5 candidates apply for vacant JCPS school board seat

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) – Five Louisville residents have submitted applications to fill the vacant seat on the Jefferson County Board of Education.

Diane Porter resigned from her position as board chair in October. Kentucky law requires the school board to fill the seat within 60 days. The deadline is Dec. 23.

Porter resigned from her District One seat in west Louisville on Oct. 24, citing ongoing health concerns.

Applicants for the open seat had to fill out a Board Vacancy Application Form and submit it by Nov. 28. Applicants also needed to file a letter of intent with the board, including an affirmation of eligibility (applicants must be at least 24 years old, a citizen of Kentucky for at least three years, and registered to vote in the district of the vacancy) and a transcript evidencing the completion of 12th grade or equivalency.

The final decision about who will fill the seat will be made in an open session by the board. JCBE has already met several times in executive session to discuss the opening.

WDRB News obtained the applicants names and applications through an open records request. The information below is from their applications.

DR. ANNETTE BRIDGES

Dr. Annette Bridges is a member of the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Council and is currently the Chair of the General Studies and Early Childhood Programs at Simmons College. She’s a graduate of Seneca High School.

Bridges hopes if she’s selected to the board that she can help create STEAM Academies. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

GAIL STRANGE

Gail Strange is a self-employed independent consultant with years of experience in corporate communications. She’s a graduate of Central High School.

If selected, Strange wants to reduce the academic achievement gap for students of color and students who are economically disadvantaged.

WALLACE GARNER III

Wallace Garner III spent 22 years as a teacher as well as 22 years in the United States Air Force. He has several degrees, including a Masters of Education Administration from the University of Louisville. According to information he submitted to the board, he holds several education-related certifications.

(Editor's Note: The records released to WDRB News only contained Garner’s resume and statement of eligibility. It’s not clear if he submitted the board’s vacancy application form.)

JOSEPH NALLEY

Joseph Nalley is the CEO of GetWell Health System and CEO of Kentucky Mental Health Care. He’s a graduate of Iroquois High School. He did undergrad at the University of Louisville and graduate work at Northeastern University in Boston.

If picked to serve, Nally wants to integrate and expand technology and digital learning across the district.

DEVAN KING

Devan King is the director of operations at the St. John Center and a targeted case manager for Martin and Muir Counseling Services. King is a Central Magnet Career Academy graduate, did undergrad at Northern Kentucky University and graduate work at Sullivan.

If picked to fill the seat, King want to foster stronger collaboration between Jefferson County Public Schools and its communities.