School Board May Vote On Superintendent Contract At Tuesday Board Meeting

February 11, 2013, JACKSON, TN - The Board has spent months working through job description, performance goals, candidate interviews, and evaluations to come to a choice for the next Jackson Madison County Director of Schools.

It appears that decision may be one vote away.

At the Monday night work session board members heard several questions about amendments to the draft that were raised by candidate nominee Verna Ruffin.

Board Chairman David Clifft explains

AUDIO: Cut 1 David Clifft, JMCS Board Chairman

AUDIO: Cut 2 David Clifft, JMCS Board Chairman

AUDIO: Cut 3 David Clifft, JMCS Board Chairman

Clifft will talk with Ruffin on Tuesday and the Board could vote as soon as Tuesday night.

Director of Operations Stan Parker addressed the board on security measures taken to further assure student and faculty safety while at school.

Parker told the members that all schools now have a buzzer and intercom system and that it is the only entrance available during school hours. Of course this does not apply when students are arriving or being dismissed but Parker said other safety options are being explored.

Mr Parker also stated that during school hours and when children are present any room with children is locked at all times. Several board members raised concerns that this rule may not be enforced citing occasions when they have been in schools where rooms were unlocked. Parker said this rule should always be followed and said he would look into the matter.

Parker also told the board that both the central office and county and city law enforcement have included School Resource Officers in their upcoming budgets for all middle and high schools.

In other agenda discussion

Members of the community and Board members raised questions about the fall break in the school calendar. Director Buddy White has promised to have an alternative calendar that offers the Board an option of eliminating fall break and starting school later in August.

The Board will meet again Tuesday night, 6:00 PM, at which time action can be taken on items discussed in the work session