Meet Freda Player, candidate for Nashville School Board, District 7

Editor's note: The Tennessean Editorial Board invited candidates for the March 5, 2024 Metro Nashville-Davidson County primary election to fill out our questionnaire. They include biographical information and answers to seven questions on variety of topics from key policy issues to their recommendation for visitors on what to see or do in the city. Early voting goes from Feb. 14-27. Learn more at the Davidson County Election Commission.

Candidate Q&As: Learn about candidates running in Nashville-Davidson County's March 5 primary election

• Name: Freda Player

• Position: School Board District 7

• Political party: Democratic

• Age: 45

• What neighborhood/part of the county do you live in? Woodbine

• Education: B.A. Fisk University , M.A. George Washington University

• Job history: TN Democratic Party - Voter Outreach Coordinator & Political Director; SEIU - Organizer & Political Director; Office of Mayor David Briley - Senior Legislative Advisor; Emerge Tennessee - Executive Director

• Family: Single - no children

Why are you running for this office?

I know a quality education can be the great equalizer for a child. In fact, it is the only way many children will rise out of tough situations at home and in their neighborhoods and change the narrative of their lives. An effective and thoughtful school board can have profound, lasting and positive effects on the generations we serve.

What makes you qualified to hold this office and better qualified than your opponent(s)?

Having worked as an advocate for MNPS support staff and then as the Council Liaison in the Mayor’s office, I have a clear understanding of the intricacies of both MNPS policies and the city’s budget process. I have the experience necessary to facilitate the conversations about the values, vision, and goals of the MNPS board to the Council, Mayor, the constituents of the district, community stakeholders and the city. For my entire career, I’ve worked in democratic structures and strove for consensus and progress. I have and continue to bring that attitude to the board.

If you are elected (or re-elected), what are your top 2 to 3 priorities for your new (or next) term in office?

My primary objective for my second term is continued advocacy for MNPS to the Mayor and Metro Council regarding the need for increased funding to MNPS. The Board and Director of Schools have proven with increased funding of new dollars, the District has made academic gains at an unprecedented rate especially after the pandemic. My secondary objective is to sustain the current culture of our board which is one of collaboration, cooperation, effectiveness, focused governance and having a healthy professional relationship with our Director of Schools.

What are you hearing most from voters about what they want you to accomplish, if elected?

I am hearing from voters provide to a safe school environment, provide emotional supports for our children, and provide increase funding to bring more academic resources in our classrooms.

What is your proudest achievement in your personal or public life?

During my tenure as Budget Chair, all MNPS employees received the largest raise in Nashville's history. This allowed our teachers to be highest paid teachers in the state.

A "fun" question: When visitors ask you, "What should I do in Nashville?" what are the top 2 or 3 things or places you recommend?

Eat at Monell's at the Manor; Have chai and sambusa at The Horn; Visit Fisk University's The Carl Van Vechten Gallery

Will you commit to being civil in how you present yourself and the way you interact with opponents and others? (Our definition of civility is being a good, active, honest and respectable citizen)

Yes

Call Opinion and Engagement Director David Plazas at (615) 259-8063, email him at dplazas@tennessean.com or find him on X (formerly Twitter) at @davidplazas.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville election: Freda Player, School Board, District 7