Local entrepreneur Andrew Graybeal on Thursday morning
pulled out of contest, calling Bounds “the most excellent choice.”
“She is immensely qualified and has true hands on experience
in the classroom with students, faculty and the parents of the 7th
District,” he wrote in his withdrawal letter to the Knox County Election
Commission. “It is with my highest regards to the citizens of Knox County to
stand behind such a great lady, a member and an excellent public servant of the
7th District.”
Graybeal had until noon Thursday to submit the official
withdrawal paperwork to the commission in order to remove his name from the
ballot.
Commission Vice Chairman R. Larry Smith, another candidate,
dropped out Wednesday, saying he was impressed by Bounds’ educational
experience and felt that she was a “better candidate.”
Bounds’ name will still appear by default on the May 6
non-partisan primary ballot even though she’s assured a victory.
Incumbent Kim Severance opted not to seek re-election. The
last day of her term is Aug. 31.
Bounds has taught in the Knox County School System for 23
years, including the last 10 as a kindergarten teacher at Brickey-McCloud
Elementary School.
According to her first campaign financial disclosure report,
which was filed at the end of January, she had not raised any money. That’s
more than likely changed, although the next report isn’t due until April 10.
Smith had just over $24,700 in his campaign bank account at
the time he filed, but he said on Wednesday that he would return what he raised
in his bid for the seat.
Records indicate that Graybeal did not turn in a disclosure
form, but he also hadn’t appointed a political treasurer, so it wasn’t
required.
District 7 includes the Halls and Fountain City area.
There are another four school board seats up for election
this year, including the ones for Districts 1, 4, 6 and 9. The school board has
nine seats.
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