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Lori Ann Boudreaux
Lori Ann Boudreaux was a candidate for District 5 representative on the Knox County Board of Education in Tennessee. Boudreaux ran for the seat in the primary election on March 1, 2016.[1] She lost the election.[2]
One of Boudreaux's challengers in District 5, Reuben "Buddy" Pelot, and District 2 candidate Grant Standefer were endorsed by the president of the nonprofit Cornerstone Foundation of Knoxville, who asked for monetary donations on behalf of his chosen candidates. Both candidates received $20,000 more in contributions than any other candidate in the 2016 election. Because the endorsement and donation request was emailed through a foundation account, District 2 candidate Jennifer Owen filed a complaint with the IRS.[3][4]
The winners of the 2016 race for the Knox County Board of Education were tasked with choosing the district's next superintendent, as Superintendent Jim McIntyre announced he would be stepping down after his three biggest supporters on the board declined to run for re-election.[5] Buzz Thomas was appointed to serve as McIntyre's temporary replacement.[6]
Biography
Boudreaux has worked as a guidance counselor, as a school counselor and as a psychotherapist. She worked for Knox County Schools from 2003 to 2008. Boudreaux earned a bachelor's degree in secondary education from Millersville University, a master's degree in counselor education from Florida International University, a second master's degree in education leadership from the University Of North Florida and a doctoral degree in education leadership from the University Of Cumberlands.[7]
Elections
2016
- See also: Knox County Schools elections (2016)
Four of the nine seats on the Knox County Schools Board of Education were up for by-district general election on August 4, 2016. A primary election was held March 1, 2016. Jennifer Owen defeated Grant Standefer for the District 2 seat in the primary election. She went on to win the general election unopposed. The District 5 primary featured Reuben "Buddy" Pelot, Lori Ann Boudreaux, and Susan Horn. Both Horn and Pelot received enough votes to advance to the general election, where Horn defeated Pelot for the seat. The District 3 seat was left open for a newcomer. Tony Norman won that seat after running unopposed in both the primary and general elections. Michael McMillan, the only incumbent who sought re-election, ran unopposed in District 8 and won another term.[8][1][9][10]
Results
| Knox County Schools, District 5 Primary Election, 4-Year Term, 2016 |
||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
 Susan Horn |
44.86% | 4,364 |
| Reuben "Buddy" Pelot |
30.14% | 2,932 |
| Lori Ann Boudreaux | 24.99% | 2,431 |
| Total Votes | 9,727 | |
| Source: Knox County Board of Elections, "Presidential Preference Primary and County Primary — Official Ballot for Knox County March 01, 2016," accessed March 28, 2016 | ||
Funding
Boudreaux reported $13,450.09 in contributions and $13,450.09 in expenditures to the Knox County Clerk, which left her campaign with a $0.00 balance in the election.[4]
Endorsements
Boudreaux received no official endorsements for the primary election.
Campaign themes
2016
Candidate website
Boudreaux highlighted the following statement on her campaign website:
| “ | The Only Experienced Educator to Run for 5th District School Board!
Lori Boudreaux is not a politician; she is an educational leader with over fifteen years of teaching and counseling experience. A proponent of public education, I was the first candidate to obtain a petition to run for the 5th District Knox County Board of Education seat currently held by Karen Carson. Incidentally, I was also was the first to return the petition with secured endorsement signatures from community members. I believe my unique common sense leadership style would serve the 5th district with distinction. As a dedicated education professional with a Doctorate of Education (ABD) in Educational Leadership, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership, a Master of Science in Counselor Education and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, I am the only experienced educator to run for the 5th district seat. I think one major problem with public education stems from the number of non-educators who blindly make important educational decisions. Often these misguided decisions have long-term negative repercussions that affect students, teachers, and schools. In addition to formal education, I have a successful record of experience in academic and mental health counseling working with students at the college, high school, middle school, and elementary levels. I believe I am best equipped to advocate for student individual, academic and social needs. I have extensive experience serving in educational leadership roles that has included serving as a core member of the School Leadership Team to develop strategies for improving school-wide academic, funding and operational programs; administering comprehensive guidance programs using a student-centered approach; and participating as a board member to address school wellness programs and link local families with community resources. Additionally, I achieved superintendent endorsement through the Tennessee Department of Education, completed Rule 31 Mediation training through the University of Tennessee Law Department and the Knox County Volunteer Mediation Center, and obtained licensure through the Tennessee Health Related Boards as a Licensed Professional Counselor with Mental Health Service Provider designation. I believe the climate and culture present among school board members permeates throughout the entire school system. My training and experience in mediation, counseling and leadership will help to build and enhance relationships. A stakeholder with the Knox County School System, I am invested both personally and professionally. I have dedicated my life to the service of students and the study of education. I reside in west Knoxville and attend Faith Promise Church. My son Brandon, a graduate of Bearden High School, is currently enrolled in college as a business major. My granddaughter, Alexa currently attends Primrose pre-school, but is anticipating kindergarten class of 2017 in the Knox County School System.[11] |
” |
| —Lori Ann Boudreaux (2016)[12] | ||
Q & A
The Knoxville News Sentinel published the following questionnaire. The bolded questions were provided by the League of Women Voters. Boudreaux's responses to those questions appear below.
Is the current funding for Knox County Schools adequate? If not, how would you work to correct the problem?
| “ | The current system in place with the mayor/commission provides an appropriate system of checks and balances. Lack of funding is often mentioned as a problem, but extra funding is not always a plausible solution. My priority with the school budget involves the transparent appropriation of funds. Funding must be prioritized to accommodate the classrooms, the teacher, the needs of the students, technology, support staff and etc. Since the board budget is limited, it is imperative not to waste or misuse funding. The strategic financial planning and budgeting process should include input from all the stakeholders. A partnership between the KCS System and the County Commission to set priorities will help the school system to achieve more. I have the education and experience of working on a team to mediate, facilitate and lead. This will allow the Knox County School System to advance educational priorities and achievements.[11] | ” |
| —Lori Ann Boudreaux (2016)[13] | ||
If you are elected, you would be involved in choosing a new school superintendent. What are the most important characteristics you would look for in a candidate for the position, and what should, at a minimum, be a candidate's qualifications?
| “ | Specific training and experience give me a unique advantage in the superintendent selection process. Progressive and multi-disciplinary education has provided me with a diverse background from the classroom to the boardroom. Over 15 years of hands-on experience in the school system in a variety of roles has enabled me to consider student, teacher, counselor, parent, and administrator perspectives. Previous superintendents have not been accepted in an overwhelming manner by all of the stakeholders. As a board member who desires to represent my community, I will do something different to move the district forward, as it is not likely to achieve different results by continuing the status quo. A successful superintendent should be a good listener and communicator who is responsive and accountable. He should foster collegiality and practice a "Platinum Rule" style of leadership compatible with leading adults and have five years of progressive experience at the building level.[11] | ” |
| —Lori Ann Boudreaux (2016)[13] | ||
The state is once again considering vouchers for low-income students. What is your position on vouchers?
| “ | That is a state decision, not a Knox County School Board decision. However, as a public school system, every dollar is needed to ensure every child succeeds. The disadvantaged areas must get attention and assistance to achieve success here in our public system in order to remove the enticement of a voucher.[11] | ” |
| —Lori Ann Boudreaux (2016)[13] | ||
At present, Knox County has only one charter school. What is your position about increasing that number?
| “ | Before answering this question, I would like to conduct an evaluation of the results of this school. Unlike my opponents, I have the education and experience (doctoral program evaluation coursework) to work with the board to evaluate the Emerald Youth Charter School in the next few years.[11] | ” |
| —Lori Ann Boudreaux (2016)[13] | ||
Who should set the educational policy and direction for Knox County, the board of education or the school administration?
| “ | The board sets policy of course. However, in the past with many noneducators on the board, there was a reliance on the superintendent and central office staff to assist in policy recommendations. Again, the extensive educational background I bring to the table will help the board achieve a better independence in setting and establishing policy.[11] | ” |
| —Lori Ann Boudreaux (2016)[13] | ||
The board of education will make decisions about building new or renovating existing schools. With population growth and our school capital funding limited by current obligations, what steps would you take to assure that tax dollars are spent wisely for school construction in the future?
| “ | Since I currently am not serving on the board, I can only make a determination from my position as a community member. As such, I do not anticipate the need for new buildings as the current board has built Carter Elementary School and Northshore Elementary School and are planning to build Hardin Valley Middle School and Gibbs Middle School. Again, I am confident with my training and work experience in schools, I can and will help the board improve their approach in working together as a team to ensure tax dollars are spent wisely.[11] | ” |
| —Lori Ann Boudreaux (2016)[13] | ||
Recent news
The link below is to the most recent stories in a Google news search for the terms 'Lori Ann Boudreaux' 'Knox County Schools'. These results are automatically generated from Google. Ballotpedia does not curate or endorse these articles.
See also
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Knox County Board of Elections, "Final County Prim. 3-1-16 and County Gen. 8-4-16 Candidate List," accessed January 19, 2016
- ↑ Knox County Board of Elections, "Live Election Results," accessed March 1, 2016
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedirscomplaint1 - ↑ 4.0 4.1 Knox County Clerk, "Financial Disclosures: Candidate Information," accessed April 12, 2016
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedsuperintendent - ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedinterimdetails - ↑ Vote Lori School Board, "About Lori," accessed February 11, 2016
- ↑ Knox County Election Commission, "Live Election Results," accessed August 4, 2016
- ↑ Knox County Schools, "Board Members," accessed January 19, 2016
- ↑ Knox County Board of Elections, "Live Election Results," accessed March 1, 2016
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 11.6 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Vote Lori, "About," accessed February 11, 2016
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 13.5 Knoxville News Sentinel, "Board of Education candidates Q & A by League of Women Voter," February 7, 2016
| 2016 Knox County Schools Elections | |
| Knox County, Tennessee | |
| Election date: | Primary Election: March 1, 2016 • General Election: August 4, 2016 |
| Candidates: | District 2: • Jennifer Owen • Grant Standefer District 3: • Tony Norman District 5: • Lori Ann Boudreaux • Susan Horn • Reuben "Buddy" Pelot District 8: • Incumbent, Michael McMillan |
| Important information: | What was at stake? • Additional elections on the ballot • Key deadlines |
