Bristol, Tenn. School Board Candidate: Nelson Pyle

Nelson Pyle

Age:     67

Address: 147 Charlton Court, Bluff City, Tenn.

Daytime telephone number: (423) 538-3101

E-mail address:

Party affiliation: none

Office you are seeking: Board of Education, third district (running unopposed)

Please answer the following questions about your background:

What is your educational background, including the highest degree you attained (high school, college, advanced degree) and the year it was attained?    

I received a Bachelors degree from Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri, a master’s degree from Truman University in Kirksville Missouri, and an Education Specialist Degree at Western Illinois University, Macomb, Illinois.

  What is your professional background, including your present employer and job description? What other positions have you held in the past? If you are retired, please describe your most recent employment.    

Following my bachelors degree I taught high school math, health and physical education.  I also was the head football coach and coached basketball and track. Later I received a guidance counselor endorsement and served as a school counselor for three years.

Following my master’s degree, I took my first principalship in a 5-12 school. I later served as high school principal at both a small high school and a large high school in Illinois. During those high school principalships, I earned my specialist degree in school administration.

Prior to coming to Tennessee,  I also served as an educational consultant and planner.  Through those positions I facilitated and led the development of three academy programs that had a strong involvement of business and industry. Grants and the integrating of technology in educational systems were an important part of my work.

I have five years of experience of a classroom teacher, three years as a counselor, 28 years as a secondary school administrator and two years as an educational consultant.

Currently, I serve as an elder for Central Presbyterian Church, Chairperson of Bristol’s Young Life program, and Board Chairman for APPLE Institute.

Are you married? If so, please list your spouse’s name. Please include your spouse’s occupation and any elected offices they hold or have held in the past.    
Wife is Barbara. (Did not list an occupation or elected positions for his spouse).

Do you have children? If so, how many and what are their ages?    
Three adult sons and nine grandchildren who live in other states.

Do you presently hold an elected or appointed office or have you held one in the past? Please list all elected or appointed posts and the years you were in office.    

No

Have you ever been an officer in a political party, worked in a campaign or been a delegate to a political convention? If yes, please provide details and names of the candidates for whom you worked.    

No

How long have you lived in the area? If you have lived elsewhere, where have you lived and for how long?    

I have lived in Bristol for 11 years. I have also lives in Illinois and Missouri.
Who are your three biggest campaign contributors? How much money have you raised in your campaign? Have you taken any special interest or PAC money? How much money do you expect to spend in your campaign?    

No campaign contributors.  I don’t expect to spend any money.

Do you volunteer your time or give money to local causes? If so, please list them.
Central Presbyterian Church – Elder, Chairman of Administrative /Staff Committee, Safety Committee, Columbarium Committee, Chairman of APPLE Institute Day Care;  Chairman of Bristol Young Life Committee; Neighborhood Heart and Easter Seals solicitor; various school fund raisers.

Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony crime as an adult? If yes, please give jurisdiction and details.  
No

Have you ever filed bankruptcy? If yes, please explain.  
No

Have you ever served in the military? If yes, please provide details, including branch of service, highest rank, years of service and date and terms of discharge.  
No

Have you or your business ever been the subject of a lawsuit, lien or foreclosure? If yes, please explain.    
No

What ties do you have to any business or organization that could profit from action as a city council member? Please explain your plan to avoid even the appearance of conflict of interest.  
None

Please answer the following questions about issues facing the school system.
What makes you the best candidate for the school board?  
As a board member, I will be primarily concerned with how our students rank in the national and global arena. During my years in education, my decisions were made with this thought: “What is best for our students and the opportunities for their success?”
That thought process will not change and I will do my very best to make a positive impact on our school system.

What are the three best things about Bristol, Tennessee’s public schools? What are the three worst things?  

I would expect that Bristol Tennessee City Schools has a long range plan that encompasses a wide range of citizens within the community.  The success of the schools, city, and community depend on our close working relationship. As a board we must provide ongoing awareness of “best educational practices” for the teachers and our administrators.  We need to use the research and technology to make positive strides in educating our populace and making our graduates competitive in the global market.

Do you believe the school system needs a dress code? If so, what are some criteria the policy should include? If not, explain why you believe it is unnecessary. Should the school system consider a uniform policy for students? Explain why or why not.  

The Bristol Tennessee City School System does have a dress code.  It is comprehensive and, in theory, uniform. The problem lies in the enforcement. I do believe that the school system should investigate the implementation of a school uniform. However, I believe a uniform concept should not be a ridged model. There are some public schools that have been very successful with a moderate uniform policy. If there is a decision for the implementation of a school uniform, it will be done through the recommendation of the community.
How will you encourage more students to enroll in vocational training or higher education beyond high school?  

Career counseling is more important than college counseling, but we have a tendency to do less. There also needs to be a strong correlation between curricula and occupations (real world analogies). 

How much emphasis do you place on art and music instruction? Please explain.  
I believe art and music are an important part of the curriculum. Students need to be able to express their talents in multiple avenues.

Describe your most recent visit to a school in Bristol, Tenn. When, which school, purpose of visit.  
Tennessee High School – Young Life meting. (Did not give a specific date).