Chris Davis for Jackson

06/18/2025

Lots to unpack here.

Let’s start with the easy: the sharp park dress code is a building specific policy and the BOE sets policy on a broader level district wide, it’s really out of their wheelhouse. Except, now stakeholders have brought it to their attention, they have an obligation to ensure administrators act accordingly. Personally, I don’t see an issue with it one way or the other but since the parents are asking for it I would encourage the policy be reinstated. Bonus point. Derek Dobies and S***a Reddy have children at Sharp Park. Should they have abstained from voting?

Now the fun part:

Dobies apologized for being caught, plain and simple. Not for his actions. The way the board has voted in the past allowed this to happen. For checks and balances, the entire elected board should be involved in contract negotiations, not just a select few. This is something Derek carried over from city hall where they like to vote “authorize mayor to sign and execute any and all documents” offering very little over sight.

Derek’s actions eroded the already dissolving trust stakeholders has in this board. He should do the right thing and step down. I was taken aback at his arrogance of resigning as VP, and nominating S***a. S***a is the least experienced person at that table and has very rarely offered any input other than “JPS is great”. I see zero effort from him, and he has never responded to a single email in 6 months (I send them frequently). He even looked surprised at the mention of it, and even more surprised when Shalanda asked him to offer why he should be VP. I get clueless vibes.

Cheryl Simonetti and I disagreed heavily on the campaign trail last year. However she has been showing up with some good ideas. She killed that meeting and shut Derek down very intentionally. I commend her.

As for Alaina, I’ve been telling her for 6months she needs to speak more and bring more to the table, she may be a rookie at that “table” but she has 20 years in the classroom. She knows what she’s talking about. I for one am disappointed. I endorsed and campaigned with her.

If you’ve read this far: extra bonus points: should Derek have abstained from voting on any topic about himself? One could argue conflict of interest…. Obviously your vote in the matter is biased and influenced.

04/29/2025

I don’t like the misleading writing in this article.

The school board did not “narrow” the search.

There never were more than two internal candidates.

The board chose not to seek applicants from outside current faculty.

https://www.facebook.com/share/16WuVEmUMg/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Both superintendent candidates graduated from Jackson Public Schools and have served the district for several decades.

03/14/2025

Message to Teachers: KCCO!

I've had the privilege of speaking with many of you recently, and I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the challenges you're facing.

There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the direction of Public Education, both at the Federal and State levels. On top of that, locally, your district is grappling with a $4 million budget deficit. Teachers are being asked to make difficult decisions, with some facing the possibility of resignation or layoffs. Additionally, you're being asked to plan for a $117 million bond, all while uncertain if you will even have a job in three months. And to top it off, your superintendent has resigned amidst all of this turmoil.

I know it feels overwhelming, but please keep your heads high. You are the heart and soul of education. You shape the minds of the future, and the impact you have is immeasurable. The young lives you touch today will carry the lessons you instill in them for years to come.

Keep pushing forward. Know that your efforts are seen, appreciated, and valued. You are making a difference, even when it feels like the world is shifting beneath you.

Stay strong. We're in this together.

02/15/2025

I had a brief conversation with Superintendent Jeff Beal this morning and happy to report that admist the looming budget challenges the Montessori program will not be closed, nor is it even being considered.

02/14/2025

JPS has officially established a Bond Planning Committee, and I'm excited to share that I am part of it.

We held our first meeting via Zoom tonight, where we learned that JPS has already identified $100 million in necessary facility upgrades. Of that amount, $62 million is categorized as "overdue" or "critical."

Additionally, JPS is facing a projected $5 million budget deficit, which may result in staff layoffs and potentially the closure of the JPS Montessori school.

The next few months will be challenging and crucial for JPS.

I urge you to attend and stay engaged in School Board meetings, and hold your elected representatives accountable. Your children’s education is at stake, and so is your hard-earned tax money.

See you on 2/18/25 at 6:00pm. Jackson High Media Center!

01/15/2025

Help my guy Avion and the Parkside Wrestling Team!

Fundraising is vital for the success of our program. Donations will be used toward the repair & purchase of equipment, gear, & other expenses. Each participant has a monetary goal, please consider donating or sharing via social media so that they may reach it. Your donation is greatly appreciated, ....

11/12/2024

Thank you to all the veterans out there, both young and old. Because of your sacrifice and courage, we are able to express our political differences freely. In a world that often divides us, it is your courage that reminds us of the strength in our diversity. You fought not just for our right to disagree, but for the deeper truth that we can remain united in our commitment to freedom, equality, and the pursuit of happiness. For that, we are forever grateful 🇺🇸

11/06/2024

Friends, supporters, family, and community:

What an incredible journey this has been! While the election results didn’t go in our favor, I am truly humbled by the overwhelming support you’ve shown and the trust you placed in me. With so much talent on the ballot, we expected a close race, but wow—it literally came down to a difference of 100-ish votes. To place that high is an honor I will always carry with me.

Throughout this process, I’ve had the privilege of hearing from parents, grandparents, and family members who feel their voices aren’t being heard. Your stories of perseverance and hope have inspired me to remain deeply committed to advocating for all our students, especially those with special needs. Every child deserves the resources and guidance to help them succeed.

Congratulations to Alaina Sharp, S***a Reddy, and Cheryl Simonetti. We will be watching their leadership with hope and holding them to the high standards we all expect from our school board. There’s a great deal of work ahead, and I’m confident that together, we can help guide JPS toward a bright future for our students.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart for your unwavering commitment to making JPS a place where every child feels valued and supported.

Chris

PS.. Stay tuned 😉

11/05/2024

As we near the end of an understandably tense election cycle, from the Presidential race all the way down to our JPS School Board election, we all know how much is at stake for our community.

This morning, I stopped by 114 W Wilkins St., the house where I grew up. Though it’s now a vacant lot, the fence my grandfather built is still standing, weathered but resilient—just like our community. Standing there, I couldn’t help but remember the little boy who got countless scars from that very fence, the boy who rode his bike up and down Wilkins Street with boundless energy, and the boy who spent hours digging holes in the yard, dreaming big. That boy never stopped dreaming, and as I look at where I am today, I believe he’d be proud.

I am humbled to have been part of a respectful and intense election process. I’ve gained friends in fellow candidates, shared moments with their families, and I am so grateful that most of us ran a clean race, driven by the issues that matter most.

Whatever we wake up to tomorrow, let’s remember that we are still neighbors. We still share the same streets, the same hopes, and the same future. Let’s choose love, compassion, and understanding. Congratulate the victors, and congratulate those who concede on a hard-fought race. Together, we can unite behind the candidates-elect and rally as a community to become the change we want to see.

11/04/2024

This campaign has opened my eyes to the challenges many families face. I’ve listened to the voices of parents and grandparents who feel unsupported, and I’ve met families navigating the complexities of special education. Their stories have fueled my passion for ensuring that every child receives the help and resources they need to thrive.

11/02/2024

Why is Nonpartisanship so important?