Jason Childress has begun his first term serving on the Brookhaven School District school board.

Childress, who was welcomed in Tuesday, was elected in November and to replace former member Lucy Shell.

Childress’ two children are students within the district, with son Grayson at Brookhaven High and daughter Morgan at Lipsey Middle School. He decided to run for the position because he values his children’s education.

“I have been pleased with the public school system and am proud to send my kids there,” Childress said.

Childress said he didn’t know of anyone running for the position when Shell announced she would not seek re-election.

“After praying about it, I decided to run,” Childress said. “I’ve got a lot going on, but nothing is more important than my kids’ education.”

Childress said parents taking part in their children’s education is important.

“I think it’s absolutely critical,” Childress said. “School personnel, teachers and administrators do a great job, but they need support. We are with our kids
more than they are. If we’re not on the same page as the school, there’s a disconnect and education will suffer. I see the school district and parents as a unit so the kids can get the best education they can.”

Childress hopes he can assist the district in his position and enhance the quality of the district as a whole.

“One of the challenges that every school system faces is you’ve got a lot you want to do, but you have finite resources,” Childress said. “I want to be a part of maximizing the finite resources to do the most good for the students in order to make the Brookhaven school system a great place to work and send your kids.”