Dr. Dale Viox Takes Helm at TSBA, Advocating for Tennessee Education
The newly appointed president of the Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA) is Dr. Dale Viox, who currently serves as the chairman of the Arlington Community Schools Board of Education. Dr. Viox took the oath of office on Saturday, November 18, during the TSBA Delegate Assembly at the Opryland Convention Center in Nashville.
Dr. Viox’s presidency marks a significant moment for Shelby County, as he becomes the first TSBA president from the county in 14 years. The last representative from Shelby County was David Pickler, the former chairman of Shelby County Schools, who held the position in 2009. Notably, the TSBA’s current leadership also includes Michelle McKissack, the Delta District Director for Memphis Shelby County.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Dr. Viox mentioned the dedication and hard work that led him to this role, stating, “A lot of hard work went into getting there. I’m kind of geeked out about it.”
In his new capacity, Dr. Viox looks forward to advocating for West Tennessee and influencing legislative agendas at both the state and national levels on behalf of the 141 school districts across the state. He recognizes the need for representation from the western part of the state in Nashville politics.
A pediatric anesthetist at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Dr. Viox has been involved with the TSBA board of directors for several years and has served as a member of Arlington’s board of education since the district’s inception in 2014.
One of Dr. Viox’s key priorities as TSBA president is to oppose the proposed A-F district report cards. He argues that the policy, which has been a point of contention for almost three years, is punitive and does not accurately reflect the hard work of those in public education.
Regarding the grading system, Dr. Viox finds it ironic that districts would be assigned a grade when they cannot access TCAP test results until the following year. He remains steadfast in his commitment to challenging policies that he believes undermine the efforts of educators.
Jonathan Dunn, who was elected to the ACS board last year, commended Dr. Viox’s dedication to the Arlington board and expressed confidence that he would continue to highlight the achievements of teachers, students, and the district as a whole in Shelby County. Dunn emphasized Dr. Viox’s focus on the community rather than personal recognition, stating, “What I really appreciate about Dr. Viox is that he has not made it about himself but about him being in a position that will continue to highlight the incredible teachers and students and just the district at large in Shelby County. I believe he will continue to toot the horn, if you will, of Arlington Community Schools.”