Candidate Spotlight: Robert “Bob” Britton
Williamson County School Board – District 4
Why did you decide to run for office?
I am passionate about public schools because they are a foundational element of our democracy. They offer the opportunity for all children to get an education, no matter their socioeconomic class, race or gender. We have very good public schools in Williamson County, and I am running for the school board to ensure that it stays that way.
I'm also a proud grandfather of twin grandsons in the public school system and have had the privilege of watching their educational and social development closely. I have been very impressed with their teachers, the support staff at the schools and my grandsons' progress. I am running to serve them and all of the children in the community and be the voice for the vast majority of parents and grandparents who love our public schools. I want to protect and preserve our high-quality public schools.
Share your platform. What will you do when you are elected to serve Williamson County?
- Be a strong advocate for adequate funding to meet growth and maintain our high-quality schools. That includes ensuring that competitive compensation packages are provided that enable WCS to hire and retain high-performing teachers and staff.
- Provide visible and actionable support of teachers, librarians and staff. WCS has highly trained and educated personnel who deserve our respect and support. Fewer and fewer teachers are graduating from Tennessee universities and many teachers are leaving the profession because of low pay and lack of respect. If we don't address these issues quickly, we are going to find ourselves in a crisis situation.
- Implement policies and procedures that ensure that all students have a learning environment where they feel valued, respected and safe. Ensure that our community’s diversity is reflected throughout the school system and our programs and curriculum are inclusive.
- Cultivate trust and transparency by keeping my constituents informed and by maintaining open communications.
How else do you serve our community?
I have been a volunteer and a member of the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army of Middle Tennessee for over 15 years. I was the past Chair, and I am currently the Treasurer. I am so proud of the work we do in Middle Tennessee lifting people out of poverty, providing disaster relief services, finding housing for the homeless, teaching life skills and addressing social needs. And I've really enjoyed bell-ringing at the Cool Springs Walmart every holiday season for years. It has been one of the most fulfilling experiences in my life.
If you could have dinner with one current Tennessee elected official, who would it be, and why?
State Senator Heidi Campbell. I would like to learn from her experience as a candidate running for office in a red state, and as a Democrat legislator in a Republican supermajority General Assembly. What advice would she give as I embark on my campaign for the school board.
What are you currently reading?
“The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together” by Heather McGhee and Tom Clancy's “Enemy Contact”
What inspires you to serve?
I believe that a well-organized vocal minority is having a disproportionate amount of influence in our county, and it is negatively affecting our school system. I want to represent the vast majority of parents who are not being heard and who love our public schools.
I'm also inspired by my grandchildren who love their teachers and going to school. I want to ensure that doesn't change for them and that they receive an excellent education that will allow them to achieve their dreams and become good citizens.
What’s your favorite restaurant or local event in Williamson County?
Brixx Pizza and the Franklin Pride Festival
Anything else you want to share?
I was born in Detroit, Michigan, but grew up in Venezuela and Argentina. I speak fluent Spanish. I have traveled to over 60 countries for business and pleasure, even living in Vienna, Austria, for three years as an adult on a business assignment. Those experiences have made me more compassionate and empathetic and less afraid of differences. I also believe that my vast leadership, financial expertise, and conflict management skills will be of value as a Board Member.