Rutherford County School Board Member Tammy Sharp (Zone 1) announced her re-election bid on Monday.
Sharp, a Republican, assumed office in 2018 and won re-election to the Board in 2022. She served as the Board’s chairwoman for approximately one year before stepping aside from the role after having been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Now seeking a third term to the Board, Sharp said “it has been an honor to serve our community, and I am committed to continuing to stand up for our students, families, and values.”
Sharp touted her work on the Board over the years to “bring prayer back into the boardroom, remove inappropriate books from our schools, and make student safety a priority through countywide active shooter and security training.”
Last year, Sharp was among the Board members who voted to place six books with graphic adult themes on a “mature reading list” that would prevent students in Rutherford County schools from accessing the materials.
Sharp also pointed to her support for various career educational programs for Rutherford County students and role in securing funds to improve schools in the district.
“I believe parents deserve a voice, students deserve safe schools, and taxpayers deserve accountability. I have never been afraid to take a stand when it comes to protecting our children and defending our community’s values,” Sharp said.
“I respectfully ask for your continued support as I seek re-election. Together, we can keep Rutherford County schools strong and focused on what matters most, our kids,” she added.
The Republican primary for the School Board race is May 5, 2026.
Sharp’s only declared opponent so far in the primary is Chuck Isbell, who teaches HVAC courses at night for the Associated Builders and Contractors of Greater Tennessee and has made headlines advocating for slower speed limits in Rutherford County after his son was killed by a speeding driver on Halloween night in 2020.
– – –
Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
Photo “Tammy Sharp” by Tammy Sharp.
