Eby seeks re-election to school board

Bob Eby has qualified to run for re-election in November for the Oak Ridge Board of Education.

Eby, who is now the board’s vice chairman, is seeking his fourth term, having first been elected in 1985, again in 1991, and most recently in 2009. This is the first time Eby has run as an incumbent.

Eby was board chairman for two terms between 1991-1995, a press release said. Eby is a product of the Oak Ridge Schools (class of 1970), as is his wife of 40 years, Jean (class of 1971), his daughter Elizabeth (1998), and son William (2001).

Jean Eby is a retired teacher from the Oak Ridge Schools, having taught band, music, and third and fourth grade in the district for more than 30 years, the press release said. Most of her teaching career was at Linden Elementary School.

Bob Eby is the director for technology and process engineering for USEC Inc., and he also serves as Oak Ridge site manager for the company. He has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemical engineering from the University of Tennessee and completed The Executive Program from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia. He is active in the business community, currently serving on the board of directors for the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce, the East Tennessee Economic Council, and the KFI, an organization dedicated for the benefit of the Ronald McDonald House in Knoxville.

Eby is a registered engineer in Tennessee, an Eagle Scout, a member of Tau Beta Pi Engineering Society, the Oak Ridge Country Club, and a member of Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church.

Throughout his 11-plus years on the school board, the press release said, Eby has consistently shown that he is a strong advocate for the Oak Ridge Schools, the students, and its outstanding staff.

“There are numerous opportunities and challenges that are currently facing the board, including technology integration, state testing requirements, and budget constraints,” the press release said. “Bob’s previous board experience, his knowledge of the issues, and his business background provide a strong basis to effectively address these challenges.”

Ann McNees will again serve as Eby’s campaign manager and Steve Cates as his treasurer.