Personal Statement

The landscape of public education is changing. It is time for leaders who are ready to handle our current challenges. My background and abilities have made me ready for these challenges. I will bring focus to the "business" of educating our children so that the system's educators and students can focus on learning. As a task and goal-oriented individual I will give my all for the ultimate goal of educating all our children.

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My priorities as a new board member will be to focus on the selection of a new schools director, meeting and then exceeding the federal No Child Left Behind Act standards, diminishing truancy and raising graduation rates. Reaching these priorities in turn can restore confidence in the district’s leadership and its schools. We have made strides toward these goals, but now it is time to succeed!

I want to create a positive environment for the new director so he or she can do the same for our teachers, students, parents and personnel. My contributions will create an environment that demands a high level of accountability, operations that are transparent and monitoring and reporting that is frequent with the aim of fostering improvement.

My passion for public education did not begin with my candidacy for the school board. I have long believed education is a public good. I grew up in an environment that was economically challenging and know firsthand the value of a quality public education. The educational foundation that I received in public schools propelled me to a Doctorate in Higher Education from Tennessee State University and an 11-year career in information technology at Hospital Corporation of America.

I have one daughter in public school now and a newborn baby girl who will attend a few years from now, so my commitment is not only for myself but for my children and yours too. Organizations such as Nashville Neighborhood Defense Fund and the Metro Nashville Education Association have noted my level of commitment to the whole community in endorsing my candidacy. I have learned much about our community and its public education system during the 10 years I have shared with my husband, former Metro Nashville Vice Mayor Howard Gentry, in his campaigns and time in public service.

One thing that is clear from that time is the difference between wanting an office and winning it is the level of support received from those you represent. I humbly ask you for that support. Your volunteer efforts, financial contributions and vote on Aug. 7 are greatly appreciated. Together we will make our public schools the pride of our community and the envy of systems throughout our great country!

BIOGRAPHICAL INFO

Born: Sharon Denise Dixon was born August 15, 1969 in New Orleans, LA

Education: Attended public and Catholic schools in New Orleans, including a public magnet high school from which she graduated. Received a B.S. in Physics from Xavier University and a Master of Science and Doctor of Higher Education degrees from Tennessee State University

Family: Husband, Howard; daughters Taylor, 8, who attends Jones Paideia Magnet School and Ryan, who was born on June 23, 2008.

Employment: Manager, IT Partner Solutions, IT&S at Hospital Corporation of America.

Community Involvement: Chaired Northwest YMCA "We Build People Campaign"; Board Member – Eating Disorders Coalition of Tennessee; President – Music City Chapter, The Links, Incorporated; Treasurer – Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Kappa Lambda Omega Chapter; Junior Achievement Volunteer; Former Member of Mayor’s Early Childhood Advisory Committee; Volunteer – Cockrill Elementary; Jones Paideia PTO Member.