Cheryl Mayes is the latest Metro school board chair to find herself ousted from elected office thanks to the strength of SEIU’s political program. Mayes lost by a margin of over 16 points, despite having the support of Nashville’s political establishment and the business community. Mayes was also a staunch supporter of the director of schools, Jesse Register, who the union has had repeated conflicts with since he arrived in Nashville. Mayes follows the pattern SEIU set in 2010 when the union went after and defeated the previous chair of the school board, Gracie Porter.

The union’s endorsed candidate, Tyese Hunter, who served in the U.S. Navy and is a mother of three children, offered many thanks to the SEIU members who helped ensure her victory. “I am extremely grateful to the SEIU for its belief in my candidacy and support for my campaign,” Tyese says.  “I believe that good, hardworking people are the cornerstone of any successful organization. Valuing those people in word and deed is critical to the ultimate success of MNPS—educating all children at high levels.”

Tyese was elected in school board District 6, which encompasses Antioch & South Nashville. Her term will expire in 2018.