The incumbent of the District 3 seat on the Carroll County Board of Education said he knows the “ins and outs” of being a board member.

“My depth of knowledge in business and industry help mold the processes that we go through every year,” said Chris Gammon of Villa Rica.

Gammon, who’s been a board member since a special election in 2006, said he understands the budget process because he’s been through it five times.

“The budget put a lot of constraints on us,” he said. “We have to learn how to keep priorities. We’re way beyond trimming the fat. I think all the programs we’ve cut have been beneficial.”

Gammon cited increased class size and lost teacher days as two of the worst things that have resulted from the budget cuts.

“The loss of teacher days to keep in budget is just a part of the environment we’re in now,” he said. “And the reduction in class size is something I’d like to see in the next few years, but it’s just not available right now.”

Gammon said he has a “clear view” of where the board is headed, and that knowledge helps the board out “tremendously” going forward.

Gammon graduated from Villa Rica High School in 1984 and received a degree in business administration from West Georgia College. For the past 23 years, he’s worked as the human resources manager for Printpack Inc., a national packing manufacturer and supplier with an office in Villa Rica.

“I’ve lived in Carroll County for most of my life, except for a couple of years when I was really young,” Gammon said. “The reasons I’m running for re-election are my ties to the community and how active I am with the schools and the booster club at Villa Rica High.”

Gammon said he knows what employers are looking for because of his work experience.

“Being a human resources rep, I’m looking for associates who have practical knowledge,” he said. “This job on the board is about getting kids ready for real life.”

Gammon said being a school system in such a competitive area is a blessing.

“We strive to be the best we can because we’re in such a competitive area,” he said. “And that’s a good thing. I would do a good job continuing the work we’re doing.”

Gammon will speak at the county BOE forum next Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Holt-Bishop Municipal Building in Villa Rica.