Name: Joe McGarrh
Age: 44
Education: 1999 graduate of HCHS. Attended Henderson Community College, University of Southern Ind., & Community College of the Air Force
Professional experience: Air Force veteran (2004-2008), former Project Manager at Pittsburg Tank & Tower; former co-owner of Bluegrass Transport until recent acquisition; co-owner of McGarrh Properties LLC; 2019 Henderson Leadership Initiative alum; Elevate Board Member
Current occupation: VP Business Development at Silver Creek Transportation
Family: Wife, April; Stepdaughter, Alana
Why did you decide to run for this office?
I ran for and was elected to this office in 2022. I ran because I have a strong belief in servanthood and deep love for our community. What better way to serve our community than to serve our schools and students? Our students are the foundation and future of Henderson County. They are the ones that we as a community will pass the torch to one day, and it is our duty to equip them for that day. I want to do my part to ensure our students receive the best education, are taught by the best teachers, and help protect our school system from agendas and ideologies and focus on what’s important, the fundamentals of education.
Why do you believe you are the best choice for this seat?
So many great things have been accomplished over the past 4 years, and I alone cannot take the credit. These accomplishments are a product of having a great Board that is committed to teamwork, respect, and a common vision: to make HCS the best school district in the Commonwealth. I am humbled and honored to be just one member of a fantastic team. Here are some things our Board has accomplished during my tenure:
- increased the safety of our students and teachers by implementing 4 main safety measures: SROs in every single school, weapons detection systems in both middle schools, Central Academy, and HCHS, bullet resistant glass film in all schools, and installing the Centegix emergency alert system in every school.
- test scores and proficiencies are trending upward from the lows caused by the effects of the COVID shutdowns in 2020.
- provided teachers and staff with consistent annual pay raises and year end supplemental bonuses. We want our district to be competitive and aggressive in our compensation so that we can attract and retain the best teachers around.
- we have invested in capital projects over the last few years, the big ones being the East Heights renovation, the SMS HVAC overhaul, and the CTE renovations at the high school. Reinvesting in these buildings and bringing them up to modern standards is a responsible, necessary task during these times of high inflation when costs of new construction are spiraling up. By extending the life of buildings like East Heights and SMS, we are saving tens upon tens of millions over the next few decades.
What are your top priorities for the next term, if elected?
In short, I want to keep the momentum going. The COVID-era shutdowns had an enormous impact on students and staff. But once the dust settled, the Board, the administration, and the staff rolled up their sleeves and said, “Let’s get to work.” With grit, determination, and teamwork, they have led HCS to new highs. Our graduation rate (96%) is among the highest in the state. Our financial health is among the best in the state. Test scores and proficiency levels have increased remarkably over the last few years. These are all great things, but there is more work to be done. In Henderson County, we pursue excellence. We never stop pursuing. My top priority will be the pursuit of excellence and do my part to continue to build on the momentum and help bring HCS to new highs.
A final brief statement to support your candidacy.
Like I mentioned, I am honored to be just a small part of a fantastic team. We have the best Superintendent in the state. Dr. Bob Lawson lives and breathes our core values, and he loves our students and loves our community. Our admin, teachers, and staff are the best, too. They are among the most dedicated and passionate folks I’ve ever seen. They love HCS and they love our students. It’s the greatest honor of my life to serve alongside a team such as this. It is my hope that I have done enough over my first term to earn their respect as much as they have mine. I would be honored to continue to serve as your BOE member for District 2. Let’s pursue excellence together! I humbly ask for your vote on November 3, 2026.