The last of three candidates to interview for the position of superintendent of the Jackson-Madison County School system said he’s prepared to change the perception of the system.
“I’m a realist,” Joel (Joey) Hassell said. “I’d like to think every day is perfect, but we face a lot of challenges. But this is bigger than Jackson and Madison County, it’s about West Tennessee.”
But it’s a position Hassell – the principal at Ripley High School – believes he can handle, and he said as much during an opening statement before the Jackson-Madison County Board of Education at City Hall, Friday.
“I’m here to show you I want to be your superintendent,” Hassell said. “You need me to be your superintendent. Everything we do, the students have to be first. I worry about public education in our country and in our state.”
Hassell not only believes he is the person for the job, he believed the same thing 11 years ago when he was a finalist for the same position when the Jackson-Madison County School System searched for a new superintendent.
If selected, Hassell would add to an impressive educational resume.
Before becoming principal veRipley High School, Hassell left the superintendent’s position in Lauderdale County to become assistant commissioner, special populations and student support for the Tennessee Department of Education.
The Lambuth University graduate and native of Gibson County also served as the superintendent of the Lake County School System, and principal of Lake County High School.
“I believe in the power of public education,” Hassell said. “I’m a product of public education. Our best advertisement is the students who graduate from Jackson-Madison County Schools. It starts with the school … the student will get what they need (while) making sure relationships are meaningful.
“I have to be a cheerleader for your school system. One way to build trust is to deliver what you promise.”
Hassell was asked about his public relations skills, listening and leadership abilities, employees, budgeting, building morale and servant leadership, but he seemed to command his most attention when he discussed problem solving.
“It seems our students (at Ripley) like to deal with conflict through fighting,” Hassell said. “That’s not the way to solve a conflict.”
Hassell said walking away from a conflict or discussing the issue with a teacher was one solution, but there was a better idea.
“A reward program,” Hassell said. “If there are no (incidents) for 25, 50, 75 or 100 days, the class gets a reward. They like rewards, and they hold each other accountable.”
Hassell, Dr. Eric Jones and Tammy Knipp were the three finalists recommended by the Tennessee Student Board Association for the position to succeed outgoing superintendent Dr. Verna Ruffin.
The nine-member board of education is scheduled to meet at 1 p.m., Saturday at Central Office, to compare notes and study the information compiled on each candidate by the 12 people who made up the advisory committee for the superintendent search.
Bob Alvey, chairman of the board of education, said board members are looking to see how Hassell, Jones and Knipp match up against the criterion.
“We have three really good people, and (selection) is going to be a hard job,” Alvey said. “But it’s a good problem to have.”
David Thomas, Twitter – @DavidThomasWNWS
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