RANDALL JONES
Why Would I like to continue to serve on the Sullivan County Board of Education?
My decision as a life-long Republican to run as an Independent in the upcoming August General election is based on my beliefs about partisan politics in education. School Board members, in order to faithfully carry out their duties, should be free from the influence of political parties and enabled to act as they believe is best for the students, staff, and families they represent. God has blessed me so much throughout my 75 years of life. I am at a point in my life where I can serve my community, not needing to be focused on my career. 12 years ago, God led me to offer my service to the students, families, and staff of our community by representing them on the Sullivan County School Board. He continues to lead me to use the knowledge, relationships, and experience I have gained through my 38-year involvement with Bristol and Kingsport City Schools and the 12 years as a member of the Sullivan County Board of Education. Much progress has been made towards the 3 main goals that I outlined in the forum in June 2012; however, more work needs to be done to fully accomplish these goals.
Determined
to keep Sullivan County students as our greatest natural resources by providing updated facilities with expanded curricula especially the enhanced CTE Programs.
Experienced
Please prayerful consider me as your District 5 Board Member. I ask that you compare my education, experience, leadership positions and accomplishments as a Board Member to the other candidate.
Committed
to approving a budget that ensures Sullivan County teachers and support staff are paid a salary comparable to Kingsport and Bristol and fighting for more local control of our educational processes including curriculum and testing. The State and Federal Government need to be removed from the micromanagement role.
Qualifications
Background
- Currently serving as District 5 Board member for Sullivan County (2012-2024)
- Served as Chairman for three years (2020-2023)
- Served as Vice Chairman for four years (2016-2020)
- Level Four Board Member
- Served as member-at-large for Tennessee School Board Association for 2023
- Sullivan County resident since 1980
- Christian believer and member of Indian Springs Baptist Church for 36 years
- Served three years on the State Resolutions Committee for Tennessee Baptist Association (2013-2015)
- Scott County, Virginia native (Grad of Rye Cove High School)
- Bachelors, Masters and Master’s plus 45 from ETSU
- Retired from Bristol City Schools in 2009
- Assistant Director of Schools, Bristol, TN (1995-2009)
- Assistant Principal of Tennessee High School, Bristol, TN (1985-1991)
- Principal of Tennessee High School, Bristol, TN (1991-1995)
- Assistant Principal of Vance Middle School, Bristol, TN (1979-1985)
- Director of Alternative School, Tennessee High School (1978-1979)
- Director of Admissions, Steed College, Johnson City, TN (1975-1976)
Major Accomplishments
- Resource Officer at all schools
- Assistant Principals for Elementary schools
- West Ridge High School opened in August 2021
- Sullivan East Middle School opened in 2020
- Improved security entrances at all schools
- Updated fire alarm systems in all schools
- Two new concessions buildings at Ketron
- Increased unassigned fund balance ($3 million in 2013 to $25 million in 2023)
- Sponsored Early Retirement Incentive in 2021
- Sponsored the teacher salary equalization plan in 2021
- New improved curricula including CTE Programs
- Sold Colonial Heights Middle School for $2.3 million
- New partial or complete roofs for many schools including Indian Springs, Ketron,
Miller Perry, Bluff City and Mary Hughes - Updated athletic facilities, greenhouse, and digital art space for CTE at East High School
- New or updated HVAC Systems for many schools including Indian Springs
Elementary and Central Middle School - Updated track and tennis courts at Central Middle School
