MATTHEW BURNETTE, Staff Writer

The Coffee County School Board approved using the services offered by the Tennessee School Board Association to conduct the search for a new Director of Schools at the Dec. 9 meeting.

The motion passed with a vote of 9-0 after incoming Board member Chris Koon was sworn in at the start of the meeting.

The TSBA’s Plan 3 includes services such as holding in-person and community meetings to discuss the desired criteria for a Director, consulting with each Board member on criteria and process, reporting results of survey and community meetings to the Board, and recommending criteria to be adopted by the Board, in addition to all services included in Plans 1 and 2.

The services will cost $15,000 with an additional $1,500 being added on for a first-year evaluation service conducted by the TSBA for the new Director.

 “Ultimately, no matter at what level, it’s still our decision,” said Board member Robert Gilley during discussion on the matter. “Pretty much your first year is a probation period anyways, and if it’s not working out and we have to go through the process again with that one, then they basically cover everything.”

“It’s kind of like an insurance policy,” he added regarding the additional $1,500.

“It’s important to note with the Director search from TSBA, we’re still in control of the process,” commented Board Chairman Thomas Ballard. “They’re handling basically all the paperwork and making sure the I’s are dotted and the T’s are crossed and the paperwork is done according to our policy and the other guidelines we have on that, so that’s what we’re really getting here with this.”

The search is expected to last sixteen weeks once the contract is signed with TSBA.