Murfreesboro resident David Sevier announced that he is seeking a seat on the Rutherford County Board of Education in the County Primary election on August 4, 2016.

Dr. Sevier is a long-time advocate for public education said, "My entire career has been spent working with schools not only here in Rutherford County and in Tennessee, but across the south as well. Rutherford County has much to be thankful for in terms of its public school system. County schools are second to none, and we need to continue the hard work necessary to keep the momentum going -- especially in times like these where budgets and other resources are threatened. Public education systems in our state are in a continual battle against outside groups that are trying to set the course for public education. The people best suited to make the decisions are the ones closest to the students. That is why I am running for this position."

Sevier was a teacher at Riverdale High School for five years. He moved to Blackman in 2000 and opened the school as an assistant principal. Five years later he was named deputy executive director of the State Board of Education of Tennessee, a post he held for nearly 10 years. Dr. Sevier has also served in an executive leadership role with the Southern Regional Education Board where he helped oversee the implementation of professional development training for teachers across a 16 state region.

Sevier believes that a school board's role is to create the necessary conditions for teachers and administrators to do their jobs effectively.

He notes, "The board needs to make certain teachers and principals have what they need to ensure our students are successful. Students need access to high-quality, rigorous curriculum that is linked to world-class academic standards. Teachers need the tools and training necessary to be able to meet the new and challenging academic requirements. I've been a teacher, a school administrator, and have helped schools across the state increase teacher and student achievement. There is much at stake, and I have the knowledge, skills and hands-on experience to address the challenges that lie ahead."

Sevier has a long-standing reputation among education leaders as a consensus builder who pursues excellence. During his time with the State Board of Education, Sevier worked with many education organizations to build a common framework for student success. Bipartisan efforts led to increased high school graduation requirements, new and improved academic standards and the securing of of over $500 million in grants and award for the State of Tennessee. These are the types of skills Sevier will bring to the Rutherford County Board of Education.

"I can think of no better way to contribute to my community than put my expertise to use by serving on the board," Sevier added.

David Sevier received a bachelor's degree from MTSU, a master's from the University of Southern Mississippi and a doctorate in education from Vanderbilt University.

He and his wife Mary Catherine live in downtown Murfreesboro. Their daughter, Mamie, is a rising sophomore at Central Academic Magnet and has attended Rutherford County Schools throughout her schooling.