I am running for the Hamilton County School Board representating District 8 primarily in the East Ridge area. I have taught children for 17 years in public and Christian schools locally. I have a Masters and a specialist in School Administration.
Retired, I now want to support conservative policies and parental involvement that helps our children and our parents navigate an educational system that tends to be moving away from traditional values.
The following questions and Sabrina’s answers are from the 2026 Hamilton County Republican Primary Election Voter Guide
1) Purpose: What do you view as the purpose and role of the County School Board?
The County School Board’s purpose is to govern public education. There are three primary roles: (1) Hire and
evaluate the performance of the Superintendent; (2) Approve the budget; (3) Set policies. Decisions should be made with emphasis on empowering and equipping students to THRIVE academically.
2) Candidate’s Focus/Expertise/Initiatives: What are your areas of focus and possible initiatives for the School Board?
My focus is on enhanced character education,
classroom management, reading literacy, safe schools, examining mental health choices, and
parental/guardian involvement.
Students must posses qualities beyond academics such as creative problem-solving, effective
communication, cultural inclusivity, and resiliency. I would help initiate career readiness and real-world challenges for students to THRIVE.
3) Moral Values: Should government laws, ordinances, regulations, etc. follow the moral principles of
the Ten Commandments?
Yes. The Ten Commandments are foundational for the Jewish and Christian faith. Many of the Founding fathers looked to Scriptures when forming key documents. The Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights are heavily influenced by the moral standards embodied in the Ten Commandments.
Our students need to be taught the truth about History, and the Ten Commandments are a part of that.
FYI: Tennessee state law says that public school classrooms may hang The Ten Commandments, Declaration, and Constitution on their walls.
4) Parental Rights: What is the best way to involve parents in the student’s education? Who do you
believe is the most important stakeholder in a student’s education?
Parents should be well informed, involved, and allied in the process of decision-making for their student.
One of the best ways to communicate is parent/teacher conferences. Short notes of information can be given to parents via progress reports, and emails. Teachers should be available when parents have questions/issues they need to discuss.
In terms of stakeholders, the student is the
first stakeholder followed by the parents/guardians, then teachers, and finally, all of the community. We need an
educated citizenry for America to THRIVE.
5) Finances: Education is the largest budget item in Hamilton County. In what areas do you see room
for improvement in its management, and how would you address these challenges?
Our education budget is $705,000,000 in Hamilton County Schools.That is a lot of money to steward for
the tax-payers. I believe in examining our current budget for unneeded positions and programs.
The unexamined budget leads to positions that we do not need and programs that we don’t know whether they are working or not. I would look carefully at the number of Central Office personnel. Are they all necessary? Students and teachers first. I choose to live within my means and I believe our school system should, too. We steward a reasonable budget and are mindful of the needs of tax-payers.
6) Preventing School Violence: In the aftermath of the 2023 Covenant School tragedy, Tennessee
has strengthened school safety laws, but many parents continue to express concern in this area.
What additional strategies or policy changes would you support in Hamilton County to prevent school
shootings, foster community well-being, and protect the rights of students and staff?
Metal detectors are being tested at Soddy Daisy. They seem to be working effectively in preventing violent school crime. I would check cost and, if reasonable, have a one way door into the school through a metal detector. Have police officer available to escort student to office should the metal detector go off. Have general security policy and active shooter protocols in place to alleviate student, staff and parental concerns.
7) Sex Ed Instruction: How should the Hamilton County school district select and source materials for
sex education? Should this instruction be provided in schools, strictly at home, or a combination of
both? Which organizations, if any, do you believe should be restricted from providing materials, and
what is your rationale?
I believe in traditional values regarding sex education. It should be a combination of parental and school responsibility. Sex education materials should be selected through a parental partnership with medically accurate and gender/age appropriate content. The process should be transparent to all. No indoctrination of LGBTQ life choices.
8) Racial equity: How should the school district approach teaching racial equity, and what role, if any,
should diversity, equity and inclusion play in the curriculum?
All people are equal and should be treated as such. We acknowledge that we are diverse with strength
and weaknesses.
9) Instruction of LGBTQ Issues within Schools: How should Hamilton County schools approach
teaching topics related to LGBTQ issues?
They should not teach on these topics.
10) Gender Identity Instruction: Should Gender Ideology be taught or encouraged within the public
school system? Why, or why not?
No. This is totally out of our lane of teaching academics.
11) Immigration Status: How should the school districts address enrollment concerning children of
illegal immigrants? Is this a strain on our system that takes away opportunities from citizens and
those with legal immigration status? Should additional documentation be required beyond the basic
proof of address we have now?
I would not require additional documentation beyond what is required by law. Do not turn schools into immigration enforcement agencies. Advocate for the funding needed when enrollment growth creates real costs.