Tim Smith, a lifelong resident of Newton County, announced Friday his campaign for Newton County Board of Education District 1 seat.

He will be seeking the position currently held by newly appointed board member Trey Bailey, after Stan Edwards resigned to run for District 1 Board of Commissioners.

Smith said he is running because he is invested in the community, and committed to improving Newton County’s public schools.

“I am proud to announce my campaign for the Board of Education,” Smith said. “ I want to make a difference for our children. I know how the decisions made in the board room affect our children, educators and the entire community. If elected, I will work hard on a plan to retain our best educators and to ensure that our students are receiving the best education we can provide.”

Smith, a lifelong citizen of Newton County, has two children who attend Newton County public schools and
“I have been humbled by the outpouring of support that I have received from people all over Newton County,” Smith said. “I will work hard every day for our children who will be the leaders of tomorrow. I look forward to working hard in the months ahead to earn the trust and support of the people of the District one.”

Smith graduated from Newton County High School in 1996, and went on to serve as a firefighter for the Newton County Fire Services. He rose to the rank of Deputy Fire Chief where he ran the day to day operations of the fire services in Newton County, managing seven fire stations, career staff of 78 and volunteer staff of 60 at that time. Currently, Smith is a National Sales Manager and Fire Investigator for Unified Investigations and Sciences.

Smith and his wife of 15 years, Lorri, have two children. They are active in Mansfield Elementary School and in the Indian Creek Middle School booster clubs, and are active members of Crossroads Baptist Church in Newton County.