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Ron Yates of the Carolina community announced Monday, Nov. 6, that he is seeking election to the Covington County Board of Education, place 2.

He is a Florala High School graduate who recently retired from Pleasant Home School after 28 years of teaching. He and his wife, Donna, have two children and three grandchildren. Both of their children, Evan, and Abi are Pleasant Home School graduates.

“Since 1992, I have stood in a classroom, teaching students from this county. I have seen how the climate and nature of schools and teaching has changed. As a board member, I can play a part in the decisions that impact the many challenges faced in today’s school environment,” Yates said.

Yates received his master’s in Biology Education from Alabama State University and bachelor’s in Comprehensive Science Education from Troy University. He has taught middle school science, chemistry, anatomy, and biology at LBW Community College, McKenzie High School, and Pleasant Home School.

“If I am elected, I would encourage policies to retain teachers and work with other members to promote student achievement to prepare our county students for college, trade school, and the workplace. If elected, I would keep the education of every student my top priority,” he added.

Yates served for three years as a medic in the United States Army and wrote “Finding the Lost Pieces: A Story of Loss and Love” in 2021. In the book, the main character Jack leaves Andalusia and his best friends behind to enlist in the United States military.

He had a knee replacement several years ago after breaking his leg in regards to an amputation in 2019.