Bill Soffield announces bid for Knox County School Board Ninth District

Bill Soffield, a resident and longtime volunteer in Knox County schools, announced he is running for the Knox County School Board in the Ninth District, saying "I'm running for the Knox County School Board in the Ninth District because I think it's time for some change in the ninth district."

Soffield, who identified himself as a Christian, husband, father and a "computer applications analyst" by profession, framed his campaign around a conservative approach that prioritizes fiscal restraint and practical results. "I want to promote school options and school choice and then fiscal responsibility bringing the most bang for the buck for the taxpayers," he said.

In a short statement outlining specific objectives, Soffield said his top priorities are improving academic performance, better preparing students for the workforce or college, boosting attendance and focusing on parents and taxpayers. He also called for expanding school options and school choice as part of those efforts.

Soffield detailed two decades of volunteer experience with Knox County Schools: he said three of his four children graduated from Knox County Schools, he has held PTA roles including treasurer and president, and he has volunteered on activities ranging from elementary landscaping and fun nights to coaching a JOTC rifle team and supporting middle-school programs.

He urged voters to participate in the upcoming election, noting that "Early voting starts April 15th and runs through the 30th. Election day is May 5th." Soffield told listeners they can find more information on his campaign website and Facebook page and provided an email and phone contact via those pages.

Soffield closed by asking for voters' support and saying he looks forward to serving Knox County Schools if elected.