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VOTE411 Voter Guide

2026 Primary - Knox County Board of Education District 1

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    John Butler
    (DEM)

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    Charles Frazier
    (REP)

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    O'Tavais "OT" Harris
    (DEM)

  • Candidate picture

    Breyauna Holloway
    (DEM)

Biographical Information

Why are you running for this office?

How has your background prepared you to serve in this office?

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

What top three things will you prioritize if elected to this office?

What are the main points you want voters to remember about you and your candidacy?

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I am running for the school board because I believe every child deserves access to a high-quality education, no matter their zip code. As someone who has worked directly with students and families, I’ve seen both the strengths of our schools and the gaps that still exist. I am committed to putting students first, supporting teachers, and ensuring families have a strong voice in decisions that impact their children. Stronger Schools. Stronger Communities.
My background in education, leadership, and community engagement has prepared me to serve effectively. As a Teaching Assistant and campus leader, I’ve worked closely with students from diverse backgrounds and understand the challenges they face. As a nonprofit founder and business owner, I have experience in budgeting, strategic planning, and accountability. These experiences have strengthened my ability to listen, collaborate, and make informed, student-centered decisions.
The core responsibilities of a school board member are to ensure student success, maintain fiscal responsibility, set clear policies, and hire and evaluate strong leadership. A board member must listen to parents, support educators, and prioritize safe and inclusive learning environments. Most importantly, the role requires transparency, accountability, and a commitment to making decisions that serve the best interests of all students and the broader community.
I bring integrity, accountability, and a servant-leadership mindset. I am a strong listener who values collaboration and believes in making informed, thoughtful decisions. My experience in education, nonprofit leadership, and business has strengthened my ability to manage budgets responsibly, build partnerships, and communicate clearly with diverse groups. I am committed to transparency, consistency, and always putting students and families first.
First, improving student achievement by strengthening literacy, math proficiency, and career readiness pathways.

Second, increasing parent engagement and reducing chronic absenteeism by building stronger school-family partnerships and implementing proactive attendance support strategies.

Third, supporting teachers and student well-being by advocating for professional development, competitive compensation, mental health resources, and safe, inclusive learning environments.

Together, these priorities will create Stronger Schools and Stronger Communities.
I am a community-driven leader who believes in student-first decision-making. I understand our schools because I’ve worked closely with students and educators. I value transparency, fiscal responsibility, and collaboration. Most importantly, I am committed to listening to families and ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed. My vision is simple: Stronger Schools. Stronger Communities.
I am running for school board because as a parent of Knox County Schools students, everything that happens in KCS has a direct effect on my household. It effects all of our homes.
I was born, raised, and educated in District 1. I am a third generation graduate of Austin-East and a graduate of UT. I have 2 child who have graduated from this district and 3 children currently enrolled. I've been a part of this district's education process from preschool through high school. I hold both a bachelor's and master's degree and my education is centered around sociology, criminal justice, and organizational leadership and management. I previously worked in local government at the city and state levels. I've also been a volunteer or board member with numerous non-profit and youth sports organizations over the past 15 plus years. I am also currently serving on the Maynard Elementary School Site Steering Committee.
The first responsibility of someone elected to this office is to be an ear and a voice for those who elected them. The second responsibility is to ensure that all students in Knox County Schools receive an education in a safe environment that prepares them for life after high school regardless of what career path they choose to take. Securing funding, teacher and student recruitment and retention, communication, and transparency are the other responsibilities.
I believe that my life experiences and proven record of work in the community show my ability to be a compassionate and empathetic, honest, adaptable, and visible leader.
1. Securing funding for the schools in District 1. We will continue to lose educators and support staff if the money is not there. When we lose staff, we also lose students. Securing funding means teacher, staff, and student recruitment and retention.

2. Improving the educational experience and closing the academic achievement gap for everyone in District 1 through teacher/staff, familial, and community collaboration. Making sure that I am visible and effectively communicating.

3. Creating a district wide PTA to share information and resources especially at schools that may not have a strong or even existing PTA.
I want voters to remember that yes, I am an effective leader but I am also a partner in this effort for our children. I am not hiding behind a desk or title. I'm up every morning like many of you, sending my kids to the same schools I am hoping to represent. I am taking notes on what our teachers and staff are expressing and creating a plan of action to see those wants and needs come to fruition. I am present in this district every single day. I am the representative that is at the football and basketball games, the PTA meetings, the performing arts showcases, in the afternoon pickup line, etc. I am who you should elect.