{"campaigns":[{"candidatename":"Frank William Johnson","chatgptsummary":"Frank W. Johnson, a native of South Memphis, is a suitable candidate for the County School Board Division 7. He has a deep understanding of the community, having grown up and worked in various parts of the city. Johnson has experience in education, having served as a teacher for LaRose Elementary and as a community organizer for The Black Alliance for Educational Options. He is also an active member of the Shelby County Democratic Party, serving on the Primary Board and the Grassroots Council. Johnson's commitment to improving the community is evident in his current roles as President of the Alcy/Ball Community Association, South Memphis Connector for the Center For Transforming Communities, and Executive Director of Depot Communities United. His engagement with environmental justice issues also indicates a broader understanding of the challenges facing the community, which could inform his policy decisions on the school board.","notes":"","party":"Nonpartisan","person":{"biography":"Frank W. Johnson is a native of South Memphis and spent his youth in the Cleaborn Homes, South Parkway, Lauderdale (Lauderdale Sub), and the Alcy/Ball communities. Johnson attended Norris Elementary, Corry Jr. High, and Overton High School, where he became a student of the late Dr. Lulah M. Hedgeman. Johnson is an active Shelby County Democratic Party (SCDP) member. He serves on the Primary Board and was elected to the Grassroots Council in 2017, representing the Executive Committee Shelby County District 10. Johnson was the community organizer for The Black Alliance for Educational Options (BAEO) and the Karl Dean for Governor campaign in 2018. Dedicated to the advancement of students, Johnson served as a second, third, and fourth-grade teacher for LaRose Elementary. He also serves as a Memphis Artists for Change (MAC) board member. Johnson became engaged with the issue of Environmental Justice during his time as a teacher. He noticed that several of his students shared the same health conditions and behavioral disorders that many of his friends and family did growing up. After getting involved with the Memphis Water Collaborative, he discovered that Memphis has a history of contamination issues, especially in the city's older areas. He believes these environmental issues are tied directly to many of Memphis's health, educational, and crime problems. Committed to making Memphis a better place for all, Johnson currently serves as President of the Alcy/Ball Community Association, works as a South Memphis Connector for the Center For Transforming Communities, and is the Executive Director of Depot Communities United (DCU)\n\nLinks:\n\nSchool Board Link: [School Board](https://www.scsk12.org/board/?PN=44&MID=26&M=7)\n","firstname":"Frank","lastname":"Johnson","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"5atLWkr9Cd"},"token":"frank_william_johnson"},{"candidatename":"Jason Sharif","chatgptsummary":"Jason Sharif is a suitable candidate for the Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board District 7 position. His extensive experience in education and community development, including roles with the Tennessee Department of Children's Services, teaching at Craigmont Middle School, starting the Boys & Girls Club at Westwood High School, and founding RESPECT The Haven Community Development Corporation, demonstrate his commitment to improving educational outcomes. His focus on improving school facilities, increasing mental health support, expanding career and technical education pathways, improving early literacy, increasing family and community engagement, and focusing on teacher and staff retention align with the responsibilities of a school board member. His educational background in Political Science and Public Administration further equip him for the role.","notes":"","party":"Nonpartisan","person":{"biography":"Hello I'm Jason Sharif. I'm running for Memphis-Shelby County Schools - MSCS Board District 7 because of my life-long passion for our children and youth of Memphis and Shelby County. From working with the Tennessee Department of Children's Services in Shelby and Davidson Counties to teaching 6th grade social studies at Craigmont Middle School in Raleigh to starting the Boys & Girls Club at Westwood High School to working as a Neighborhood Organizer with Whole Child Strategies in Klondike-Smokey City to working with Opportunity Youth in Whitehaven as the Founder & Executive Director for RESPECT The Haven Community Development Corporation. I believe these experiences have equipped me to contribute to the Memphis-Shelby County Schools - MSCS Board of Education. I invite you to join us.\n\nFocus Points\n\n- Improving our public school facilities \n\n- Increasing mental health supporte and social-\u00e9motional learning for our students \n\n- Expanding Career and Technical Education pathways for our students \n\n- Improving Early Literacy \n\n- Increasing Family and Community Engagement \n\n- Focusing on Teacher and Staff Retention and Support \n\nEducation \n\nB.A. in Political Science from Jackson State University, 2000.\n\nM.P.A. in Public Administration from Tennessee State University, 2009.\n\nExperience \n\n-Tennessee Department of Children's Services- CPS Investigator, Juvenile Justice Probation Officer, and Juvenile Justice Regional Coordinator in Shelby and Davidson Counties.\n\n- Comcast Corporation- Sales Representative in Houston, Texas\n\n- Memphis-Shelby County Schools- 6th grade social studies teacher at Craigmont Middle School \n\n-Boys & Girls Club of Greater Memphis- Started the Boys & Girls Club at Westwood High School \n\n- Whole Child Strategies- Neighborhood Organizer \n\n- RESPECT The Haven Community Development Corporation- Founder & Executive Director \n\nVote Jason Sharif For School Board District 7\n\nLinks:\n\nWhole Child Link: [Whole Child](https://www.wcstrategies.org/our-team-jason-sharif)\n\nLinkedin: [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-sharif-a0387156/)\n\nLeaders of Color Link: [Leaders of Color](https://www.leadersofcolor.net/post/alum-jason-sharif-builds-community-in-memphis-tn)\n","firstname":"Jason","lastname":"Sharif","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"jW3rarck0D"},"token":"jason_sharif"},{"candidatename":"Towanna C. Murphy","chatgptsummary":"Towanna C. Murphy, a radio and TV personality with a background in education advocacy as the CEO and founder of Project Let's Read, could bring a unique perspective to the County School Board Division 7. Her experience in media and communication, coupled with her passion for education, could be beneficial in representing the interests of students, parents, and educators. Living in Cordova, Tennessee, she is familiar with local educational needs and could potentially contribute to the development and implementation of policies that enhance educational outcomes.","notes":"","party":"Nonpartisan","person":{"biography":"Radio Personality/Host at AM730KQPN\n\nTV Host at Towanna Murphy Radio & TV Show\n\nTalk Show Host at Memphis CW30\n\nChief Executive Officer (CEO) & Founder at Project Let's Read\n\nSelf-Employed at WDEM RADIO 98.5 FM\n\nWorks at AM990 KWAM\n\nRadio Personalities at Wtlsr R&B & Hip-Hop Radio\n\nStudied at Bryant & Stratton College\n\nWent to North Division High School\n\nLives in Cordova, Tennessee\n\n\nLinks:\n\nFacebook: [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/towanna.murphyratliff/)\n\nInstagram: [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/wdem_98.5fm)\n\n","firstname":"Towanna","lastname":"Murphy","middlename":"C.","suffix":null,"token":"Iq7VjoHu6n"},"token":"towanna_c_murphy"},{"candidatename":"Danielle Huggins","chatgptsummary":"Danielle Huggins is a suitable candidate for the County School Board Division 7 position due to her background as an educator and community advocate. She is a lifelong resident of Memphis, with a deep understanding of the local community. Her campaign focuses on expanding educational opportunities, improving early childhood education, and ensuring accountability in schools. Her commitment to listening to constituents and advocating for their needs aligns with the responsibilities of a School Board member, which include policy development, budget oversight, and promoting a high-quality learning environment.","notes":"","party":"Nonpartisan","person":{"biography":"I\u2019m Danielle Huggins, Memphis Shelby County School Board District 7 candidate. As an educator and community advocate, I want to expand the availability of educational opportunities, hold schools accountable, and improve early childhood education.\n\n\n\nMy Memphian existence began in Alcy Ball Neighborhood Community. Many of the teachers we had worked and lived here.  My parents inspired my education passion. Largely because, my sister and I had to read 30 minutes before going out to play every day. I attended Dunn Elementary,  Alcy Elementary, Corry Middle,  and  graduated from Hamilton High School.  I\u2019m a Memphian through and through.\n\n\n\nI'm running for School Board District 7 to tirelessly advocate for you, listening to your ideas and working to better our school district.  Please join me in the District 7 cause with unflinching resolve and a strong belief in collective action.  I humbly ask for your vote for Memphis Shelby County School Board District 7 representative so we may build a proud future.\n\nLinks:\n\nCampaign Site: [Campaign](https://hugginsforschools.com/)\n\nWork History Memphis SCS Link: [Work History](https://schools.scsk12.org/Page/6620)","firstname":"Danielle","lastname":"Huggins","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"nGt459VAol"},"token":"danielle_huggins"},{"candidatename":"Chavez G. Donelson","chatgptsummary":"Chavez G. Donelson is a dedicated community leader with over ten years of experience in advocating for change in the Alcy-Ball community. His campaign for the County School Board Division 7 is guided by a comprehensive plan to transform the district, focusing on student and parent support, STEM education, and vocational training. Given his commitment to children's welfare and his vision for a prosperous community, Donelson appears well-suited for the role of a School Board member, which involves policy-making, budget oversight, and promoting a high-quality learning environment.","notes":"","party":"Nonpartisan","person":{"biography":"In the heart of Shelby County\u2019s School District 7, a remarkable campaign is brewing. Chavez\nG. Donelson, a dedicated community leader and advocate for change, has embarked on a journey to\ntransform the future of the district. His campaign is guided by a comprehensive plan, rooted in\na meticulous vision for a prosperous and empowered community that also incorporates wrap-\naround services for students and their parents along with new initiatives to enhance STEM\nEducation and Vocational Training.\nFor more than ten years, Chavez has made noteworthy contributions to his Alcy-Ball community through diverse initiatives, encompassing both charitable donations and dedicated time. Chavez is unwavering in his commitment to supporting the children in his community and beyond. He firmly believes that children are the future and advocates for treating them with dignity and love.\n\nLinks: \n\nFacebook: [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/dick.williams.3386?_rdr)\n\nCampaign Site: [Campaign Site](https://www.voteforvez.com/meet-chavez)","firstname":"Chavez","lastname":"Donelson","middlename":"G.","suffix":null,"token":"EpAHL04CRH"},"token":"chavez_g_donelson"}],"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":"7","districtgroup":"county_school_board","districtgroupname":"Shelby County School Board","districtname":"District 7","job_type":"school_board","o.office":"county_school_board_division_7","office":"county_school_board_division_7","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 7","partisan":1,"pgr":"general","quantity":1,"referendum":"","source":null,"title":"County School Board Division 7"}