{"campaigns":[{"candidatename":"Jo Williams","chatgptsummary":"Jo Williams' biography shows relevant experience as an incumbent school board member and former chairman, including recognition as a Master School Board Member and active participation in district planning for safety and academic progress. The record documents no controversy or disciplinary history. Bio does not indicate specific budget literacy or direct superintendent evaluation experience.","notes":null,"party":"I","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nJo Williams is an independent candidate running for Anderson County School Board, District 1, in the August 6, 2026 election [16]. She is the incumbent seeking to retain her seat [16].\n\nWilliams currently serves as vice-chairman of the school board, having previously held the position of chairman [16]. Her tenure includes recognition as a Master School Board Member, an All-Tennessee School Board member, and a Tennessee School Board Association Ambassador [16]. She has stated that she has not missed a graduation exercise since joining the board [16].\n\nIn her campaign materials, Williams emphasizes her background in policy development and board leadership as key qualifications for decision-making regarding school safety, academic progress, and system-wide future planning [16]. She cites the growth of STEM and STEAM programs within Anderson County Schools and the planned opening of a new Claxton Elementary School by August 2027 as examples of meaningful academic progress during her service [16]. Williams describes her approach as prioritizing attendance at student events, including awards programs, field days, open houses, sporting events, and graduations, to remain present for students and families [16].\n\n## Sources\n\n[16] [The Courier News](https://mycouriernews.com/articles/2026/06/11194/jo-williams-is-running-to-retain-district-1-seat-on-county-school-board-seat) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-03\n","firstname":"Jo","lastname":"Williams","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"XOm39QPGMf"},"token":"jo_williams"},{"candidatename":"Ray Hagan","chatgptsummary":"Ray Hagan's biography shows long-term residency in District 1 and stated campaign priorities regarding academic excellence and fiscal stewardship relevant to constituent relations and policy direction. The record contains no documented controversies or disciplinary history. Bio does not indicate prior experience with school board governance, budget literacy for district operations, or experience completing state-required training through the Tennessee School Boards Association.","notes":null,"party":"R","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nRay Hagan is the Republican Party nominee for Anderson County School Board, District 1, on the August 6, 2026 county general ballot; the seat is a vote-for-one contest and he faces independent candidate Jo Williams.[3][1] Hagan announced his candidacy in July 2026, saying he is asking for the opportunity to serve the families, students, and schools of District 1.[1][2] He has said his campaign is focused on supporting academic excellence and safe, orderly classrooms, making sure local schools have the tools and leadership they need, staying accessible to District 1 families and listening to parents' concerns, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer funds, with student success central to his decisions.[1][2]\n\n## Background and education\nHagan describes himself as a lifelong resident of Anderson County who has lived in School Board District 1 for 60 years, where he built his life, raised his family, and invested in the community, and where members of the next generation of his family are now settling.[1][2] \"District 1 has always been a wonderful place to live and raise a family. I care deeply about this community,\" he said in announcing his campaign.[1]\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Hagan seeks school board seat - The Courier News](https://mycouriernews.com/articles/2026/07/11263/hagan-seeks-school-board-seat) - accessed 2026-07-23\n[2] [Ray Hagan Announces Candidacy for School board - WYSH AM 1380](https://www.wyshradio.com/2026/07/ray-hagan-announces-candidacy-for-school-board/) - accessed 2026-07-23\n[3] [Official Anderson County Sample Ballot, August 6, 2026 - Anderson County Election Commission](http://www.acelection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/August-2026-Sample-Ballot.pdf) - accessed 2026-07-23","firstname":"Ray","lastname":"Hagan","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"2BwZL9WVx7"},"token":"ray_hagan"}],"choices":null,"description":null,"district":null,"districtgroup":null,"districtgroupname":null,"districtname":null,"job_type":"school_board","o.office":null,"office":"county_school_board_district_1","officedescription":"A school board member serves on the elected body that governs a public school district. The board sets district policy and budget priorities and hires and evaluates the superintendent, while leaving day-to-day management to the administration.","officequalities":"- Policy judgment for a public school district \u2014 setting direction while leaving day-to-day management to the superintendent.\n- Budget literacy for operating and capital budgets, in coordination with the county commission (which appropriates) and the state.\n- Ability to hire, evaluate, and when necessary replace the superintendent \u2014 the board's highest-stakes recurring decision.\n- Constituent relations with parents, teachers, principals, and community members.\n- Willingness to complete the state-required annual training through the Tennessee School Boards Association.","officeterm":4,"officetitle":"School Board Member","partisan":1,"pgr":"general","quantity":1,"referendum":null,"source":{"retrieved_at":"2026-07-02","title":"Anderson County, TN \u2014 August 6, 2026 Sample Ballot","url":"https://www.acelection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/August-2026-Sample-Ballot.pdf"},"title":"School Board District 1"}