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Katie Perkins

Katie Perkins

Office history

Hamilton County Schools Board District 8 β€” Hamilton, TN
2026
D primary
2026-05-05

Katie Perkins is a Democratic candidate running for election to the Hamilton County Board of Education to represent District 8 in Tennessee [1]. She is on the ballot in the Democratic primary scheduled for May 5, 2026, where she faces opponent Betty Duggan [1]. The winner of the primary will advance to the general election on August 6, 2026, to compete against the victor of the Republican primary [1]. District 8 includes the East Ridge area and serves public schools such as East Ridge Elementary School, East Ridge High School, East Ridge Middle School, and Spring Creek Elementary [8].

Perkins is a resident of East Ridge who has lived in District 8 for 13 years as of 2026 [5]. She works as a college professor at Dalton State and holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) and a master’s degree in art education [5][8]. A mother of three children, Perkins describes herself as an educator and parent seeking to apply her expertise to improve local schools [5]. Her stated top priorities include establishing a better funding model, ensuring safer schools, and promoting academic excellence [5]. She advocates for an education system that encourages critical thinking and intellectual growth in an inclusive environment [5].

In addition to her professional background, Perkins is active in community service. She has coached sports teams at East Ridge Parks and Recreation and Camp Jordan, and she currently serves on the East Ridge Library Board [5][8]. Her community ties also include membership at Christ United Methodist Church in East Brainerd [5].

Perkins previously ran for the same District 8 seat in 2022. She defeated Sandy Norris Smith in the Democratic primary on May 3, 2022, receiving 63.9% of the vote [1]. In the general election on August 4, 2022, she lost to incumbent Republican Larry Grohn, who received 53.5% of the vote compared to Perkins' 46.5% [1]. During the 2022 campaign, Perkins debated Grohn on issues including school safety and infrastructure [11]. The 2022 race also involved controversy regarding campaign signs, with a Times Free Press report noting an arrest warrant issued against Grohn for allegedly stealing signs belonging to another candidate, though the article linked this incident to the broader District 8 contest involving Perkins [10].

For her 2026 campaign, Perkins has outlined specific policy interests. She supports outdoor learning, citing research that outdoor play relieves stress for students and teachers, and points to the curriculum at Skillern Elementary as a positive example [5]. Regarding facilities, she proposes implementing green solutions, such as investing in Energy Star-rated equipment, and using data-based decisions to improve budget reliability and plan for site expansions [5]. Perkins emphasizes that board decisions should be based on student and community needs rather than political agendas [8]. Her campaign website is https://www.katieperkinsforschoolboard.com [8].

Sources

Public filings

Candidates and officeholders are required by law to file campaign finance reports and statements of economic interest. The sites below don't support direct links to an individual record β€” search by last name on each.

Tennessee β€” Hamilton County campaign finance (County School Board Dist. 8)

Tennessee β€” Hamilton County campaign finance (County School Board Dist. 8)

Tennessee β€” campaign finance (search)

Tennessee β€” statement of interest

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