Submitted By Phyllis Hunter Chairperson Walker County School Board
Schools Are for Teaching, Not Campaigning
As chairwoman of the Walker County School Board, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication of our teachers and staff. They come to work every day focused on one thing—educating our students. While I am writing this today as an individual, not on behalf of the school board or district, I feel compelled to address a matter of ethics that has surfaced in the closing hours of this runoff election.
It has come to my attention that Travis Middleton, a candidate for the school board, has sent campaign emails to district employees using their official walkerschools.org email addresses. This action raises serious ethical concerns.
Let me be clear: I am not endorsing either candidate in this race. My intention is to focus on the ethical implications of this action and to underscore the importance of keeping our schools free from political distractions.
The Problem
Schools exist to educate, not to serve as a platform for political campaigns. Public resources like district email accounts are paid for by taxpayers and intended to support the business of running our schools—not advancing anyone’s political ambitions. Using them for campaign purposes crosses an ethical line, plain and simple.
Teachers, who already face immense demands, should not have to deal with political solicitations in their professional inboxes and.should not be placed in a position where they feel pressured to engage in political matters during the school day. The workplace must remain a neutral and focused environment, free from even the perception of coercion or undue influence.
Whether intentional or not, actions like this can make employees feel uncomfortable or even coerced, especially when the sender could end up in a position of authority over them.
Why It Matters
The issue isn’t just about this one campaign; it’s about the example it sets. Public service demands a higher standard of behavior. The trust of the community must be earned, and that starts with respecting the boundaries that separate public resources from personal gain or ambition.
Ethical leadership matters because it sends a message to the people you serve. It shows that you understand the weight of the responsibility you’re asking to take on and that you’re committed to doing what’s right, even when no one’s watching.
A Call for Focus
As voters head to the polls, I encourage you to consider what’s at stake in this election—not just for the school board but for the values we expect from our leaders. Walker County’s schools should be a place where teachers can teach, students can learn, and everything else stays at the door.
Regardless of who wins, I am committed to working with all members of the school board, current and future, to uphold the trust placed in us by the community. Walker County’s students deserve leaders who prioritize education above all else and who maintain the trust of our community and keep the focus where it belongs—on our students.
