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By Carey Reeder | Managing Editor

A new chapter in the Chilton County Board of Education began on Nov. 15 as seven members, and six newcomers, were sworn in to begin their journey in helping lead education in Chilton County for the next several years.

The General Election results put the seven members into the seats after all ran unopposed. The election saw 113,089 total votes cast in the county for the race with Cameron Ellison taking 19.29% of the votes with 21,820. He was followed by Mike Davis with 21,522 votes (19.03%), Rodney Paton with 18,377 votes (16.25%), Ken Harmon with 15,992 votes (14.14%), Jacqueline Sullivan with 13,041 votes (11.53%), Ashland English with 11,240 votes (9.93%) and Lisa Nicholas with 11,097 votes (9.815). Sullivan is the only returning board member of the seven elected in November.

The board has their first meeting under their belts, and Payton was voted as the Board President and Harmon as the Vice President. Overall, each member brings a new and unique viewpoint on education in the county to the table, but all have the common idea to further the education of children in Chilton County first and foremost. We spoke with some of the board members about their thoughts starting their terms, and what motivates them to be in a position like this.

 

Ken Harmon

“As I step into my new role as a school board member, I want to share my passion for protecting our future — our children. Since 2015, I’ve been actively involved in the school safety committee where I’ve had the privilege of helping implement vital security measures. Being an advocate for a safer learning environment is something I’m truly proud of.

My goal is to build a solid foundation of security for our precious minds while fostering strong relationships with the board and other county and city governments. Together, we can work towards improving not just our school system but our entire community. It’s crucial that our staff has all the tools they need to teach and inspire the next generation of leaders in our county. I look forward to collaborating with all of you to make this vision a reality.”

 

Ashland English

“It all took place in God’s will, and I just really have a heart for the kids in our county, to provide them the best education we possibly can, making sure they have a safe learning environment and making sure we are giving our teachers, faculty and staff all the resources they need to be able to do so.

I want to stand for our kids and let my voice be a voice for them. From the young ones to the older ones, they are all important and they all deserve the best, so I want to be there for them and speak up for them. It is truly an honor, and I am really excited to work with everybody and just get in there, learn more and do the best for our kids.”

 

Mike Davis

“I am really excited about bridging the gap between the county government entities and the community. For the last few years I feel like there has been a huge disconnect there, and I see a lot of value in bridging that gap and trying to move forward with future growth. I think that is very vital for our county, and it is coming whether we are ready for it or not. It is our job as candidates and elected officials to get our infrastructure ready and we have got to move forward.

I had an opportunity for the last six years to be a part of something at Thorsby (High School) and got to volunteer coach, was a part of my kid’s athletic programs and being an in-depth parent in the school at Thorsby. I saw a huge disconnect between what actually takes place at the schools and what the mindset of the community is. I saw a passion there that I had, and I really enjoyed it. We have some great faculty and administrators and a great school system, we just have to get everyone moving in the same direction.”

 

Jacqueline Sullivan

“My motivation is children being a retired educator, and I want to see our children get the best education in the county that is possible. I am excited to see equity among our students. I want every child to have the same opportunity as others, and that is within and outside of our county. I am anxious to see what this new term is going to hold for me.

Once I decided to retire, I did not plan to be on the board as soon as I was elected to the board. I knew I was going to run for the board (eventually), but the opportunity presented itself in 2018. Teaching children, being a part of their lives and seeing when they get it and that lightbulb comes on and they get it. I have been on that side helping students, so I want to be on this side trying to help students too.”

 

Lisa Nicholas

“Having had sons who have graduated from the Chilton County School System, and presently having a grandson enrolled, I have a personal interest in being involved, preserving and improving the quality of our school system. Being a local business owner, I hear the concerns and interest the public has with our school system. I want to serve and support the public, bridge the gap between the board and the community, all while being an advocate for the children. Working together, we can provide a safe, healthy and positive environment so our children can become successful adults.”