JMCSS continues search for next superintendent

JACKSON, Tenn — The first step in passing the baton of leadership in the Jackson-Madison County School System.

“It’s really important finding the right leader for our district,” Board Chair Bob Alvey said.

Tuesday, six of the nine school board members met for a phone conference with the Tennessee School Boards Association. They are a possible search firm to help find the next leader.

“They have historically done searches for many of the districts across the state and they’ve done searches for Jackson-Madison County previously,” Alvey said.

The phone conference took place in the board room and board members had the chance to ask questions and hear what the firm had to offer and how they would screen candidates.

TSBA Executive Director Tammy Grissom joined the board via phone.

“What are the good things that are going on in the JMCSS you would like to see continued, the second question is what are the problems or challenges a new superintendent would face coming into your district?,” Grissom asked.

Current superintendent Verna Ruffin will step down from the position at the end of the school year which makes this crunch time to find her successor.

“I think the ideal time frame would be in the May or June time frame so that we can have some kind of overlap time with Dr. Ruffin so there could really be some kind of baton toss,” Alvey said.

He also said the board has high expectations for the next leader.

“The big thing the boards really looking for is someone who has a strong academic background, someone who has experience as a superintendent and the board talked a lot about someone with local ties with the district,” said Alvey.

The board will further discuss either conducting the search themselves or going with an agency at next Monday’s work session.

The final decision is expected to come at next Thursday’s official board member.