It should be an interesting fall for the Fayette County Board of Education with two of its members facing opponents who are likely to muster significant support.In District 2, appointed Board member Kirk Tinsley will face off against two opponents, and that fact may be Tinsley's biggest asset by helping split opposition votes. Tinsley, 55, was appointed to the school board in late 2008 to complete an unexpired term. Tinsley is a quality control inspector at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Georgetown and served on the Bryan Station Middle School Council.
Tinsley will face Thomas Duncan Jr. and Douglas Barnett. Jim Warren reports in today's Herald-Leader that Barnett, 34, is a lawyer, and was among parents who criticized the school district's handling of redistricting last winter. He has commented on that issue and other issues at KSN&C. Duncan, 47, was an unsuccessful candidate for the school board in 2006.
The more interesting race may well be in District 4 where incumbent Amanda Ferguson will face off with prominent Lexington Realtor Rick Queen.Ferguson was elected to the school board in 2006 when she prevalied over a field of four, including me - a fact that my wife remains grateful for.
Ferguson reported spending $5,675 in that race, much of it apparently garnered through connections within the Lexington Rotary where her mother is long-time Executive Director, Nell Main. The Rotary boasts approximately 375 members.
Rick Queen, 50, is a parent who has served on site-based councils at Cassidy School (during my tenure) and Henry Clay High School (and, I think, Morton Middle School as well) along with a few FCPS district committees. KSN&C hears that his candidacy is being supported by some pretty influential Fayette County and state public school advocates.Voting takes place on November 2nd. This one ought to be interesting.
Candidates are invited to send a digital photo and an article on their candidacy (not exceeding 1,000 words) to reday000@aol.com for inclusion in KSN&C.
