Mike Evatt, Chairman of the Hamilton County School BoardMike Evatt, chairman of the Hamilton County Board of Education, will not run for re-election, he announced Monday.
Evatt, 57, cited recent career changes and family responsibilities for not seeking another term.
"My heart will always be with the school system and the many wonderful people there. I hope to return to public service in the future in some capacity," he said in a statement. "I will always believe that the strength of our community is directly related to the strength of our public schools."
Evatt was elected to the school board in 2010 and became chairman in 2011. He serves the county's District 9, which represents Ooltewah-area schools.
He retired as the director of building and grounds for Hamilton County Schools in 2007 after 33 years in the city and county school systems. He currently works as a self-employed general contractor.
So far, three candidates have picked up papers in the District 9 school board race: Karen Farrow, Dean Moorhouse and Charles Stephens, according to the Hamilton County Election Commission website. Candidates have until April 3 to qualify for the Aug. 7 election.
Contact staff writer Kevin Hardy at khardy@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6249.