LOCAL PARENT GROUP AND POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE WILLIAMSON STRONG ANNOUNCES 2022 SCHOOL BOARD ENDORSEMENTS

Grassroots group seeks to promote public education advocates 

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March 22, 2022 - Franklin, Tenn. The non-partisan parent group and political action committee Williamson Strong today announced the six candidates being endorsed for the upcoming Williamson County School Board election, with candidates across all parties in the state’s first-ever partisan School Board race. 

 

The endorsed candidates are as follows: 

• District 2: Tiffany Eccles (I)

• District 4: Bob Britton (D)

• District 6: Kristi Bidinger (I) 

• District 8: Ken Chilton (I) 

• District 10: Eric Welch (R) - incumbent

• District 12: Nancy Garrett (I) - incumbent

 

“Local voters aren’t always engaged in School Board elections, despite how vital our public schools are to all Williamson County residents,” said Anne McGraw, a Williamson Strong leader and former Williamson County School Board member. “Voting for the right candidates is absolutely critical for our kids, their teachers, and our county if we are to remain the shining example of public education in Tennessee. We’re here to help with that process.” 

 

Candidate questionnaires were emailed to all twenty candidates who filed a petition to be on the ballot, with all but five submitting for consideration. The criteria for the endorsement selection, which is published on the organization’s website, included evaluating candidates for a vested interest in local public schools, a demonstrated ability to execute the functions of the role, and how well they will represent Williamson County while serving on the School Board. 

 

“The foundation of any community is a thriving public school system. I’m proud to accept the endorsement of Williamson Strong, a group that dedicates themselves to the continued growth and development of Williamson County Public Schools,” said District 2 candidate, Tiffany Eccles. 

 

District 8 candidate Ken Chilton said, “Williamson Strong is a voice of reason for parents with children in WCS. We need level-headed school board members who recognize the value of our schools, and I'm honored that they consider me an advocate and protector of public education.”

 

“These candidates are all public servants who clearly have no agenda other than a commitment to public schools,” according to Crystal Freemon, co-leader of Williamson Strong. “This group will always put students first, and we’re excited to be a part of helping voters discover why they’re the best people for these roles.” 

 

Due to the bill that passed in the Tennessee legislative special session in October 2021, school board races can now be partisan if local parties so choose. Both the Williamson County Republican and Democratic parties decided to hold primaries, which will take place on May 3rd for voters to decide who will make it through to the August ballot.  

 

The only Williamson Strong-endorsed candidate who will be challenged during the primary races is Eric Welch, an incumbent who is seeking another term serving as the District 10 representative. All other candidates are guaranteed to be on the August 4th general election ballot for the 2022-28 Williamson County School Board seats. 

 

Voters wishing to update their voter registration, confirm their voting district, or find their voting center information may do so using Williamson Strong’s Voter Toolkit on their website: https://www.williamsonstrong.org/voter-toolkit

 

About Williamson Strong: Williamson Strong was started in 2014 by a small group of Williamson County Schools parents who recognized the need to keep fellow parents and the community at large informed about news and events impacting public schools. A new set of parents transitioned into leadership roles in 2021, forming a Political Action Committee to support candidates who wish to preserve and advance excellence in public school education in Williamson County for both current and future students. Learn more at https://www.williamsonstrong.org

 

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