By Mike Steely

Lauren Hopson, the founder of Students, Parents and Educators Across Knox County (SPEAK) and a teacher advocate who has been outspoken concerning Superintendent James McIntyre and school policies, has been elected by fellow Knox County Education Association (KCEA) members as their new president.

Hopson challenged current President Tanya Coats and will become leader of the association in July. Both candidates offered a slate of candidates for the three top offices and Hopson’s slate also won. The ballots were sent by school email to KCEA member two weeks ago and the results were announced late Tuesday.

See next week’s Focus for the detailed story.