong Tennessean, and parent of a Williamson County Schools student and a public school advocate, shared why she wants the State Charter School Commission to vote against Founders Classical Academy forcing themselves into the Williamson County Schools. “First of all, we believe that children across the state – all Tennessee children – deserve access to a high quality education with high quality curriculum that meets state standards and prepares all students to become successful and productive adult members of our community. And these classical charter schools, including Founders Classical Academy, do not meet these standards and putting them into our communities would be a great disservice to our students. This is why the school board has already voted against the school twice.”

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