The JMCS Policy Committee met on Friday at the School Central Office. A significant crowd was in attendance. They came to find out if the committee composed of three members; Carol Carter-Estes, Anne Henning-Rowan, and Becky Gordon, would follow through on a proposed policy change to require the superintendent get approval from a majority of the board before making any personnel principal or asst principal changes. This superintendent’s authority is not one granted by the board it is the law of Tennessee. According to Board member Bob Alvey “the only hiring authority the board of education has is that of the superintendent”. The board approves positions such as a Technology Chief position but once approved the superintendent has hiring authority.
Board member Grady Akins presented the committee an amendment but before reading it he said he had a change to make. He told the committee after thinking about it he would recommend taking out the word “approve” and replace it with the word “notify”. Mr Akins told the committee and the superintendent he wanted the board to be informed so when the media or community contacted them as board members they would know what was going on and could support the superintendent. He stated he did not want to “step on the superintendent’s toes” or “micromanage” her office. He then listed his reasons for wanting the change
This is a copy from the amendment of the reasons Grady Akins presented to the committee
""Bases for Policy Change:
1. Principal change/movement that has occurred in the last 2-3 years, has played a significant role in the unprecedented resignations and retirement of principals within this district.
2. These unprecedented moves has caused this board to make necessary changes in it's policy and governing of this school district, that is under "corrective action".
3. Level of complaints brought to the board and state officials by school administrators in regards to moral. transferring, hiring and dismissals of administrative staff.””
Afterward Board member Bob Alvey asked what DATA Grady Akins could provide to support his claims. Mr. Akins said it was based on his conversations and things told to him. Again Alvey asked for DATA saying he had never heard any of these things and he had also talked with a lot of people. At which time Ms Carter-Estes said she believed Mr. Akins and she did not need DATA. The policy committee agreed not to include these statements in a policy amendment.
Other issues concerning pre-existing contract agreements with JMCEA and how altering the policy could affect that contract the board signed became an issue.
Becky Gordon made a motion that they turn the recommendation over to Board Attorney Debra Owen and let her make the changes discussed and review possible contract issues and then bring it back to the committee for their next meeting. No other action was taken on that issue.
The meeting adjourned.
