Betty J. Duggan

Betty J. Duggan is a Democratic candidate running for the Hamilton County Board of Education, District 8 seat in Tennessee [6]. She resides in the Concord neighborhood and moved to District 8 two years prior to her announcement after living in Hamilton County for more than 25 years [6]. The district covers the East Ridge area [6]. Duggan is facing Katie Perkins in the Democratic primary on May 5, 2026, with the winner advancing to the general election on August 6, 2026 [6]. The seat is currently held by Republican Larry Grohn, who is not seeking re-election [6].

Duggan holds a Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Tennessee and has had a diverse career as an anthropology professor, museum curator, and teacher [6], [8]. Before retiring from her academic roles, she worked extensively with Appalachian, Native American, African American, and Hispanic communities [6]. She is a graduate of Apison Elementary and Ooltewah High School [6]. In recent years, Duggan has remained active in education by teaching reading at Hamilton County elementary schools, including East Ridge Elementary, as well as at a local charter school and a YMCA after-school program [6], [8]. She has also served as a substitute teacher in a dozen K-12 schools within the county, including four located in District 8 [6].

Duggan announced her campaign on February 18, 2026, citing a commitment to strengthening public education and prioritizing students [8]. Her platform focuses on six priority areas: supporting teachers, improving school facilities, decreasing testing, increasing classroom funding, expanding student opportunities, and fostering cross-county collaboration [6], [8]. Specifically, she advocates for livable salary increases for teachers and meaningful input into curriculum development [6]. She also emphasizes the need to keep public education dollars in public schools and maintain local control over school decisions, arguing that choices should not be unduly influenced by national politics [6]. Duggan identifies improving facilities as a critical need, noting issues such as inadequate bathroom capacity and security concerns in some District 8 schools [6].

Sources

• [1] Tennessee elections, 2026 - Ballotpedia
• [2] Tennessee gubernatorial election, 2026 - Ballotpedia
• [3] Candidate Lists | Tennessee Secretary of State
• [5] 2026 Tennessee gubernatorial election - Wikipedia
• [6] School board: Veteran educator Betty Duggan hopes to support teachers, improve facilities | Chattanooga Times Free Press
• [7] Times Opinion: To fight off the far right, pick Betty Duggan for the Hamilton County Board of Education | Chattanooga Times Free Press
• [8] Betty Duggan Announces Campaign For Hamilton County School Board, District 8 - Chattanoogan.com
• [9] 15 candidates vying for five Hamilton County school board seats | Chattanooga Times Free Press
• [10] Betty Duggan Announces Campaign For Hamilton County School Board, District 8 http://dlvr.it/TR1xsf
• [11] School board: Community volunteer Katie Perkins plans to push for collaboration, outdoor learning | Chattanooga Times Free Press
• [12] Democratic candidates for Hamilton County school board talk teacher retention, community involvement | Chattanooga Times Free Press