Tommy Wright has announced his candidacy for the Andalusia Board of Education in District 4.

Wright is a retired educator, who spent 28 of his 32 work years in the Andalusia City Schools system.

Wright said he is entering the race for a few simple reasons.

“First, I worked in education for 32 years, and after a one-year break, I feel the need to return to public service in the community I have lived in and raised my children,” he said. “Second, I feel with my years as an educator, I have a firm understanding of how the decisions made by the school board affect both teachers and students.

“Finally, I have always strived to be an honest, hardworking and straightforward person,” Wright said. “ I have no reason to seek this office other than my true ambition to help and serve. I am a man who tries to use my experience and common sense in each decision I make in my personal and professional life. I would like the opportunity to do the same thing as a member of the Andalusia City School Board.”

During his education career, he worked in all areas of education, including Andalusia Elementary School, Andalusia Middle School (which later became the Andalusia Junior High School) and Andalusia High School.

“Early in my career with Andalusia, I served as an assistant football coach. Later, I was transferred to Andalusia Middle School as the head football coach and sports coordinator,” he said.

“I love the game of football and believe my time coaching taught me a great deal about being a leader, educator and most importantly, a better person,“ he said.

Wright earned an associate’s degree at Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Wesson, Miss., and a bachelor of science in education from the University of West Florida.

He is a member of Bethany Baptist Church and the Andalusia Booster Club. He also served as a youth league baseball coach and has volunteered as a Scout Leader with the Andalusia Chapter of the Boy Scouts of America.

He and his wife, Anne O’Neal Wright, have two sons, Tom and Todd, both of whom graduated from Andalusia City Schools.