2026 Primary - Knox County Board of Education District 1
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Charles Frazier
(REP)
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?
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.
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.
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.
"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
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.
"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."
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