The following is the transcript of an interview of Jackson Carter, a freshman at The University of Alabama, who is running for a seat on the Maury County Board of Education in his home state of Tennessee. This interview was conducted by Capstone Free Press Editor-in-Chief, Ginger Morrow.
Morrow: Tell me a little about your background, both general and political.
Carter: Of course. I am a freshman here at The University of Alabama majoring in Public Relations with a minor in Political Science. I hope to attend law school after getting my undergraduate degree. I’m also a member of the University Fellows Experience, an honors college program aimed at developing future community leaders. Beyond academics, I am involved with several clubs and organizations on campus, including Alabama’s Mock Trial Association. Before enrolling at Alabama, I graduated from Spring Hill High School, eighth in the class of 2021. My senior year I served as Student Body President, National Honor Society President, and held numerous other leadership positions in school. I also had the privilege of being the chairman of the Maury County Young Republicans, and subsequently a member of the Maury County Republican Party Executive Committee. I have always been an outspoken conservative, and anyone who knows me knows that. I’ve never shied away from the tough questions and debates. I’ve known for quite some time that I wanted to be a politician one day. My background in the Republican Party has been life changing, and I have been blessed to have been welcomed with open arms into a party which holds the same values I do, among which are faith, fiscal responsibility, limited government, free speech, protecting the second amendment, the sanctity of the right to life, and countless other key conservative principles.
Morrow: So you’re running for school board as a college student? What prompted that decision?
Carter: If I had to pick a catalyst for my ambition, it would have to be the inefficiency of our school system. To be entirely honest, sometimes the decisions, and the timing of the decisions, of the Board of Education leave me scratching my head. I’ll give a fairly recent example. Last year, in the midst of enormous economic uncertainty, the Board of Education voted to ask the County Commission, who have the power of the purse in the county, for a capital project budget request of $85,000,000 to build a new high school and to turn my old high school into an elementary school. When I heard this I was taken aback. Why would anyone, in this economy, expect a project to stay on budget with rapid inflation and economic uncertainty? After lengthy debate, the County Commission agreed to give the Board $74,000,000 for the building of the new high school and other small projects, ultimately scrapping the plan to turn my high school into an elementary school. Just weeks ago the school board came back to the County Commission with an “update” on the cost of construction. Now that new school is going to cost right around $100,000,000. When I argued against this proposal, I recognized the need for a new high school, but I ardently questioned the timing of the build. I am not denying that our county needs new schools–we are the fastest growing county in Tennessee, we need to keep up. I did question, however, the viability of making such a large request in this market. This is not fiscal conservatism, it is reckless spending. On the non fiscal side of things, as a recent graduate of the Maury County Public Schools system, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that board policies have on students. I’ve seen how out of tune the board is with its students, and how what our education system needs is fresh ideas, new perspectives, and the voice of someone not afraid to say what they think. Humbly, I feel I can bring all of these to the table. In December of 2021 I decided my mind was set, and I declared my intention to seek the Republican Nomination for my seat. In January 2022, I was honored to win the nomination. My time is now–I have a job to finish.
Morrow: What are your goals as a school board member?
Carter: If I’m elected to the Board of Education, I plan to fight for common sense to return to our classrooms. What Maury County has been doing isn’t working. Data from the Tennessee Department of Education shows that Maury County has lagged behind the state average for 3rd grade ELA proficiency since 2013 and for 7th grade math proficiency since 2010. (Columbia Daily Herald) This is unacceptable. Even in an era where school is evermore focused on grades and test scores, my district continues to fall behind. I plan to work day in and day out to remedy this by exploring new ways to rework the county school system’s budget to allow for better teacher incentives/pay, more resources in our classrooms, and more engagement with our students. If I am successful, we’ll be well on our way to solving these key issues without raising taxes a cent. Aside from working to fix existing issues, I’m drawn ever closer to the idea that schools should be a place where we not only teach our students basic skills like reading, writing, and arithmetic, but also a place where we build citizens, communicators, and engaged members of society. By investing time and quality resources into our students, our schools can become a place where students want to be, not where they are required to be. I’m running to make sure our public schools are building tomorrow’s scholars, leaders, innovators, and most importantly, tomorrow’s citizens.
Morrow: How do you plan to balance your roles as a student and a school board member?
Carter: The question of balance is something I have grappled with since I declared my candidacy. It is not lost on me that being a college student is a lot of work, and being on the Board will certainly be exceedingly important and time consuming work. That said, it is the importance of the work of the Board that makes balance easier to find. I have already decided that I will be scaling back some of my on-campus commitments next year and making an intentional effort with my schedule to give myself time during the week to focus on my School Board activities. The Board also has voting meetings on the first Tuesday of every month, and I have made a commitment to myself and the members of my district to attend every voting meeting. Being a student and public servant will certainly be challenging, but my dedication for each of these things is only matched by my dedication to the other. These are two of the most important things I have ever done, and I have no intention of slacking or disappointing in either arena.
Morrow: Of course, you’re still in the campaigning stage, but from your experience so far, would you recommend other students run for elected positions?
Carter: I would recommend students run only if they have a clear vision for how they can serve their community. I would not advise students to run for the sake of running. Frankly, seeking this type of office is more than a school club or organization. Every time I sit and reflect on my current position, it is not lost on me that if I win, I’ll be making decisions with real taxpayer dollars and decisions for the education of students who embody the future of our nation and state. Students who are strong willed and determined to see change made for the betterment of their community should certainly explore getting involved to see what vehicle of involvement is best for them. I didn’t make this decision lightly. It came after months of discussions, prayer, and reflection. Ultimately I decided it was worth the sacrifice and time it will take to do this and do it right, and I felt I could make a real difference. If other college students find themselves in a similar position after doing all these things, I believe they should definitely consider running for office themselves. Young people really have a unique perspective to offer in positions like these.
Morrow: What are some challenges you have faced so far?
Carter: I would say my biggest challenge so far has been people who question my legitimacy as a candidate. In a world as connected as ours is, you hear what people say, be it on social media, or through the grapevine. Word gets around. Numerous people have called into question my experience and my ability to be a Board member and a student in another state. When I answer questions about these things, I have a few go-to answers that I feel really highlight my position in this race. On the question of experience, my favorite question, my answer is this: what better experience can a Board member have than having experienced all of the issues the Board claims to be trying to solve? My opponent in this race is not from Maury County. While I respect him and his unique experiences, Maury County could really use the perspective of someone who just left our education system. The current Board is out of touch with student needs. I can fill that gap and help make real change possible. On the question of my attendance at an out of state university, I have reworked my schedule to make it free and clear on Tuesday’s so that I may attend meetings of the Board. I live just under three hours from home. I admit it’s not right down the street, but it certainly isn’t across the country. I truthfully try to make the issue distance a nonissue, because it is.
Morrow: How can we follow your progress going forward?
Carter: If anyone is interested in keeping up with my campaign, they can find me on Instagram and Facebook. My username for both platforms is @carterfordistrict11. I can also be reached via email at jacksoncarterdistrict11@gmail.com.
