{"campaigns":[{"candidatename":"James Q. Bacchus","chatgptsummary":"James Q. Bacchus is a highly qualified candidate for the Memphis Shelby County School Board District 4 position. With over 45 years of experience in education, including roles as a principal, superintendent, and assistant superintendent, Bacchus has a proven track record of transformative leadership and a deep commitment to improving educational outcomes. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Education in Educational Instruction and Technology and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration. Bacchus' approach is values-driven, focusing on self-reflection, collaboration, and outcomes. His priority is to listen to his constituents and provide data-driven, practical solutions. His extensive experience and dedication to serving the community make him a compelling candidate for the school board position.","notes":"","party":"Nonpartisan","person":{"biography":"James Q Bacchus, a candidate for the Memphis Shelby County School Board District 4, is a seasoned educator with a remarkable track record of service, exudes a genuine passion for ensuring that every child can reach their full potential in education.\n\nJames Q Bacchus commitment to this cause stems years ago when he would \u201ctake his children to school every day, in the district he worked in\u201d. He has a deeply rooted desire to be a part of positive change, especially in the wake of the transformative shifts brought about by the pandemic.\n\nBacchus will leverage his background, contacts, and expertise completely to address the evolving needs of children and families in the Memphis, Shelby County community.\n\nWith a Bachelor of Education in Educational Instruction and Technology from Jackson State University and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration from the University of Memphis, and an abundance of Professional Developments and certifications. Bacchus brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.\n\nOne of Bacchus\u2019 key achievements was his transformative leadership at Whitehaven High School where he served as principal. By breaking down barriers and implementing innovative strategies, Bacchus was able to significantly increase enrollment and improve outcomes for students. His approach exemplifies his values of self-reflection, collaboration, and a relentless focus on outcomes.\n\nBacchus also has experience and expertise as a superintendent and assistant superintendent, where he gained invaluable insights into the inner workings of school boards. For over 45 years, Bacchus highlighted the importance of strong leadership in education and identified key challenges such as top-down management and the need for greater support for principals.\n\nBacchus is 100% confidence that once you get to know him, and his accomplishments, you will rally behind his candidacy.\n\nWith an inescapable urge to serve,\" Bacchus encapsulates his deep-rooted commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and families. His number one priority is listening to his constituents, being data driven, and providing practical solutions!\n\nAll initiatives and decisions made by Bacchus, MUST answer YES to this question:\n\n\"IS IT GOOD FOR THE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES?\"\nJames Q Bacchus emerges as a \u201cseasoned\u201d dedicated educator, and visionary leader with a clear mission to improve education outcomes for all. His extensive experience, values-driven approach, and commitment to serving the community make him a compelling candidate for the Memphis Shelby County School Board. Bacchus is poised to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families in District 4 and beyond.\nLinks: \n\nLinkedin: [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bacchusjames)\n\nFacebook: [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/james.q.bacchus/)\n\nCampaign Site: [Campaign SIte](https://bacchus-schoolboard-district4.com/)\n\nTwitter: [Twitter](https://x.com/booksey1?lang=en)","firstname":"James","lastname":"Bacchus","middlename":"Q.","suffix":null,"token":"8N35MPE14S"},"token":"james_q_bacchus"},{"candidatename":"Tamarques Porter ","chatgptsummary":"Tamarques Porter, a Memphis native with a strong background in Information Technology and community service, is a suitable candidate for the County School Board Division 4. His professional experience as a Cybersecurity Specialist and his educational background, including a Master's degree in Technology Management, equip him with the technical expertise needed for the role. His involvement in community organizations and his commitment to educational excellence, diversity, and inclusivity demonstrate his dedication to improving learning outcomes and fostering innovation in education. His deep roots in the community and his commitment to representing the interests of students, parents, and educators make him an ideal candidate for the role.","notes":"","party":"Nonpartisan","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nTamarques Porter is a candidate for the Memphis-Shelby County School Board, District 4 [1][2].\n\n## Background and education\nPorter is a native of Memphis, Tennessee, and a graduate of Melrose High School [2]. He attended Texas Southern University and subsequently earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and a Master of Science in Technology Management from the University of Phoenix [2].\n\n## Career\nPorter serves as a Cybersecurity Specialist with the U.S. Department of Treasury [2].\n\nPorter advocates for educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals through the Tennessee Higher Education Prison Initiative (THEI) [2]. He also serves as a mentor and facilitator in Dr. Clifford Black's Super Learning Literacy Class, which focuses on language and computer literacy skills [2].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/votetporter/)\n[2] [Campaign Site](https://www.votetporter.com/)\n","firstname":"Tamarques","lastname":"","middlename":"Porter","suffix":null,"token":"LLkcfLSVd5"},"token":"tamarques_porter"},{"candidatename":"Anecia Washington","chatgptsummary":"The suitability of Anecia Washington for the job of County School Board Division 4 cannot be determined at this time due to a lack of public information available on the candidate.","notes":"","party":"Nonpartisan","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nAnecia Washington is a candidate for the Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Education Division 4 in Tennessee. She ran in the 2024 election cycle.\n\n## Background and education\n\nWashington earned a B.S. in Elementary Education from Mississippi State University and an M.S. in Dyslexia Therapy from Mississippi College. She is a former classroom educator.\n\n## Career\n\nWashington is a dyslexia therapist currently in professional and private practice in the Memphis-Shelby County community. She serves as Vice President of the Tennessee Chapter of the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA).\n\n## Sources\n\n- [1] [AUGUST 1, 2024 Tennessee Election Guide \u2013 WREG](https://wreg.com/news/your-local-election-headquarters/august-1-2024-tennessee-election-guide/)\n- [2] [Tennessee Chapter \u2013 The Academic Language Therapy Association](https://www.altaread.org/tennessee-chapter/)","firstname":"Anecia","lastname":"Washington","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"ODgsftm42T"},"token":"anecia_washington"},{"candidatename":"Alvin Crook","chatgptsummary":"Alvin Crook, with his experience as a Head Boy's Basketball Coach at Memphis School of Excellence Winchester and his work at Memphis Light, Gas & Water, could bring a unique perspective to the County School Board Division 4. His background in education and community service may equip him with the necessary skills to represent the interests of students, parents, and educators, and to contribute to policy-making and budget oversight. However, his specific experience in educational policy and administration is not detailed.","notes":"","party":"Nonpartisan","person":{"biography":"Head Boy's Basketball Coach at Memphis School of Excellence Winchester. \udb85\udeb8. Works at Memphis Light, Gas & Water (MLGW). \udb85\udeb8. Former Head Boy's Basketball Coach \n\nLinks:\n\nBallotpedia Link: [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Alvin_Crook)\n\nLinkedin: [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvin-crook-897257111/)\n\nTSSAA Link: [TSSAA](https://portal.tssaa.org/common/directory/?id=337)","firstname":"Alvin","lastname":"Crook","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"JIPlNmNbuw"},"token":"alvin_crook"},{"candidatename":"Eric Harris","chatgptsummary":"Eric Harris, a lifelong educator with advanced degrees in History, Secondary Education, Education Leadership, and Business Administration, is a suitable candidate for the County School Board Division 4. His extensive experience includes roles as a history teacher, basketball coach, school administrator, and founding Principal of a pre-k through 8 grade school. He has also served as Director of Student Operations for the State of Tennessee Achievement School District, focusing on improving the lowest performing elementary schools. Currently, he is the president of the JESSRAN Corporation, a non-profit dedicated to improving the educational trajectory of children. As a resident of District 4, he is well-positioned to represent the interests of local students, parents, and educators.","notes":"","party":"Nonpartisan","person":{"biography":"Eric Harris was born and raised in Memphis, TN and is a proud graduate of Memphis City Schools. A lifelong educator, Eric received his Bachelor of Arts in History and Secondary Education from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, a Master of Science in Education Leadership from Christian Brothers University, and an Executive Master of Business Administration from the University of Memphis. Eric is currently an Urban Affairs and Public Policy Ph.D. candidate at the University of Memphis. \n\n\nEric began his career in education as a history teacher and basketball coach, eventually winning District Coach of the Year. Eric became an administrator, having served as Assistant Principal at both Cordova High School and White Station High School, and later as Principal of East High School. In 2015, he accepted a position as Director of Student Operations for the State of Tennessee Achievement School District, before becoming a School Administrator of the Whitehaven Empowerment Zone.  It was the experience of supporting turnaround efforts in the lowest performing elementary schools in Tennessee that created a focus on the foundations of learning and the vertical alignment of primary, secondary and post-secondary institutions. It was with that belief that Eric accepted the position as the founding Principal of Geeter School, a pre-k through 8 grade school on the State of Tennessee Priority List.\n\n\nInspired by hands-on experience of leading schools from pre-k through 12th grade and his advanced academic studies, Eric got to work creating an education program dedicated to providing all learners with an equitable learning environment designed to ensure their success both academically and socially. By beginning formal education as early as possible and centering schools as a hub of urban communities, students and families receive the holistic nurturing needed to thrive. Eric now serves as president of the JESSRAN Corporation, and through its flagship program Elevate 2 Primary, the IRS 501 (c)3 non-profit works to improve the educational trajectory of children and the well-being of families. \n\n\nEric lives in District 4 along with his wife Tonya Harris, their bond fortified by love, commitment, and mutual support. Eric, a dedicated husband and father, brings unwavering determination and a strong work ethic to their home, while Tonya infuses warmth, creativity, and compassion into their lives. Their children, Cameron, Elijah, Omaria, and Jamal, contribute their unique personalities and talents to the family's vibrant dynamic.\n\n\nLinks:\n\n[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vote4ericharris/)\n\n[Campaign Site](https://www.vote4eharris.com/meet-eric-harris)","firstname":"Eric","lastname":"Harris","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"qqkupOqFcr"},"token":"eric_harris"}],"choices":null,"description":"A Memphis Shelby County School Board member is responsible for representing the interests of the division's students, parents, and educators in the policymaking process. This role involves developing and implementing policies that enhance educational outcomes, overseeing the district's budget, and ensuring accountability in school administration. Additionally, the board member collaborates with other board members, community stakeholders, and educational leaders to address local educational needs and promote a high-quality learning environment. They are paid 20,000 a year, and meet at the Francis E. Coe Administration Building, 160 S. Hollywood Street, at 5:30 p.m. on the final Tuesday of each month.","district":"4","districtgroup":"county_school_board","districtgroupname":"Shelby County School Board","districtname":"District 4","job_type":"school_board","o.office":"county_school_board_division_4","office":"county_school_board_division_4","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 on a large urban district \u2014 Memphis-Shelby County Schools serves roughly 110,000 students across more than 200 schools, with a budget over a billion dollars.\n- Budget literacy for both operating and capital budgets, in coordination with the County Commission (which appropriates) and the Tennessee Department of Education.\n- Ability to hire, evaluate, and when necessary replace the superintendent \u2014 historically the highest-stakes recurring decision the board makes.\n- Constituent relations with parents, teachers, principals, and community members across an economically and racially diverse district.\n- Willingness to complete the state-required seven hours of annual training through the Tennessee School Boards Association School Board Academy.","officeterm":4,"officetitle":"County School Board Division 4","partisan":1,"pgr":"general","quantity":1,"referendum":"","source":null,"title":"County School Board Division 4"}