JMCSS Board named 2025 TSBA School Board of the Year

JMCSS Board Named 2025 TSBA School Board of the Year

JACKSON, TN — The Jackson-Madison County School System (JMCSS) was selected as the 2025 School Board of the Year on Saturday, November 15, during the Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA) Conference and Annual Convention in Nashville. This marks the second time in three years that TSBA has recognized JMCSS with its highest board honor—an achievement underscoring distinguished governance across Tennessee’s 147 public school districts.

Each year, TSBA presents the School Board of the Year award to a district that demonstrates exemplary service, strategic leadership, and a sustained commitment to student success. Selection is based on multi-layered criteria, including attainment of TSBA’s Board of Distinction status; evidence of effective policy development and monitoring; strong strategic planning; and clear examples of how boards promote high-quality education through communications, legislative engagement, and community involvement. Additional consideration is given to the professional growth of individual board members through TSBA development activities.

The JMCSS School Board includes Chairman Harvey Walden, Vice Chairman Jason Compton, Parliamentarian Andre Darnell, Legislative Liaison Glen Gaugh, Chairman Pro Tem Shane Barnes, TLN Representative Andrea Michelle Givens-Moore, Debbie Gaugh, James Johnson, and Marcia Moss. While these locally elected leaders bring diverse perspectives and do not always vote in unison, they remain united in their commitment to keeping students at the center of their decision-making. Their collective service reflects a steady and collaborative approach to governance that has strengthened the district’s trajectory during a period of transformational growth.

All nine Board members joined Superintendent Dr. Marlon King for a photo following the September Board meeting. In an incredible show of unity, Board officers for 2025-2026 were unanimously selected that night.

Chairman Harvey Walden praised the district’s staff for their daily dedication and emphasized the Board’s ongoing commitment to thoughtful leadership. “Our teachers and support staff do extraordinary work every single day, and we are grateful for their dedication to students and families,” Walden said. “As a Board, we remain committed to doing what we campaigned on—thoughtful policy development, collaboration with Superintendent Dr. King, and engagement with all stakeholders—because we understand the vital role public education plays in the strength and future of our community.”

Greater Jackson Chamber President and CEO Kyle Spurgeon said recognitions like this reinforce what the region’s business and industry partners have observed over the past several years. “Awards of this magnitude confirm what the business community has realized for some time—our public school system is improving in ways that directly strengthen the profile of Jackson and Madison County,” Spurgeon said. “The progress within JMCSS, coupled with the unity and productivity of this School Board, is elevating that profile even further.”

JMCSS Board members accept the 2025 TSBA School Board of the Year Award on Saturday, November 15, in Nashville. The theme of the weekend was “Boots on the Ground for All Students.”

Superintendent Dr. Marlon King expressed his admiration for the Board, both as a JMCSS employee and as a parent. “This Board has been masterful in accomplishing the twin responsibilities of fostering unity while providing support and oversight,” Dr. King said. “Each Board member has an area of focus, and they do incredible work walking alongside me and my team. Their partnership has been instrumental in the progress we’ve made, and it’s been an honor to collaborate with them on behalf of our students and families.”

Notably, both Jason Compton and Harvey Walden were recognized on Saturday for earning Level 5 Master Board Member status, reflecting their commitment to board excellence and professional development.

While the makeup of the board has evolved since JMCSS was last named School Board of the Year in 2023, one constant has been the leadership of Dr. King. Since joining the district and the Jackson-Madison County community in 2020, he has guided generational improvements—from the opening of the Pre-K–8 Pope School and the Malesus STEM Innovation Center to the launch of the Hub City Central Complex. The Board has also invested deeply in teachers and staff through initiatives such as the Individualized Investment in Every Employee Progression Plan (IEP²) and the weCARE Wellness Program.

Ongoing professional development and annual Board retreat sessions further strengthen the district’s five-year strategic plan, known as the ABC Report, which is continually refined through engagement with district chiefs and department leaders. Together, the board and superintendent have built a culture of accountability, innovation, and forward momentum—one now recognized statewide.

JMCSS is honored to receive the 2025 TSBA School Board of the Year award and remains committed to serving students, families, and the broader community with excellence.

Board Officers pose for a picture after their appointment to their respective roles. Chairman Harvey Walden, Vice Chairman Jason Compton, Parliamentarian Andre Darnell, Legislative Liaison Glen Gaugh, Chairman Pro Tem Shane Barnes, and TLN Representative Andrea Michelle Givens-Moore.

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