MADISON Co, (March 21, 2017 – Jackson-Madison County Schools board choose Dr. Eric Jones as the new school superintendent.
The decision doesn’t come as a surprise. Several board members showed early interest in hiring the former Jackson Central Merry principal even before the search process began.
Board members voted 8-0 for Dr Jones in a Tuesday night meeting. Board member David Clifft abstained but not because of the candidates. Clifft explained he is not opposed to Dr Eric Jones or to Dr Tammy Knipp. Clift said the board did not do its due diligence in going far enough in the search.
Eric Jones, Tammy Knipp and Joel Hassell were selected by the Tennessee School Boards Association as the three candidates for the superintendent position after 25 applicants applied for the job. Clifft said for the board to only interview 3 applicants was not sufficient. “I’m not bitter or upset Dr. Jones was selected; I will work with him and support him to the best of my ability.” said Clifft.
Chairman Bob Alvey said he was pleased the board was unanimous behind Jones and is excited to get to work. Alvey said 8 board members voted for Jones and the board member who abstained didn’t have a problem with either candidate.
School board chairman Bob Alvey released a statement Tuesday night after the meeting, “Tonight the School Board voted to call Dr Eric Jones as the next Superintendent for JMCSS Schools. It was a very hard decision as both candidates were excellent. I think Dr Jones will make a great leader for the district and will make student learning a priority and support and encourage our staff to do this in an excellent fashion. The Board worked hard with TSBA help to find a great leader, and I think we did that tonight. Thanks to everyone who participated in the process and gave the board feedback and thoughts on how to proceed with the search and the candidates. All of the involvement was greatly appreciated.”
In community meetings, and from expressions of those who have had previous experience, there is a general consensus that Dr Jones is a leader and a team builder. Supporters say people “want” to work for him and he inspires those around him. Leadership abilities was a highly touted skill the board had for a new leader.
Dr Eric Jones currently works with the National Institute for School Leadership in Washington, D.C.. The board members discussed Jones contract offer and generally agreed they should start around $160,000.
In recent meetings, outside of superintendent search issues, the board has been very focused on several critical areas of concern. Chairman Bob Alvey said literacy results, capital needs and teacher and staff morale are some of the issues the new superintendent will have to address immediately.
No start date has been set but some board members want Jones on the job as soon as possible.
