Staff
Tuesday, May 27, 2014 3:38 pm

Tony Stinnett has announced his candidacy for Cannon County School Board, District 5. Stinnett believes it is important for school board members to have a working knowledge of the schools, programs and educational requirements. His background as an employee in the Rutherford and Cannon County School Systems, as well as serving as an adjunct professor at MTSU, provides him with necessary insight from an educational standpoint.

“If elected to serve the community as a school board member I will work hard to serve you, the community who chose me, and will seek input from parents, students and teachers regarding educational policies,” Stinnett said. “In announcing my candidacy, I also announce that I have no other hidden political ambitions or agenda.”

Stinnett also said the emphasis needs to be placed on the students and what they need to succeed. He said he would do everything possible to ensure each and every student has a chance to succeed. Although running for District 5 School Board member, Stinnett said it will be his purpose to represent every student in the Cannon County Schools System.

“It’s time to have meaningful conversation about how the needs of all Cannon County students can be met,” Stinnett said. “We need to put more solutions on the table. I believe every child in every classroom should be given every opportunity to excel. That is what I will fight for as a school board member.”

Stinnett said school policies should be looked at closely. He says good common sense can help alleviate concerns of overcrowding at some schools while others have space available, adding “we really need to take a long, hard look at zoning policies,” Stinnett said.

Stinnett said winning a seat on the school board would enable him to positively affect change to help keep district policies going in the right direction. He cited school safety, discipline, value of test scores, truancy and teacher support among pressing issues. Stinnett also said programs enabling students to highlight their individual skills are imperative.

Spending also is an issue, Stinnett said. He says careful fiscal management must be a priority for the school system. Accountability for all teachers, administrators, board members and the Director of Schools also will be important to Stinnett.

Stinnett said he follows through and gets the job done. He says good communication and community engagement are important qualities he possesses that will serve him well as a District 5 School Board member.

“I have insights that will assist me in doing my job as a school board member,” Stinnett said. “I have the enthusiasm and willingness to work hard and serve the students and educators. I am a problem solver and have a strong commitment to the youth of our community. My focus will be on students and teachers. Schools are systems of people. I have strong people skills and Cannon County’s schools will be even stronger with me on the Board. Your vote is greatly appreciated.”

Anyone with questions or comments can contact Stinnett at 615-631-9521 or stinnett@cannoncourier.com. He also has a Facebook account where messages may be left.

Stinnett has served as a coach of youth baseball and basketball for 26 years. He guided three basketball teams to AAU National Tournaments, and has taken baseball teams to five national tournaments.

Stinnett was named an Outstanding Young Tennessean by the Tennessee Jaycees in 1994. He also is an award-winning writer who has received accommodations at each level of his career. He is a three-time Sports Writer of the Year in Tennessee.

Stinnett is a 1990 graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, where he worked five years as a media relations assistant.
Paid political advertising by Tony Stinnett; Teresa S. Stoetzel, Treasurer