On Tuesday, Chattooga Board of Education member Brad Hayes announced that he will not seek reelection to the seat he has held for one term.

Hayes was first elected to the seat representing the Pennville area in 2018.   He defeated Democrat Alma Lewis in that race.  Hayes was one of three Republicans elected that year, and the only one still in office.  Sammy Ballard, who represented the Menlo area passed away and his seat was filled by Lynn Hall, who has announced that he will be running as a Democrat this year.  Dr. Julia Houston, representing the Lyerly area, resigned abruptly last year and was replaced by Spencer Hogg who said this week he will not seek election.   Bonnie Fletcher has announced her intentions to run as a Republican for that seat.

Mr. Hayes issued the following statement on Tuesday regarding his decision not to seek reelection:

I wish to thank the registered voters and all citizens of Chattooga County for allowing me the opportunity to serve on the Chattooga County School Board of Education. I qualified to seek the District 2 seat in March 2018. At that time, I appreciated the many years of service that Alma Lewis dedicated to education. She is still admired and appreciated by many people. It was an honor to receive the votes I received during the May 2018 Primary Election. I continued to center my campaign on my principles of life. I have always had a big and caring heart for the students that have crossed my path in life. As a lifelong citizen of Chattooga County, it was my desire to serve as a representative of the community on our school board. The support I received was overwhelming, and I thank all that elected me in November 2018.

While I am thanking so many, I would not be able to complete this note without giving God all of the glory and honor. I thank my loving wife, parents, sons, church family, and friends. I walked and worked alongside of many great men and women. A special thanks to Superintendent Jared Hosmer, John Turner, John Agnew, Julia Houston, Eddie Elsberry, Lynn Hall, B.J. Montgomery, Spencer Hogg, and the late Sammy Ballard. I wish happiness, good health, and much success to all employees and students of Chattooga County Schools. I am proud to be a Christian, an American, and a citizen of Chattooga County.

I have decided to not seek re-election to the seat I currently hold on the Chattooga County School Board of Education. I do promise to fulfill my elected duties through the year 2022.

Brad E. Hayes

March 1, 2022