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Hi friends —

Before the holiday whirlwind officially takes over, I wanted to share a few important updates — starting with an invitation to join me in early January.

Petition Signing Party:
January 3rd at Camp Honey Coffee

I’m hosting a Petition Signing Party on January 3rd, and I’d love for you to stop by.

📅 Saturday, January 3
⏰ 1–3 PM
📍 Camp Honey Coffee (5819 Lyons View Pike)

Come grab a warm drink, say hello, and sign my petition to be on the ballot for 2026. It’s simple, neighborly democracy — and a chance to support one of our favorite local coffee shops.

💙 A Note on Campaign Support

As I prepare for the 2026 election cycle, I’m building a campaign rooted in transparency, service, and community engagement.

If you’re able, I would appreciate your support to help continue this work.

Thank you for partnering in the effort to strengthen public schools across District 4.

Meet Your Reps:
Tomorrow, December 10

Tomorrow evening, we’re bringing neighbors together again at Middlebrook Pike UMC for our final Meet Your Reps event of 2025.

📅 Tuesday, Dec. 10
⏰ 5:30–7:00 PM
📍 Middlebrook Pike UMC – Fellowship Hall (7234 Middlebrook Pike)

These conversations are intentional, grounded, and genuinely helpful. No panels, no long monologues — just local elected officials connecting directly with the community we serve.

We’re also collecting items for the Middlebrook Pike UMC Food Pantry:

• canned veggies

• peanut butter or soy butter (great allergy-friendly option)

• jelly

• canned soups

If you’re able, please consider bringing something to help stock the shelves heading into winter.

December Board Meetings:
Key Highlights

Our December Work Session and Regular Session covered significant ground. Here’s what matters most:

Legislative Priorities Passed

This month, we approved several student-centered priorities, including:

• Fully funding preschool students in the TISA formula

• Allowing schools to conduct lotteries (re: Cake Walks) to support educational programs

• Affirming that academic and retention decisions belong with trained professionals

We also adopted firm language opposing any measure that seeks to block, deter, or exclude children from their constitutional right to a free public education. Every child means every child. Full stop.

Additional Updates

• Ongoing work to streamline data collection so teachers can stay focused on teaching

• Recognition of outstanding staff and partners

• Committee updates preparing us for a busy spring session

A full breakdown is on Substack for those who want the deeper dive.

Want More Regular Updates?
Follow My Substack!

If you like staying in the loop on school board decisions, community events, and the behind-the-scenes work that doesn’t always make the headlines, I’d love for you to follow my Substack:
➡️ Strong Public Schools – Updates from Katherine Bike

It’s 100% free to subscribe, and it’s where I share:

• deeper dives on board meetings (minus the jargon soup)

• legislative updates that actually make sense

• community events, wins, and calls to action

• reflections on parenting, leadership, and the wild ride of public service

Basically: everything you need to stay connected, informed, and a little bit entertained.

If you enjoy these newsletters or want to support a more transparent, community-centered approach to school board work, please consider subscribing and sharing it with a friend. It helps more than you know — and it keeps our District 4 community growing and engaged.

Thanks for Being Here!

Thank you for reading, showing up, challenging, supporting, donating pantry goods, and believing in strong public schools. Representing District 4 is a privilege I’m grateful for every single day.

Wishing you rest, light, and a warm December night.

With gratitude,

Katherine Bike
Knox County Board of Education, District 4
Candidate for Re-Election 2026