The News has reached out to all Williamson County School Board candidates for this election. These are their complete answers. To read all of the Q&A responses visit the landing page here.
Name: Laura Granere
District: 11
Personal bio: I am the mother of four children who all attended Williamson County schools; the grandmother of two current Williamson County students. I have lived in Williamson County for 20 years.
Share your education experience: I grew up in Maryville, TN and am a product of the TN public school system.
Career: I spent my early adulthood managing physicians’ offices; 15 years as a mother, volunteer, and substitute teacher in Williamson County schools; 13 years as a small business owner; now I work for the State of TN, Labor Workforce and Development.
Volunteer work: Chair of the Criminal Justice Committee, NAACP Nashville chapter; KEVA, Inc I do volunteer work and community outreach
Why did you decide to run in this election?
Outside influence, I have seen outside influences wreak havoc at school board meetings all over the country. Here in Williamson County, in 2022 it was Moms for Liberty; in 2024 it is the 1776 Project. This is national outside influence trying to get a foothold on our school board. You, me, our children, our grandchildren, we are Williamson County. We do not need, nor do we want outsiders having a say in what happens in our school system.
What do you think most qualifies you to serve on the board of education?
All four of my children went to Williamson County schools. I have two grandsons currently enrolled in Williamson County schools. I have 15 years experience as a parent, volunteer, and substitute teacher, and I have another 12 - 15 years to go. I have a past, a present, and a long future interest in keeping Williamson County schools as excellent for my grandchildren as it was for my children.
What is the most important issue facing the Williamson County board today?
My number one concern is the outside influence trying to gain a foothold on our school board. If they do, they will fundamentally change the landscape of our school system. I will stand against this outside influence to make sure the only influence on the school board is the voices of Williamson County residents.
What do you plan to bring to the table for your district's parents and children?
I think we, as Americans, have forgotten what the job of the elected official is. The job of the elected official is to take the voice of the people back to the School Board, County Commission, State House, State Senate, US House, or US Senate, not the other way around. I will listen to the families and students of district 11 to take their needs and wants back to the school board, and then to represent all the families and students of Williamson County. District 11 has some needs that other districts may not have and I want to make sure their needs are addressed.
This is the first time your districts are voting in a partisan school board election. Why are you running as an independent candidate?
Firstly, I do not feel that the school board race should be partisan. I am running as a Democrat because that is who I am. I believe in transparency and working across the isle. I have the ability to see the political landscape for what it currently is instead of what I wish it would be (non partisan).
What role does politics have in the education system?
Unfortunately, politics currently has a place in the school board race, but it should not go beyond the campaign. We can help keep politics out of the school system itself by keeping outside influences such as Moms for Liberty (2020-2022) and the 1716 Project out of our schools. I will continue to stand against outside influences.
We've just hit a new fiscal year so the board is under a new budget and the superintendent's contract has been renewed. With that in mind please answer the following questions as if you're sitting on the board a year from now.
What kind of questions would you have when reviewing the budget?
The biggest question is how can we secure more money for our teachers and staff. We are operating on a shoestring budget and need more to meet the needs here in Williamson County.
What do you need to see from the superintendent's annual review to renew again and/or what would make you not renew?
I feel that Superintendent Golden has done a good job. Our schools remain number one in the state and he has led us through many challenging changes over the years. As long as Williamson County schools continues on a forward trajectory, continues to meet the needs of our students and continues to seek room for improvement, I do not see a reason to replace Superintendent Golden and I will continue to support him.
What's a final statement you'd like to leave for the community?
I will stand against outside influence. You, me, our children, our grandchildren, we are Williamson County. We do not need or want outsider’s influence, such as Moms for Liberty or the 1776 Project, which will negatively impact our school system.
We need to pay our teachers a competitive wage. The board approved a much needed 6% raise this year; however, as appreciated as this raise is, it is not enough. There were things that did not make it into this year’s budget that is needed. I will work with our county commissioners, speak at budget hearings on Capitol Hill, and work across the isle for the benefit of our teachers.
We need to make sure that all students and their families are represented in our curriculum and library materials. Our students deserve to see themselves and their families reflected in our curriculum regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or abilities. I will continue to be a vocal, and staunch ally for all our students.
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