Meet KC School Board candidates: Districts 1, 4, and 7

KnoxTNToday is dedicated to impartial coverage of Knox County politics and campaigns for government offices. Our commitment is to present all candidates equitably and to ensure transparency in our reporting. By fact-checking statements and engaging with the community, we aim to empower voters to make informed decisions.

We covered the Sheriff’s,  Mayor’s, Trustee’s and County Clerk’s races. Today, we cover the candidates for Knox County School Board in districts 1, 4, and 7 who are on the ballot in the Knox County Primary Election to be held May 5, 2026: John Butler, Charles Frazier, O.T. Harris, Breyauna Holloway, Ashley Sartelle, Katherine Bike, Stephen Triplett, and Amy Fenner.

KnoxTNToday reached out to each candidate and received responses to five questions from all but one candidate.  We are providing the responses that reflect those questions in alphabetical order by district. (Districts 6 and 9 will be covered next week.)

Why are you running for the school board, and what are your top three priorities?

DISTRICT 1

John Butler: I am Rev. Dr. John A. Butler, and I am offering myself for re-election to the District 1 Representative of the Knox County Board of Education. I want to continue the work of ensuring the mission of the Knox County Schools (KCS), “Prepare students for life by providing a high-quality education that is accessible, meaningful, and future-focused. Since I began serving as the District 1 Representative in 2022, KCS has moved from a School District identified by the TN Department of Education (TNDOE) as a school district “In Need of Improvement” to a school district identified by TDOE as an “Advancing” District. My 3 top priorities continue to be Academic Achievement, 21^st Century Curriculum, and Excellent Staff – Administrators, Teachers, and Support Staff

Charles Frazier: Education is my family legacy and my personal passion. My grandfather and sister both dedicated their lives to teaching in Knox County, and as a former substitute teacher at Austin-East High School and a graduate of Carter High, I have seen our system from every angle. I believe education is a team effort—from the superintendent to the administrative assistants and teachers. My top three priorities are:

• Workforce Readiness: I advocate for “education in all fields,” ensuring students are supported whether they pursue a four-year degree or a career as a plumber, electrician, or auto technician.
• Collaborative Leadership: Building a unified team across all levels of school administration to improve student outcomes.
• Technological Advancement: Leveraging East Tennessee’s growing tech landscape to ensure our students have the skills needed for the modern world.

O.T. Harris: I am running for the school board because I believe strong public schools are the foundation of strong communities. As someone who grew up in this district, attended our schools, and now serves as a mentor, teaching assistant, and community leader, I understand both the challenges our students face and the opportunities we have to do better. This campaign is personal for me. I have worked directly with students who need more academic support, more emotional support, and more pathways to opportunity. I am running to ensure every child — regardless of zip code — has access to a high-quality education.

My top three priorities are:

• Student Achievement & Early Literacy – Ensuring students are reading on grade level by third grade and closing achievement gaps through targeted academic intervention and strong curriculum support.
• Teacher Support & Retention-Investing in educators through competitive pay, classroom resources, mentorship programs, and policies that respect their professional expertise.
• Student Mental Health & Safety – Expanding access to school counselors, mental health professionals, and social-emotional learning initiatives so students are supported holistically.

Breyauna Holloway: I am running for District 1 School Board because everything that happens in Knox County Schools, especially this district, has a direct effect on my household. I was educated in and graduated from schools in District 1 and my children also attend or have graduated from District 1 schools. My three areas of focus are: To secure funding for schools in our district so that teachers can be supported with additional staff whether it be a teaching assistant, school based therapist, or behavioral specialist. Create a district wide PTA to build community and school support, especially for schools struggling to maintain their own individual PTA and for cohesion and information sharing. Teacher and student recruitment and retention. Schools in our district are losing far too many teachers, staff, and scholars due to lack of funding, lack of parental support, academic failures, and behavioral issues.

DISTRICT 4:

Ashley Sartelle: I’m running because I believe strong schools are the foundation of a strong community. My top priorities are a renewed focus on core academics, supporting and retaining great teachers, and maintaining safe, orderly schools where learning can happen. We don’t need to start from scratch; we just need to stay focused on what truly drives student success.

Katherine Bike: Did not respond.

DISTRICT 7:

Amy Fenner: I’m running to restore faith in public schools by protecting students and teachers rights, to be a voice for my community and to help prepare students for the future.

Stephen Triplett: I’m running because I believe our schools must remain focused on academic excellence, strong leadership, and rebuilding trust with parents. I am not seeking reelec<on to manage decline or get distracted by side issues — I’m running to raise standards and expect measurable results. My top three priorities are:

• Academic Achievement: Over the past four years, we have seen improvements in proficiency rates in Math, ELA, Science, and Social Studies. That progress matters — and it must continue. We must ensure every child can read proficiently, perform math at grade level, and graduate prepared for college, career, or the skilled trades.
• Parental Partnership: Parents are the primary stakeholders in their child’s educa<on. Rebuilding trust requires transparency, responsiveness, and meaningful opportunities for involvement. When parents and schools work together, students succeed.
• Accountability: We must empower administrators and teachers to do their jobs well while also holding ourselves accountable for results. Clear expectations, consistent standards, and measurable outcomes are essential if we want sustained improvement.

How do you plan to engage with parents and the community to gather their input?

DISTRICT 1

John Butler: I plan to continue to engage with parents and students through local school involvement and to the community through community organizations and neighborhood groups.

Charles Frazier: Engagement is something I do every day. Through my work with WJBE Radio, broadcasting football games with my co-host, Rick Staples, across East Tennessee, I constantly talk to students, athletes, and parents about their thoughts on our schools. To increase parent involvement, I will:

• Strengthen PTAs: Actively encourage and facilitate parent-teacher collaboration to ensure students stay on track.
• Utilize Digital Outreach: Continue using platforms like my “Charles for Knoxville” broadcast to keep the community informed on educational and social issues. “Charles for Knoxville” can be viewed on Facebook.
• Monthly Community Meetings: Implement regular, local meetings between teachers and parents to bridge communication gaps and identify specific community needs.

O.T. Harris: Engagement cannot just happen during election season — it must be ongoing, transparent, and accessible. I plan to:

• Host regular community listening sessions in different parts of the district.
• Create structured parent advisory roundtables.
• Maintain active communication through social media updates and newsletters.

As a community leader, I’ve learned that people want to be heard before they’re told. I will prioritize open-door communication and ensure families know their voices matter in board decisions. Stronger Schools require Stronger Community partnerships.

Breyauna Holloway: Being a parent myself, and an active and visible one, I will continue to do what I’ve been doing for years. I use social media as a free tool to communicate and share information. Sporting events are also a great place to engage with parents and the community. I’ve had some of the best conversations with community members at football and basketball games about the state of our schools. By creating a district wide PTA, that would be a more formal way to engage. I’m also available by phone or whenever someone sees me in the community. I’m reachable and relatable and they should feel at free to ask a question or voicing a concern.

DISTRICT 4:

Ashley Sartelle: Parents should feel informed, respected, and heard. I believe in consistent, transparent communication and being accessible, whether that’s attending school events, hosting community meetings, or simply responding when people reach out. Clear communication matters and I want parents to feel like they have a real voice in their child’s education

Katherine Bike: Did not respond.

DISTRICT 7:

Amy Fenner: I will attend PTA meetings, have scheduled round table discussions, attend school sponsored events including but not limited to theatre performances and sporting events. I will also always have a open line of communication whether it be by phone, text or email.

Stephen Triplett: Engagement must be consistent, visible, and responsive. I plan to:

• Maintain open lines of communication so parents and community members always know how to reach me.
• Work closely with school administrators to understand what they are hearing from families and identify areas that need attention or improvement.
• Respond directly to parent concerns, even when the conversations are difficult. Listening and addressing issues head-on builds trust.
• Be present in the community — attending ballgames, school events, and local gatherings. Showing up matters, and so does taking the <me to truly listen.

Strong schools are built on strong relationships, and that starts with being accessible and engaged.

How do you plan to address mental health issues among students?

DISTRICT 1

John Butler: KCS has proactive and intentional policies, programs, and procedures that address student mental and social health through the School Culture Department that helps ensure that the Local School Administrators, teachers and support staff (including counselors and social workers), work with parents, to address the every-day needs of our students.

Charles Frazier: I understand the gravity of mental health challenges. Having served on the board of the Helen Ross McNabb Center, I know that professional counseling is a vital element for our youth. From the School Board seat, I will put 100% effort into securing and providing the necessary resources and professional support staff to ensure no student has to face mental health struggles alone.

O.T. Harris: Student mental health is not separate from academic performance — it directly impacts it. I support:

• Increasing the student-to-counselor ratio to ensure more accessible support.
• Expanding partnerships with local mental health providers.
• Implementing structured social-emotional learning (SEL) programs.
• Providing professional development for teachers to recognize early warning signs.
• Creating safe spaces within schools where students feel supported and valued.

As someone who works closely with students, I’ve seen how anxiety, trauma, and stress can affect learning. We must treat mental health with the same urgency as academic instruction.

Breyauna Holloway: I’ve had talks with teachers, admin, support staff, and parents and also pulling from my own observations and household, the main concern in our schools is the behavior of students in the building. There is unfortunately a lot of trauma in our communities and that spills over into our schools. There is a request for better and more behavioral specialists, school-based therapists and counselors, and better partnerships with mental and behavioral health organizations in Knox County. Parents and students need the resources but they are not as available as needed due to lack of funding.

DISTRICT 4:

Ashley Sartelle: We need a balanced approach that supports students without losing sight of academic goals. That means ensuring access to counselors and resources, equipping teachers to recognize concerns early, and fostering school environments that promote stability, purpose, and connection.

Katherine Bike: Did not respond.

DISTRICT 7:

Amy Fenner: I think bullying is a big issue and should be monitored closely and taken seriously.

Stephen Triplett: We cannot ignore the root causes of what many of our children are experiencing today. With the deterioration of the nuclear family, a growing number of students lack stability, structure, and consistent support. While schools cannot replace the role of the family, we can provide safe environments, clear expectations, mentorship, and encouragement that help students build resilience and confidence. I will continue access to school counselors and trained mental health professionals. And encouraging meaningful parental involvement in students’ emotional and spiritual development. Ultimately, students thrive when their lives are grounded in hope and purpose. That hope can only be found in faith in the risen Savior, Jesus Christ. While our schools serve families of all beliefs, we must recognize that strong families, moral clarity, and supportive communities are fundamental to student well-being.

What metrics will you use to evaluate the success of our schools?

 DISTRICT 1

John Butler: There are numerous Federal, State, and Local requirements, evaluations, and tests that that are used to measure the success of our schools. The Knox Couty Board of Education produces a “5-year Strategic Plan” which incorporates all of the difference metrics into one document and then develops an “Annual Plan” that serves as an evaluation tool to measure all aspects of KCS operation to determine success including academic success at every grade level, graduation rates, and preparation life after graduation.

Charles Frazier: While we must follow state-mandated metrics, I believe in looking beyond just “failing” labels. I prioritize:

• Graduation Rates: I am encouraged by the rising graduation rates at schools like Austin-East and will focus on keeping that momentum.
• Data-Driven Assessment: Having helped administer state tests and manage data entry for the State of Tennessee, I understand how to interpret these metrics to make practical improvements in the classroom.

O.T. Harris: Success should not be measured by test scores alone. While academic performance data and growth scores matter, I believe we must also evaluate:

• Reading and math proficiency growth
• Graduation rates
• Chronic absenteeism rates
• Teacher retention rates
• Student engagement and school climate surveys
• Post-graduation outcomes (college enrollment, workforce certifications, career placement)

A successful school is one where students are learning, teachers feel supported, and families feel connected.

Breyauna Holloway: Measuring school success requires a multi prong approach that goes beyond just looking at TCAP and ACT/SAT scores. School success is especially important when taking into consideration far too many of the schools in our district are failing according to state standards and more and more parents are opting not to send their children to district 1 schools, instead opting for private and charter schools. Enrollment numbers, graduation rates, courses offered, comprehension and proficiency, engagement, teacher and staff retention, and community support are the main metrics I would use.

DISTRICT 4:

Ashley Sartelle: Student proficiency and growth in core subjects are foundational, but we should also look at attendance, teacher retention, and post-graduation outcomes. A strong school system shows both academic progress and long-term student readiness. If we’re doing things right, both students and teachers will succeed.

Katherine Bike: Did not respond.

DISTRICT 7:

Amy Fenner: I will use graduation rate as a metric along with teacher satisfaction and retention.

Stephen Triplett: Success must be measurable, transparent, and clearly communicated to the community. Key metrics should include:

• Reading proficiency by third grade, because early literacy is foundational to long- term success.
• Math proficiency at every grade level, ensuring students stay on track academically.
• Graduation rates, with an emphasis on readiness for life after high school.
• Career and technical certifications earned, demonstrating preparation for workforce opportunities.
• Teacher retention rates, as stability and experience directly impact student outcomes.

If we cannot measure it, we cannot improve it. Data — not politics — should guide our decisions and drive continuous improvement.

What are your plans to support and retain quality teachers within the district?

DISTRICT 1

John Butler: Compensation, Professional Development, School Environment are 3 of the most important factors in Teacher Retainment. Since 2022, KCS has invested $119.1 in staff, laying the foundation for competitive pay. In 24-25, KCS made the single largest staffing investment of its history – $44 million to bring every employee up to market value wage. According to 2024-2025 KCS Annual Report, the Teacher Retention Rate is 92%, with 2 years of near-zero vacancies on the first day of school.

Charles Frazier: As someone who has taught, I know the sacrifice—arriving at 7:30 AM and often not leaving until 7:00 PM. While recent raises are a step in the right direction, they are just the beginning. To retain quality educators, I will advocate for:

• Competitive Compensation: Ensuring salaries reflect the high level of education teachers hold and the massive impact they have on our children’s futures.
• Recognition of Time: Implementing policies that respect the significant time investment teachers make beyond the standard school day.

O.T. Harris: Teacher retention is critical to student success. My plan includes:

• Advocating for competitive compensation.
• Ensuring teachers have adequate classroom resources.
• Supporting mentorship programs for new educators.
• Creating pathways for teacher leadership and advancement.

We cannot say we support teachers without backing it up with action. When teachers feel respected and equipped, students thrive.

Breyauna Holloway: We need the best educators in District 1 and our schools deserve it. Knox County Schools needs to partner with colleges and universities state and region wide to recruit recent graduates or those about to graduate who are seeking employment right after school. Teaching is a profession and salaries should reflect that and pay should also be on par with the cost of living. Teachers need more support staff in the classroom to ensure they can properly do their job. I will do everything possible to secure funding for more recruitment and retention for our schools.

DISTRICT 4:

Ashley Sartelle: Great teachers are the backbone of our schools. We should respect their time, reduce unnecessary administrative burdens, and give them the support and flexibility to focus on teaching. When teachers feel trusted and valued, they stay and students benefit.

Katherine Bike: Did not respond.

DISTRICT 7:

Amy Fenner: Teachers should be fully supported and paid their worth and for the time that they spend working on school related projects outside of school hours.

Stephen Triplett: Teachers stay where they are respected, supported, and empowered to succeed. During this term, we have invested more than $40 million in teacher compensation, resulting in fewer than ten teaching vacancies at the start of the 2025–2026 school year. That progress demonstrates what happens when we prioritize our educators. Moving forward, we will:

• Continue offering competitive compensation.
• Look for ways to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy so teachers can focus on teaching.
• Provide strong administrative support and clear expectations.
• Treat teachers like professionals — and expect excellence in return.

When we invest in our teachers, we invest directly in student success.

School Board candidates for Districts 6 and 9 will be covered next Monday.

KnoxTNToday will continue to share other primary-race candidates’ views in future articles.

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