Your Questions, Their Answers Election 2026

Over the past several weeks, readers have submitted questions they want answered ahead of the 2026 election—and we’ve taken those directly to your County Executive candidates.

Here is your eighth question, and answers from those candidates who chose to respond.

What role should local government play in supporting our schools and youth Programs?

DENNY WAYNE ROBINSON: Local government plays a critical supporting role in the success of our schools and youth programs. While school systems have independent leadership, the county has a responsibility to be a strong financial partner and responsible steward of public resources.

That support includes providing adequate funding for school facilities, ongoing maintenance of facilities, and ensuring proper oversight and accountability so taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and effectively. Safe, well-maintained facilities are essential to success.

Local government should also support youth programs that provide educational enrichment, workforce readiness, recreation, and positive life skills, recognizing that these programs help develop future leaders and strengthen our community.

As County Executive, my role is to work collaboratively with school leadership, prioritize long-term planning for facilities and infrastructure, and make sure our children and young people have the safe environments and opportunities they need to succeed.

KYLE GOFF: Schools are managed at the State level and by our local school board. The local government plays a minimal role, but a supporting role in helping our schools succeed. Of the counties $75M budget, $43M of that is compromised of the school system. By regulation, 50% of our sales tax revenue goes to the schools. The County Government also supplements an additional 33 “pennies” (pennies is the language we use when determining where property tax dollars go, 33 pennies is equivalent to $3.21M). There is a maintenance of effort threshold that must be met, so any pullback of funding would be minimal due to legal restrictions.

The Executives office, along with the Finance Department, can watch local trends. One in five White County school-aged children are now homeschooled. The federal funding model is based on enrollment, so we must watch this closely because if federal funding decreases, the school board may ask for additional funding from the County.

Local government should build partnerships between with community sports organizations and nonprofits. These partnerships can open the door for the government to help with resources to make sure our leagues are operating effectively and efficiently, whether it be financial, facilities, grant letter of recommendations, etc. Supporting youth programs (athletics or otherwise) makes sure young people have a safe and positive environment to grow, learn, and stay engaged, which is an investment in the future of our county.

PENNY WHALEY: Local Government should support schools and youth programs by providing funding, safe infrastructure, and community-based resources. 

JOE HALLUMS: The local government must support our schools following state guidelines. In addition, it is our responsibility to work together to support the best opportunities for future generations by building the foundation of education. This requires proper budgeting and holding those responsible for spending accountable.

The Main Street Journal - Sparta's 2026 Election Coverage is brought to you by Tennessee Credit.