Thomas Buzan currently holds Place 1 in the Board of Education. He replaced Ray Hammett earlier this year after Hammett resigned. Buzan has qualified to run to keep his spot on the Board. Two other candidates will join Buzan on the ballot for Place 1. Former city councilman Charles E. Notar and Steven Kelly Smith are also running for Place 1. If there is need for a run-off, it will be held October 5th.
The election for Place 2 will be between Eric Boyd Dryden and Michael Eugene Poe. The seat had been held by Philip Pearson since 2001. Pearson said he decided not to run in order to focus on other things like his family.
“I’ve got some other business interests and I am going to be doing some traveling,” said Pearson. “Also my wife and I want to slow down. I have got a son and he is going to play football in college. We want to enjoy our family. I am gearing toward retiring.”
When asked what was he most proud of when it comes to being a board member, he said it all comes down to the students.
“Graduating the kids. Seeing the wonderful kids going though and the hard work they done and the accomplishments of our children and students at Jacksonville,” said Pearson.
Like all members elected to the board, Pearson brought many ideas and goals with him. Although the schools have seen many achievements during his time, he still recognizes there is work to be done.
“You never accomplish everything you want to do in education because of funding and other things like that,” said Pearson. “There is so much to do, you can never accomplish all your goals, but I feel that Jacksonville City Schools is one of the best places to be.”
Pearson added that because of the hard work of others, Jacksonville’s schools are on top.
“The key to our system are the teachers. Our teachers are just tremendous and they care so much about the students and that is the main reason Jacksonville city schools are where they are at,” said Pearson. “Jacksonville is a great place to raise your children and I would recommend any to come and check us out. We have a good thing going for us in Jacksonville.”
After nine years, Pearson worked with many board members. He said each one brought something new to the system.
“It was an honor to be able to serve with them. I learned a great deal about many things from each of them. Everybody brought something different to the table. It was an outstanding group of citizens. We all had the same goal in mind. We put the students and the teachers first as a board and that’s what you have got to do,” said Pearson.
Whoever wins the Place 1 and 2 elections for the city’s Board of Education will have many hurdles to overcome. Pearson said proration will be the biggest obstacle facing the board members.
“We are looking at maybe 11 percent this year, deeper cuts this following year. That’s the issue right there I believe,” said Pearson.
Five people will run for two spots on August 24th. No matter whom Jacksonville chooses, Pearson had advice for the winners.
“Keep your own agenda at home and work for the betterment of the community together,” said Pearson.
As election day draws near, Jacksonville News will have more information on those running for Place 1 & 2 for the Board of Education.
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