Black Retains Seat, 4 Republican Newcomers Join Hamilton County School Board

Chattanooga, TN — Democrat incumbent Jill Black has successfully held her position on the Hamilton County School Board after Thursday’s general election, where a wave of Republican newcomers joined the board.

Election Night Results

On the night of August 1, 2024, the final unofficial vote totals were released by the Hamilton County Election Commission. The board will now consist of seven Republicans and four Democrats, shifting from the previous mix of six Republicans, three Democrats, and two independents.

With all precincts counted, Black received 1,829 votes, edging out her Republican challenger Sherrie Ford, who garnered 1,692 votes. Black’s victory in District 11 means she will continue to represent the Tiftonia, Lookout Mountain, and Missionary Ridge areas.

New Faces on the Board

District 2 saw Republican Ben Daugherty from Signal Mountain defeating independent Crystal Boehm, receiving 3,356 votes to Boehm’s 2,274.

Republican Steve Slater from Soddy-Daisy won against Democrat Tammy Barnes to represent District 1, collecting 2,849 votes compared to Barnes’ 812.

In District 7, another Republican, Jodi Schaffer from East Brainerd, beat independent David Sean Kelman with 2,015 votes to 1,467.

Meanwhile, District 10 voters chose Felice Hadden from Ooltewah, over Democrat Angie Stone Jackson, with Hadden securing 1,633 votes to Stone Jackson’s 849.

Black vs. Ford: A Close Race

Black, who was first elected in 2022 for a two-year term, emphasized her experience and continued advocacy for students and teachers. She expressed her gratitude to voters: “Thank you to the voters of District 11 for once again choosing me as your school board representative.”

Ford, a long-time school district employee, focused on teacher retention and parental involvement in her campaign.

Other Key Races

Ben Daugherty, who raised the highest amount of funds among school board candidates, expressed his excitement about his new role: “I’m looking forward to representing District 2 and all the families that trusted me.”

Steve Slater plans to focus on school safety and facilities improvements, while Jodi Schaffer aims to protect constitutional rights and promote a collaborative relationship between students, parents, and teachers.

Looking Ahead

The new members of the Hamilton County School Board will take office on September 1. Their responsibilities will include overseeing the superintendent, creating district policies, and approving the budget for a district that serves over 44,500 students across 79 schools.

With several new faces and a shift in the board’s political makeup, the upcoming term promises a mix of fresh perspectives and longstanding commitments to the community’s educational needs.