Katie Perkins says she is running to represent East Ridge on the Hamilton County Board of Education, a vote that will affect local families, students and school staff as the district sets policy, approves budgets and oversees the superintendent.

Perkins described herself as a fourth-generation East Ridge resident in reporting published Thursday by the Chattanooga Times Free Press. The Hamilton County Election Commission lists the school board race on the Thursday, August 6, 2026 Republican sample ballot, placing the contest before voters in the district that includes East Ridge.

For residents, the immediate issue is practical: voters in the district will decide who speaks for their schools on the county board. Parents and guardians can check election information through the Hamilton County Election Commission, while readers can review how Local Brief Chattanooga handles sourcing on our Source Transparency page.

Who Katie Perkins is and what records show

Public faculty profiles identify Perkins as a psychology instructor with college-level teaching experience. The University of South Carolina lists her in its Department of Psychology faculty directory, and Dalton State College lists her as a part-time instructor.

A curriculum vitae published by the University of Pittsburgh Department of Psychology shows academic and teaching experience in psychology. Her campaign website identifies her as a candidate for the Hamilton County school board seat tied to East Ridge.

Perkins described herself as a fourth-generation East Ridge native who wants to serve her community as a Hamilton County school board member.
  • Candidate: Katie Perkins
  • Community named in her campaign: East Ridge
  • Office sought: Hamilton County Board of Education
  • Election date shown by the county: Thursday, August 6, 2026

Why the school board race matters in East Ridge

The Hamilton County Board of Education governs Hamilton County Schools, the public school system serving students across the county. Board members vote on district rules, spending plans, leadership decisions and other issues that shape day-to-day school operations.

That means the race has direct consequences for East Ridge households. Families are choosing a local representative who can weigh in on school priorities, staffing and student support across the district.

Ballotpedia's election overview for Hamilton County Schools also lists school board elections in the county, though the official county election commission remains the primary source for ballot and voting details.

What voters can do next before August 6

Voters who live in the district can confirm their ballot, polling place and eligibility through the Hamilton County Election Commission. Candidates' campaign websites can provide additional background, but official election information comes from the county.

  • Check whether your address falls within the East Ridge-area school board district.
  • Review the Thursday, August 6, 2026 ballot through the Hamilton County Election Commission.
  • Use official county election channels for polling locations, registration deadlines and voting rules.

Readers with questions about our reporting standards can find them on our Editorial Policy page.

Primary sources: University of South Carolina, Dalton State College, University of Pittsburgh Department of Psychology, Hamilton County Election Commission. Reported by Source Text Link, Ballotpedia, Katie Perkins Campaign, Chattanooga Times Free Press.