Overton County School Board elected Ashley Carr to serve as the new board chairman during its meeting Tuesday night.
The board also selected Ben Danner to serve as vice chairman and Sheila Phillips to act as the Tennessee legislative representative for the 2026-2027 term. Outgoing Chairman William Abston presided over the election process before the board transitioned into a work session to discuss upcoming retreat dates and policy updates.
“I just want to thank all of y’all for helping me to get through this year as the chairman,” Abston said. “You helped me when I was gimpy and I appreciate your support, so I know Ashley will do a great job, but thank you all.”
The meeting served as a final farewell for Alice Reed, who concluded eight years of service on the board, previously serving as the Vice Chair. Abston said Phillips, the newest member of the board, would take over the legislative representative role in keeping with the board’s tradition of appointing its most recent addition to that position.
“I want to say goodbye one last time,” Reed said. “I want to say goodbye one last time.”
“I just like to thank Ms. Alice for her service on the board, eight years of her service and her. She liked it so much she came back,” Board Member Ricky Dodson said. “We appreciate all you’ve done.”
