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Knox County Board of Education District 1 Choose 1

Voter Guide

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Charles Frazier (REP)

Biographical Information

Campaign Email charlesfrazier1@aol.com
Age 71

Why are you running for this office?

Education is my family legacy and my personal passion. I believe education is a team effort—from the superintendent to the administrative assistants and teachers.

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

My grandfather and sister both dedicated their lives to teaching in Knox County, and as a former substitute teacher at Austin-East High School and a graduate of Carter High, I have seen our system from every angle.

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

In Knox County, the role of a School Board representative is a unique blend of high-level governance and grassroots community advocacy. While the board is a unified body, as a representative of District 1, my responsibilities are anchored in both the state's legal requirements and the specific strategic goals of Knox County Schools (KCS) for 2026. The Board’s primary legal function is to act as a legislative body. As the representative, I don't run the schools; my role is to ensure they are run well. The "Representative" is the community liaison between the families of District 1 and the Central Office.

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

"Legacy, Labor, and Leading for Our Kids" "Listen, when I talk about District 1, I’m talking about home. I’m a Carter High grad, and I’ve seen this district from every angle—from the football booth at Austin-East to the front of a classroom at Vine Middle. Here is what I bring to the table for our schools:" "I’m not just a guy running for a seat; education is my family legacy. My grandfather and my sister didn't just work in Knox County schools—they dedicated their lives to them. I grew up watching my father run Frazier’s Barbecue for thirty years, and my grandfather sell his crops down on Market Square. I understand what it means to build something here and I want that same spirit of hard work and history to be what drives our school board

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

My top three priorities are: Workforce Readiness: I advocate for "education in all fields," ensuring students are supported whether they pursue a four-year degree or a career as a plumber, electrician, or auto technician. Collaborative Leadership: Building a unified team across all levels of school administration to improve student outcomes. Technological Advancement: Leveraging East Tennessee’s growing tech landscape to ensure our students have the skills needed for the modern world.

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

"I’ve done the work. I’ve stood in those hallways as a substitute teacher. I’ve seen the challenges our teachers face and the potential our students have when they feel supported. I don’t just look at data points from a central office; I’ve looked into the eyes of our kids at Austin-East and Vine. I know that if we want to get our schools off the 'failing' list, it starts with treating our teachers like the professionals they are and giving them the resources to actually teach."

Voter Guide

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Breyauna Holloway (DEM)

Biographical Information

Age 41

Why are you running for this office?

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.