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| R. Larry Smith |
Smith, who is term-limited as a commissioner, said he’s
raised roughly $25,000 in his campaign bid, and that he would return the money.
That leaves, Patti Lou Bounds, a teacher, and local
businessman Andrew Graybeal in the contest.
Smith said that when he made his initial announcement to run
in December, he felt he would be the “best person” to serve. Since then,
though, others qualified to run, including Bounds whose “educational experience”
he touted during his announcement Wednesday at the 640 Building.
Smith said he was “grieved by the deficiencies in our public
school classroom,” and concerned about teachers who “live under the perpetual
threat of job loss because some children have little or no educational support
at home.”
He added that the students and teachers “deserve better.”
“(it) is my understanding that candidates have entered this
race who have educational expertise and professional experience that I do not,”
he said. “The stakes are too high for me to further pursue this office, knowing
that there are more qualified candidates than I. Make no mistake, I want what
is best for our schools and it is clear in my mind that there are better
candidates.”
“To serve, you need to have the passion, time, dedication,
and it helps to have experience,” he said.
Bounds has worked int he Knox County School System for 23 years, including the past 10 as a kindergarten teacher at Brickey-McCloud Elementary School.
Smith said at this point he won’t endorse either candidate
but would like to meet with them.
Smith also noted that he hasn’t ruled out a future run at
office. He joked that since he raised “$25,000 in three weeks” that he might
have the clout to run for county mayor one day. He also said he might sit out
one four-year election cycle and then run for a commission post again.
Smith’s district includes the Halls and Fountain City area.
Smith has until noon Thursday to submit an official form to
the election commission that he’s withdrawing, so that his name doesn’t appear
on the ballot.
The school board non-partisan primary is set for May 6.
Incumbent Kim Severance opted not to seek re-election.
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