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NEW ORLEANS—Chan Tucker, a public school parent, volunteer, and business executive, has announced his candidacy for Orleans Parish School Board, District 2.
“My two children attend public school, and I want them, and all children, to have the life-changing educational opportunity that public education has given me,” said Chan Tucker. His personal connection to public education, as a parent and a volunteer, resonates with many in the community. “My wife, Emmalena, and I chose to make New Orleans home, and we had a choice to make about our boys’ education. We could have sent them anywhere, but we chose a public school that was the right fit for them, and I now volunteer as the parent representative on their charter school board.”
Tucker was raised on a farm in Arkansas, near the Louisiana border. His parents instilled in him the importance of hard work and a good education. In high school, Chan started his business selling firewood. He was also very active and held leadership positions in the Boy Scouts, his football team, and the Future Farmers of America. He earned a college scholarship for academic excellence. He received a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from Louisiana Tech University and a master’s in business administration from Bellevue University. Tucker became a professional engineer in 2004 and has worked at Entergy for the past 24 years, managing a critical engineering division with 170 professionals, 300 contractors, and a capital budget of $6 billion.
Tucker credits his public school education for laying the foundation for his success, and he’s committed to ensuring all children in our city have the opportunities provided by an excellent education. “It’s great that charter schools give families choices, but it also means we must work extra hard to ensure our schools give all students the education they deserve. My brother has cerebral palsy, and that opened my eyes to how important it is that our schools work for every student, no matter what challenges they are facing. Every child deserves those opportunities.”
From securing funding for affordable and equitable housing to serving on his sons’ charter school board to coaching Little League, Chan is also a perfect role model for how talent and hard work can improve not only one's life but also one's entire community.
Orleans Parish School Board District 2 includes parts of Gentilly, New Orleans East, and the Upper Ninth Ward. Election day is Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Early voting runs from October 18 to October 29, 2024.
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