My Commitment to Our Schools
I believe that strong schools build strong communities. Our schools are more than just buildings, they're the heart of our neighborhoods, where the future of Hamilton County is shaped every day. That’s why I’m committed to being actively engaged with the leadership and faculty at every school in District 3.
As your County Commissioner, I want to be a resource and an advocate. I meet with principals, attend school events, and listen to the concerns of those on the front lines of education. My goal is to ensure that our educators and support staff have what they need to help our children succeed, both inside and outside the classroom.
This commitment is personal to me. My wife, Cinnamon, has over 16 years of classroom experience as a teacher. I’ve seen firsthand how hard our educators work and how much they give of themselves each day. I’ve also seen the critical role that support staff, like school social workers and nurses, play in addressing the complex challenges many students and families face. Teachers cannot do it alone, and neither should they have to.
Clarifying the Role of the County Commission in School Funding
Let me be clear: the Hamilton County Commission never cuts the school system’s budget. In fact, we are legally obligated to fund public education at no less than the same level as the previous year—this is known as “maintenance of effort.”
Every year, we vote to approve an overall school budget that reflects a continued investment in public education. Here are some key facts:
That’s a $140 million increase over two years—nearly a 30% budget growth, while student enrollment has increased by only 3% over the past five years.
These numbers reflect a long-standing and growing commitment to supporting our schools. However, it’s important to understand that while the County Commission approves the total funding amount, we do not control how that money is spent. The line-by-line spending decisions, such as whether to fund school social workers, nurses, or transportation services, are made by the elected Hamilton County School Board.
Here are the schools that I am proud to support in District 3:
Elementary Schools
Middle Schools
High School
Staying Engaged and Advocating for What Matters
As your Commissioner, I will continue advocating for strong public schools, staying engaged with school leaders, and doing everything I can to ensure our tax dollars are invested where they matter most.
I’ll continue working with fellow elected officials and community members to support safe schools, great teachers, and the full range of services that help every student succeed.
This isn’t just policy, it’s personal.
As your County Commissioner, I want to be a resource and an advocate. I meet with principals, attend school events, and listen to the concerns of those on the front lines of education. My goal is to ensure that our educators and support staff have what they need to help our children succeed, both inside and outside the classroom.
This commitment is personal to me. My wife, Cinnamon, has over 16 years of classroom experience as a teacher. I’ve seen firsthand how hard our educators work and how much they give of themselves each day. I’ve also seen the critical role that support staff, like school social workers and nurses, play in addressing the complex challenges many students and families face. Teachers cannot do it alone, and neither should they have to.
Clarifying the Role of the County Commission in School Funding
Let me be clear: the Hamilton County Commission never cuts the school system’s budget. In fact, we are legally obligated to fund public education at no less than the same level as the previous year—this is known as “maintenance of effort.”
Every year, we vote to approve an overall school budget that reflects a continued investment in public education. Here are some key facts:
- FY 2023 School Budget: Approximately $523 million
- FY 2025 School Budget: Increased to $663 million
- Projected FY 2026 Budget: Expected to increase by another $16 million
That’s a $140 million increase over two years—nearly a 30% budget growth, while student enrollment has increased by only 3% over the past five years.
These numbers reflect a long-standing and growing commitment to supporting our schools. However, it’s important to understand that while the County Commission approves the total funding amount, we do not control how that money is spent. The line-by-line spending decisions, such as whether to fund school social workers, nurses, or transportation services, are made by the elected Hamilton County School Board.
Here are the schools that I am proud to support in District 3:
Elementary Schools
- Big Ridge Elementary — Principal: Shelly Jackson
- DuPont Elementary — Principal: Tersheia Hayes
- Hixson Elementary — Principal: Ursula Greene
- McConnell Elementary — Principal: Ruth Pohlman
- Middle Valley Elementary — Principal: Allyson DeYoung
Middle Schools
- Hixson Middle School — Principal: Dr. Michael Caraccio
- Loftis Middle School — Principal: Mary Catherine Gatlin
High School
- Hixson High School — Principal: Lee Ziegler
Staying Engaged and Advocating for What Matters
As your Commissioner, I will continue advocating for strong public schools, staying engaged with school leaders, and doing everything I can to ensure our tax dollars are invested where they matter most.
I’ll continue working with fellow elected officials and community members to support safe schools, great teachers, and the full range of services that help every student succeed.
This isn’t just policy, it’s personal.