Hickman County TN

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Proverbs 4:7

School Board · Meeting · Mar 11, 2023 · 8:00 AM

Sat, Mar 11, 2023

Hickman County Board of Education meetings, including regular sessions and special called meetings.

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This outline was generated by an LLM from a transcript and may contain errors or inaccuracies. Prefer the original recording when available.

The special-called session centered on public interviews for the next Director of Schools, followed later by a public forum and the board’s final action. After interviewing multiple finalists on leadership, academics, budget management, school safety, culture, CTE, dual enrollment, bullying, and transparency, the board voted 6–1 to extend an offer to John Mullins for Director of Schools, subject to contract negotiations. One board member urged a delay to gather more public input, but the majority said the published process had been followed and they were ready to decide.

Other substantive business included approval of an HVAC installation bid tied to previously separated equipment purchases. The board discussed the added controls and fresh-air functionality, questioned cost and unit counts, and approved the labor bid with a unanimous recorded vote. Recurring themes throughout the day included teacher morale, perceived nepotism/favoritism, communication with the board and public, social media attacks on staff, school bus driver shortages, testing burdens, support for high-achieving students, and maintaining SROs and nurses at every school.

Call to Order; agenda approval 15:01

  • 15:47 Agenda approved without controversy, apparently 7–0.

New Business / Agenda Items 16:03

Director of Schools public interviews 16:03

  • 16:12 The board began finalist interviews, using a common format: opening statement, standardized board questions, and closing statement, with each candidate allotted 30 minutes.

Candidate interview: Johnny Crowe 17:58

  • 17:58 Opening statement: Crowe described himself as a product of Hickman County Schools, a former teacher at East Hickman Middle and Hickman County High, later a principal and Tennessee Department of Education official; said the job felt like a calling and pledged to rededicate his career to students and families.
  • 20:12 On motivation and qualifications, Crowe said he lacked prior superintendent experience but pointed to school management, financial management, personnel management, communication, and a claimed school-turnaround record at East Hickman Middle.
  • 21:32 On visibility, he said he would be highly visible in schools and the community and wanted employees and citizens to approach him without fear of retaliation.
  • 22:34 On achievement, he said lower grades were within roughly 5–6 percentage points of state averages in measured areas, but performance dropped around sixth grade, especially in math, to about 20 percentage points below state average; said that level was unacceptable and in the lower quartile statewide.
  • 23:37 To address academics, he emphasized meeting first with teachers and administrators before making personnel changes, then identifying needs such as aligned curriculum, instructional materials, and professional development.
  • 24:36 On dual enrollment, he had not deeply researched the local program but said the key issue was ensuring coursework transfers for students whether they attend Freed-Hardeman University, a Tennessee Board of Regents institution, or another college; suggested possible expansion through added coursework or more institutional partners.
  • 26:11 On CTE, he said business contacts reported students were prepared for entry-level work but argued the district should invest more, mentioning practical skills, computer use, diagnostics, electric vehicles, and updated cosmetology practices.
  • 27:20 On critical race theory, he opposed it, describing it as a philosophy critiquing laws as inherently unfair toward minorities.
  • 28:39 On gender issues, he said he personally believed there are only two genders but also said a director must follow Supreme Court decisions, congressional action, and state law.
  • 29:35 On extracurriculars, he said they are essential to community-building and student development; cited East Hickman Middle participation at about 70% across sports, drama, quiz bowl, Junior Beta, band, choir, and similar activities.
  • 31:10 On supporting athletics, he emphasized community involvement, communication, quality facilities, affordable admission, and appreciation for students and parents.
  • 32:40 On budget experience, he cited managing a school discretionary budget of about $75,000 as principal and overseeing $28 million in Title II / No Child Left Behind grant funding across 54 school systems over 4 years, with no audit or compliance findings.
  • 34:00 On funding formulas, he gave a basic description of BEP and said he was not yet very familiar with TISA.
  • 35:24 On complaints, bullying, and favoritism:
    • 35:24 Said complaints from students, parents, or staff should be investigated and, if they involve law or board policy, taken to proper authorities and reported back as appropriate.
    • 36:20 Said bullying exists in person and on social media and would not be tolerated, including adult bullying.
    • 37:02 Said he opposed nepotism; acknowledged small districts may have related employees but said direct supervision conflicts should be avoided.
    • 37:50 Said trust would be rebuilt through communication, meetings with administrators and staff, and visible support for employees doing the right thing.
  • 38:32 On the first 90 days, he said he would do a deep evaluation of test scores, value-added data, personnel performance, curriculum alignment, and school climate.
  • 40:29 Closing statement: thanked the board and community, said he had support for about 8 months, and said he wanted students to leave proud to say they were products of Hickman County Schools.

Candidate interview: Kevin Edney 44:09

  • 44:09 Opening statement: Edney thanked the board and community and said he was excited to be there.
  • 45:08 On motivation and qualifications, he said he began his teaching career in Hickman County and had also served as principal at Hickman County High for 3 years; said he had worked at elementary, middle, and high school levels over 27 years.
  • 46:46 On visibility, he said he is known for being constantly present in schools and active in community events.
  • 47:52 On achievement, he identified reading in elementary grades as an area needing attention, while noting some high-school growth and strength in science.
  • 48:47 He attributed some learning gaps to pandemic disruption, saying some middle school students had effectively just returned to their first full year in school after 2 years of disruption; urged steady, researched interventions rather than quick fixes.
  • 51:12 On dual enrollment, he said he was principal when the partnership with Freed-Hardeman University began and supported expanding course offerings based on student interest and family communication.
  • 53:14 On CTE, he said he loved CTE and cited students earning industry certifications before graduation, including one through Columbia State Community College.
  • 53:53 He said middle-school career awareness and computer science expansion beginning in 2024 would create additional CTE opportunities; cited helping start a barber program at Columbia Central.
  • 54:28 On CRT and gender issues:
    • 54:50 Said teachers should teach state standards and facts, not outside ideological content.
    • 55:39 Said student gender concerns should involve counselors and parents and should not be decided by educators alone; emphasized family communication.
  • 56:53 On extracurriculars, he said he was a product of sports, band, and plays, and saw extracurriculars as discipline-building and confidence-building beyond athletics.
  • 58:39 On athletic support, he said he already attends games widely and would support all schools rather than favoring one program.
  • 59:58 On budget experience, he said he contributes annually to school budgeting at the building level, had attended commission meetings to explain spending needs, and understood county line-item budgeting, though he had less direct experience presenting a district budget.
  • 1:01:49 On BEP and TISA, he said BEP was driven by enrollment and teacher funding, while TISA ties dollars more directly to student needs.
  • 1:02:28 He described TISA as assigning different values to students based on need, saying one student might be worth about $1,100 and another $1,600.
  • 1:03:24 On complaints and bullying:
    • 1:03:24 Said he would listen first, verify whether concerns had been addressed at the school level, and only escalate with facts.
    • 1:04:49 Said bullying involves misuse of power and should be handled quickly under the code of conduct and state ethics rules.
    • 1:06:19 Said transparency in postings and opportunities is the remedy for perceptions of nepotism and favoritism.
  • 1:07:27 On the first 90 days, he said he would accept the job, meet individually with board members, bring the community out to meet him, talk with administrators, teachers, and students, and move to Hickman County from Columbia.
  • 1:09:51 On office time versus field time, he said a perfect world would be 80/20 with 80% spent out in schools and 20% in the office, though he said 65/35 might be more realistic.
  • 1:11:17 Closing statement: promised transparency, motivation, and visible representation of Hickman County Schools.

Candidate interview: Bill Hall 1:14:37

  • 1:14:45 Opening statement: Hall introduced himself as Billy M. “Bill” Hall, said he had 34.5 years in education and had served the past 12 years as director of the Scott County School System.
  • 1:15:34 On motivation and qualifications, he said Hickman County’s layout and demographics resembled his home area and that he wanted a professional challenge with a strong community.
  • 1:16:30 On visibility, he said visibility and communication are paramount and described a long habit of knowing students personally.
  • 1:17:57 On achievement, he said math was a major need in his own district and described hiring math coaches, using PLCs, training, and teacher collaboration as the kind of response he would bring.
  • 1:18:36 He said his district had already hired a 6–12 math support person and that math struggles are a statewide trend.
  • 1:19:48 He saw Hickman County’s ELA results as relatively stronger and said listening to staff would be central to improvement planning.
  • 1:20:54 On dual enrollment, he had not researched Hickman’s exact setup but said his own children left high school with 21 college credit hours through similar arrangements; supported strengthening community-college and university partnerships.
  • 1:22:15 On CTE, he said the local offerings appeared adequate and aligned with workforce preparation.
  • 1:23:10 On CRT and gender issues, he said he aligned with the governor in keeping CRT out of classrooms and said a male transgender athlete should not be in a female locker room.
  • 1:24:06 On extracurriculars and athletics, he emphasized his coaching background, said coaches should be strong educators first, and said he would review whether coaches are paid adequately for their time.
  • 1:27:22 On budget management, he said that as a director for 12 years he worked closely with a budget director over general purpose, federal, and school nutrition funds, monitored line items, requisitions, and purchase orders, and maintained required signoffs under the “81 act” as he described it.
  • 1:29:43 On TISA, he said it would move school health, family resource, and perhaps SRO-related grant items into district budgeting and provide more flexibility, especially for teacher pay.
  • 1:31:41 On complaints, bullying, and favoritism:
    • 1:31:41 Said he would hear all sides before forming an opinion.
    • 1:32:44 Said true bullying cases must be handled effectively, reported to the state, and reported to the board.
    • 1:35:06 On nepotism, he acknowledged his own daughter had once been named principal before he became superintendent, creating issues despite her competence; said he would focus on whether people are doing the job effectively.
  • 1:38:17 On accepting the job, he was candid that he had since received a new contract at home for at least 3 and possibly 4 years, so acceptance would depend on prayer and family discussion.
  • 1:40:41 Closing statement: said he would hit the ground running if chosen and would not approach the job for political gain.

Candidate interview: John Mullins 1:55:30

  • 1:55:30 Opening statement: Mullins said he had spent the last 4 years retired, gardening and fishing, after a 36-year school career in Mississippi and Alabama, including 21 years as superintendent—4 years in Tishomingo County and 17 years in Arab City Schools.
  • 1:56:50 He said he believed he retired too soon, had not finished what he was supposed to do professionally, and felt called to return to work.
  • 1:58:12 He said he was 63 years old, healthy, energetic, and believed leadership in schools was his gift.
  • 1:59:14 He described Tishomingo County as a rural county of about 20,000 people with 1 red light and 60% free/reduced lunch, arguing that he understood poverty, grandparents raising children, and families impacted by incarceration.
  • 2:00:18 He offered an example of personally teaching 5 classes for 6 weeks when a ninth-grade teacher faced personal problems, saying he would not let students go without instruction.
  • 2:01:24 He said he would get to know every employee he could, hold everyone accountable, and maintain old-school expectations for behavior.
  • 2:03:00 On motivation, he cited prayer, similar rural-county experience, and family proximity to a daughter in Nashville and grandchildren ages 5 and 2.
  • 2:04:35 On visibility, he said he would be extremely visible—principals in his previous district had nicknamed him “Kudzu” because he was everywhere.
  • 2:06:49 On achievement, he congratulated the district for growth in 9 of 11 tested areas and said he preferred the term “opportunities for growth” rather than “weaknesses”; identified math, especially end-of-course math, as a major need and ELA EOCs as relatively strong.
  • 2:08:59 On dual enrollment, he emphasized rigor and the need to remove economic barriers so lower-income students can participate.
  • 2:10:15 On CTE, he cited the 2023 State of Education in Tennessee report by SCORE, saying 47% of 2021 graduates pursued postsecondary education, meaning 53% did not; argued this made CTE critically important.
  • 2:11:10 He said credential attainment under TISA can generate additional district funding and described the “four E’s” goal: enrollment, enlistment, employment, and entrepreneurship.
  • 2:12:20 On CRT and gender issues, he said Tennessee law passed in 2021 bars critical race theory and established 14 prohibited concepts; said the district should teach only the state curriculum and not teach gender issues or LGBTQ issues in pre-K–12.
  • 2:14:16 On extracurriculars, he included arts, band, FFA, and FBLA, saying they build self-esteem and life skills.
  • 2:16:29 He said he would earmark funds so lower-income students could access band instruments and said caring adults in extracurriculars positively change student lives.
  • 2:17:58 He said that over roughly 225 football games as superintendent he missed only 2, underscoring his expected visibility at events.
  • 2:18:57 He specifically noted the need for fairness between the county’s two school zones, saying if one elementary school got a playground, another would need one too.
  • 2:20:12 On budget management, he said he had managed budgets for 21 years with no audit irregularities.
  • 2:20:40 He praised Mr. Elkins’s handling of local finances and said he looked forward to learning from him.
  • 2:21:10 On TISA, he said districts receive a base of $6,860 per student plus adjustments for sparse population, free/reduced lunch, special education, literacy, math, credentialing, and ACT 21 performance; criticized TISA for not sufficiently addressing teacher pay and for directing too much money to charter schools.
  • 2:23:04 On complaints, he said he would respond quickly, fairly, and in tandem with principals, emphasizing prevention where possible.
  • 2:25:33 On bullying, he offered a detailed definition centered on power imbalance; said unresolved bullying can lead to attendance decline, poor grades, depression, violence, and self-harm.
  • 2:27:33 He said he had read the Hickman County Times since December 1 and knew bullying had already surfaced in public comments; identified buses and playgrounds as hot spots requiring supervision.
  • 2:29:24 On favoritism, he said he would interview by committee rather than alone, using principals, assistant principals, central-office leaders, and veteran teachers as appropriate to help hire the best person for children.
  • 2:31:24 He used an example of refusing to put someone with 5 DUIs on a bus route, stressing safety and principled hiring over favors.
  • 2:32:35 On the first 90 days, he said he would focus on acquaintance, acclimation, staffing every position, and ensuring equipment and textbooks are ready for the 2023–24 school year, especially given a new math adoption year.
  • 2:35:24 Closing comments became more pointed: he acknowledged division in the county, said he had listened to a recent board meeting, felt some remarks about him were untrue, and said he would address accountability for underperforming staff while helping those who lacked ability and motivating those lacking willingness.

Candidate interview: Wade Shipman 2:39:10

  • 2:39:20 Opening statement: Shipman said he had been married 33 years, had 4 children, nearly 34 years in public education, and 9 years as superintendent; held 2 master’s degrees, one in instructional leadership and one in instructional technology.
  • 2:41:04 On motivation and qualifications, he said search consultant Wayne Qualls contacted him based on prior interactions and that his county-system experience in Alabama with multiple communities fit Hickman County’s structure.
  • 2:42:40 On visibility, he said he had led local civic groups such as the Lions Club, participated in the chamber, and would schedule regular school visits, ideally at least once per school each week.
  • 2:44:44 On achievement, he said elementary and intermediate schools looked closer to target levels, while middle and high schools presented more challenges; said improvement starts with ensuring curriculum actually reaches classrooms, supported by observations, professional development, and better hiring.
  • 2:46:27 He compared educational improvement to “turning a ship,” arguing change takes time before showing up in results.
  • 2:48:55 On dual enrollment, he said his district had bought an auto parts store and converted it into a career center that became a dual-enrollment hub through partnerships with a local community college.
  • 2:50:10 He said the goal should be for some students to leave high school with about 1 year of college already completed.
  • 2:51:22 On CTE, he said he lacked detailed research on Hickman’s current programs but strongly supported pathways tied to higher education and workforce entry.
  • 2:52:49 On CRT and gender issues, he said the district should not be forced into conflict between federal and state directives and would work closely with what the state sends down; he said he would have difficulty supporting some of those issues but answered more cautiously than some other candidates.
  • 2:54:54 On extracurriculars, he said they are integral and should be funded across all schools rather than selectively.
  • 2:57:58 On budget management, he said he had managed district budgets of over $20 million in one system and nearly $20 million in another; explained that in Alabama the board approved budgets directly, unlike Tennessee’s added county approval layer.
  • 2:59:10 He said he had gone before a city council for support including bond money for a new school, but not through Tennessee’s county-budget process.
  • 3:00:13 On TISA, he said he was not familiar with the old BEP but believed TISA might improve support for special-needs populations that had been underfunded through federal aid.
  • 3:02:06 On complaints, he emphasized chain of command, principal responsibility, investigation, and board policy compliance.
  • 3:05:19 On bullying, he stressed documentation, harassment policy enforcement, and mental-health support where needed.
  • 3:07:35 On nepotism and favoritism, he said every system struggles with that perception to some degree; argued the answer is hiring the best people, whether local or not.
  • 3:10:18 He offered an example of a maintenance hire who fixed a water problem between Friday afternoon and Monday morning to illustrate that the best hire may still draw complaints from others who wanted the job.
  • 3:11:21 On the first 90 days, he said he would spend substantial time observing schools, catching up on planning already underway, reviewing procedures and board policies, and creating advisory groups for students, teachers, community members, and clergy.
  • 3:13:06 He said he would begin work on a new strategic plan to create a shared countywide vision.
  • 3:14:00 Closing statement: said his sole purpose would be to make the district better if selected.

Recess / break 3:53:24

  • 3:53:24 The board recessed for lunch from 12:00 to 1:00 and announced a public forum from 1:00 to 2:30.
  • 3:53:31 Attendees were reminded to submit town-hall questions in the lobby box.

Public Comments / public forum 5:19:01

  • 5:19:01 The moderator explained the format: questions submitted on cards would be grouped where possible, candidates would generally have 60–90 seconds each, and order would vary by question.

Process clarification and fairness 5:21:02

  • 5:21:02 The moderator put on the record that 2 of the original 8 applicants had withdrawn—one on Wednesday afternoon and one the prior night—leaving 6 finalists.
  • 5:21:41 Each finalist was asked whether he had advance knowledge of the questions; each denied it, and the moderator said the board also did not know the questions beforehand. This was offered to rebut claims of unfairness or prearrangement.

CTE expansion and course offerings 5:23:04

  • 5:23:04 Candidates broadly supported adding CTE courses such as drafting, computer graphics, radio/TV, and journalism if the budget allows and if the offerings align with local industry and student demand.
  • 5:24:46 One response specifically cited Governor Lee’s investment in CTE and TISA incentives for career pathways.

Retirees returning to work 5:25:26

  • 5:25:26 The two out-of-state retired candidates were asked why they wanted to come out of retirement.
  • 5:26:07 Wade Shipman said he reached retirement age, traveled, but realized he missed educational leadership and still had more to offer.
  • 5:26:59 John Mullins said he had hobbies but felt a spiritual calling to return to work, said this was the only job he had applied for, and cited both personal reasons and respect for Michelle Gilbert’s early notice about not seeking another contract.

Bullying or intimidation by board members 5:28:52

  • 5:28:52 Candidates were asked how they would address intimidation and bullying from board members.
  • 5:29:14 Responses consistently stressed direct conversations, relationship-building, and transparency.
  • 5:33:40 Mullins went further than some others, saying if a board member were bullying or intimidating someone, he would investigate it and directly tell the member that such conduct was unacceptable.

Preserving local culture and values 5:34:21

  • 5:34:21 Candidates were asked how they would preserve a county culture described by the questioner as predominantly evangelical and conservative.
  • 5:34:56 Most said they would not try to change community culture but would learn it and respect it.
  • 5:37:12 Crowe said he would hold community meetings around the county and stressed respect for others while not trying to change local culture.
  • 5:37:44 Mullins said schools and churches are in the same business of helping people, described partnerships such as food backpacks, clothing closets, and church gym use, and recounted a conflict with the Freedom From Religion Foundation after student-led prayer, saying legal advice forced a change to a moment of silence despite his personal disagreement.
  • 5:41:35 Shipman said he identifies directly with those values and had used a ministerial advisory group in prior districts.

Equality versus equity 5:43:02

  • 5:43:19 Candidates were asked their views on equality versus equity in the school system.
  • 5:43:35 Most answers were philosophical rather than technical, emphasizing fairness, opportunity, and resources for students at different levels.
  • 5:49:32 The moderator explained why the question mattered: Hickman County was among 85 Tennessee school systems that sued the state over inequitable funding, underscoring the policy significance of the distinction.

Board communication and updates 5:50:11

  • 5:50:11 Candidates were asked whether the board should only be advised when something happens.
  • 5:50:45 Every candidate rejected a “good news only” or “bad news only” approach; all said the board should be kept informed about both positive developments and emerging problems.
  • 5:52:20 Edney specifically said he would give weekly updates on what had happened and what was coming up.
  • 5:55:09 Mullins said as a former board member he knew the frustration of some members getting information others did not, and pledged proactive, equal communication to all board members and broader stakeholders, including media.

School safety; SROs; nurses; safety planning 5:56:36

  • 5:56:36 Candidates were asked if they would continue having an SRO and a school nurse at every school; all answered yes.
  • 5:57:18 They were then asked whether they would provide an updated safety plan within 2 years.
  • 5:57:51 All agreed, with several saying it should be updated faster than that and reviewed yearly or even semiannually.
  • 5:58:55 Shipman said school safety would be the first priority because failure there would overshadow everything else.
  • 5:59:34 Mullins warned that plans alone are not enough; procedures must be followed with fidelity so there are no gaps between policy and practice.

Bus transportation safety and driver shortage 6:00:19

  • 6:00:19 Candidates were asked about transportation safety, student behavior on buses, and the bus-driver shortage.
  • 6:01:09 Hall said his district also faced shortages, had posted public recruitment messages, raised pay, trained principals, had 2 mechanics who drove buses, and had 3 or 4 teachers who also drove; he stressed the shortage is nationwide.
  • 6:02:08 Mullins said he had used split routes successfully so one person drove the morning route and another the afternoon route; he had also recruited CNP workers for afternoon routes.
  • 6:02:58 Crowe said he had already discussed the issue with the local transportation director and believed incentives or benefits such as possible medical coverage would be needed to “sweeten the pot” for qualified drivers.
  • 6:03:50 Stone and Edney likewise argued for incentives, better recruitment, and local outreach.
  • 6:04:45 Edney noted his current school lives with the shortage daily and that the afternoon bus room lasts until about 3:40.

Social media attacks on teachers 6:06:36

  • 6:07:00 Candidates were asked how they would deal with social-media defamation of teachers.
  • 6:07:45 Shipman said the district must enforce board harassment and bullying policy, identify the people involved, investigate, and act accordingly; he also said districts should use social media proactively to tell their own positive story rather than only reacting.
  • 6:09:27 Edney called for policy review, digital citizenship, and consistent consequences.
  • 6:10:32 Stone said he would reach out directly to posters, ask what they want to resolve, and explain that attacking teachers also harms the school, district, and ultimately the student.
  • 6:12:37 Crowe distinguished between parents defaming teachers and students doing so, saying responses should involve parents, principals, and if necessary the director.
  • 6:14:07 Mullins said he would support teachers, ask whether complainants wanted a resolution or merely an audience, and insist on face-to-face problem-solving.
  • 6:15:35 Hall said he had recently dealt with such a situation where a parent later removed posts and made a public apology; added that if social-media conduct became threatening, he would involve the district attorney.

Testing load and high school scheduling 6:17:31

  • 6:17:42 Candidates were asked about standardized testing, the high school schedule, and whether block scheduling affects testing.
  • 6:19:46 Edney, speaking from a high-school background, said the current testing structure is too long, taking about 2.5 weeks and too much instructional time, but largely dictated by the state.
  • 6:23:04 Stone said the state gives schools a 3-week testing window and has reduced minutes somewhat, but students still take too many tests, especially in English and math.
  • 6:25:12 Crowe argued students should test with the teacher who taught the subject if possible because it gives comfort and may improve outcomes.
  • 6:26:31 Mullins framed testing as partly outside local control and said he would collaborate with teachers and principals for the most effective local administration.
  • 6:27:10 Hall noted testing season lasts 3 weeks each semester on a block schedule and said districts need accountability but also relief from the state.
  • 6:28:44 Shipman called testing a “necessary evil,” supported keeping math in a modified block so students do not have long gaps, and favored a modified block over a full block for some subjects.

Surveys of administrators and superintendent 6:30:19

  • 6:30:27 Candidates were asked how they would use teacher surveys evaluating administrators and the superintendent.
  • 6:31:19 Mullins said principal evaluations are highly important because principals strongly influence school effectiveness; he said survey information should be shared and used to help leaders improve.
  • 6:32:05 Several candidates said they would welcome surveys of their own performance, share results transparently, and use criticism for improvement rather than punishment.
  • 6:34:07 Stone emphasized that as superintendent one is accountable not just to the board but to the whole county, so the public deserves to know where performance stands.

High-achieving students and differentiated instruction 6:35:20

  • 6:35:20 Candidates were asked how they would grow high-achieving students while also requiring teachers to differentiate instruction across a wide range of abilities.
  • 6:36:23 Crowe said high-achieving students deserve as much attention as struggling ones and that the district should add advanced classes if affordable.
  • 6:37:22 Stone emphasized AP, honors, and dual enrollment plus extracurricular involvement that strengthens college applications and long-term outcomes.
  • 6:38:42 Edney discussed enrichment beginning in elementary and middle grades—STEAM, robotics, career awareness, and industry pathways—and cited 2 robotics teams at his school, one going to a state championship and another to worlds.
  • 6:41:38 Shipman discussed differentiated instruction, interventions, and STEM labs/maker spaces for all students, not just high performers.
  • 6:44:49 Mullins said high-school students often choose the path of least resistance and should instead be encouraged toward the most rigorous curriculum they can master; cited data that only 23% of local students earned the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship, worth about $25,000, and said he would want to increase that share.

Holistic support for students and staff 6:46:26

  • 6:47:05 The final grouped question asked whether candidates would pursue a holistic approach to stress, anxiety, and mental health for students, teachers, and staff.
  • 6:48:17 Shipman said a truly educational environment must account for communication, engagement, and mental health resources for all groups.
  • 6:49:38 Hall said his district’s AWARE grant/program allowed an extra counselor in every school focused on student mental health, with resources also available to staff.
  • 6:50:41 Mullins said children come to school hungry, traumatized, or neglected and must feel loved and that they belong before cognitive growth can occur; added teachers must feel respected and valued.
  • 6:51:43 Crowe said a holistic approach requires safe, stable, welcoming working environments in schools, the bus garage, cafeterias, and central office.
  • 6:52:30 Stone said making school a great place to work has a direct trickle-down effect to students because teacher stress and morale are visible in the classroom.
  • 6:53:58 Edney said teachers also carry heavy personal burdens and cited his school’s 414 students in grades five through eight as an example of the daily emotional load on staff; he described prayer, acknowledgment, and support systems as important.

Candidate one-minute closing statements 6:56:51

  • 6:57:16 Finalist closing remarks briefly restated qualifications and connection to the district.
  • 6:57:31 Edney emphasized his Hickman County roots and 27 years across school levels.
  • 6:58:54 Stone emphasized his earlier service in Hickman County and claimed experience turning around programs and schools.
  • 7:00:25 Crowe emphasized lifelong local ties and a claimed record of school turnaround.
  • 7:01:32 Mullins emphasized this was the only job he had applied for and quoted scripture on stewardship.
  • 7:02:48 Hall emphasized 34.5 years in education and that this was the first outside position he had ever sought.
  • 7:05:13 Shipman thanked the board and said he hoped they would choose the best fit, whether him or another finalist.

Special recognitions / thanks 7:06:58

  • 7:06:58 The moderator thanked Michelle Gilbert, Debbie, Amanda, and others for arranging snacks, drinks, sound, and livestreaming support for the day’s events.
  • 7:07:40 Audience applause recognized the finalists.

New Business / Agenda Items 7:19:52

HVAC bid for school system 7:20:00

  • 7:20:00 After returning from break, the board took up an HVAC bid. Staff explained the previous combined bid for HVAC units plus insulation had been rejected; the board had instead approved buying the units separately and rebidding labor separately.
  • 7:20:30 The matter before the board was the labor/installation portion. Only 1 company apparently submitted a bid.
  • 7:21:45 The installation proposal discussed was about $200,000.
  • 7:22:12 Staff asked the board to approve the bid; members questioned why the cost seemed high and what value the controls package provided.
  • 7:22:54 Staff said the package included temperature controls and fresh-air dampers so outside air could be brought into the buildings on a schedule, such as 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • 7:23:45 Staff explained the system would not prevent teachers from adjusting room temperatures within existing limits, but the fresh-air feature was intended to improve ventilation and building operation.
  • 7:24:26 Board discussion clarified that the units themselves had already been purchased and this bid was for installation only.
  • 7:24:43 A member asked how many installations were involved; staff estimated around 82, while acknowledging uncertainty.
  • 7:25:39 Staff noted the original combined bid for the two schools, including purchase, had been $1.941 million.
  • 7:26:20 Staff said certain controls could be added later if needed.
  • 7:26:53 Roll-call vote to approve the HVAC installation bid passed unanimously:
    • Miss Baker — yes
    • Mr. Gammons — yes
    • Mr. Hudgens — yes
    • Mr. Hobbs — yes
    • Mr. Lane — yes
    • Miss Mays — yes
    • Mr. Willis — yes
  • 7:27:24 Staff said work at any school in session would be done after school hours.

Director of Schools selection process and vote 7:27:33

  • 7:27:41 The board moved from interviews to selection.
  • 7:27:50 A motion was made to extend an offer of employment to John Mullins as the next Director of Schools.
  • 7:28:34 Board discussion clarified that the action should be framed as an offer pending contract negotiations.
  • 7:28:57 One board member opposed acting immediately, saying he had heard from many constituents over the prior weeks and wanted a few more days for additional public comment so the public would not think the board was ignoring them.
  • 7:30:44 Another board member responded that the board had followed the published timeline, had resumes for months, had conducted many conversations with candidates and community members, and was ready for a decision rather than delaying further.
  • 7:32:05 A second board member echoed that he had spent extensive time reviewing materials, calling people beyond listed references, receiving public input, and was ready to act.
  • 7:33:00 Roll-call vote on offering the position to John Mullins, pending negotiations:
    • Mr. Willis — yes
    • Miss Mays — yes
    • Mr. Lane — yes
    • Mr. Hudgens — no
    • Mr. Hobbs — yes
    • Mr. Gammons — yes
    • Miss Baker — yes
  • 7:33:19 Motion passed 6–1.
  • 7:33:28 The chair stated that negotiations would begin and that he and one additional person would serve as the negotiation committee; no separate motion was required.

Adjournment 7:34:08

  • 7:34:08 Motion to adjourn was made and seconded.
  • 7:34:16 Adjournment approved 7–0.

Key figures and statistics

Figure Type Context / topic Timestamp
30 minutes Time allotment Interview time allotted per candidate 14:22
7–0 Vote Agenda approval 16:03
25 years Time period Johnny Crowe said it had been about this long since he had been in the room 17:58
12 years Service length Crowe’s time working in Hickman County schools 18:14
2016 Year Crowe retirement from Tennessee Department of Education 18:30
2019 Year Crowe retirement from Trevecca 18:37
5–6 percentage points Performance gap Lower grades’ distance from state average, per Crowe 22:57
6th grade Grade level Point where Crowe said performance begins to decline 22:49
20 percentage points Performance gap Math decline below state average around middle grades, per Crowe 23:12
70% Participation rate East Hickman Middle extracurricular participation, per Crowe 29:51
$75,000 Budget Crowe’s discretionary school budget as principal 32:47
$28 million Grant funding Title II / No Child Left Behind funds Crowe oversaw 33:03
4 years Time period Crowe’s grant-management period 33:03
54 school systems Count Systems receiving grants under Crowe’s oversight 33:19
90 days Time period Crowe’s proposed initial evaluation period 38:40
8 months Time period Crowe said he had community support for about this long 40:37
3 years Service length Kevin Edney’s prior service as Hickman County High principal 45:40
27 years Service length Edney’s total education experience 46:27
2 years Time period Pandemic disruption referenced for some students 49:11
2024 Year Middle-school computer science / CTE expansion noted by Edney 53:53
$1,100 Funding amount Example lower-value student amount under TISA, per Edney 1:02:28
$1,600 Funding amount Example higher-value student amount under TISA, per Edney 1:02:35
90 days Time period Edney’s proposed initial transition period 1:07:36
80/20 Ratio Edney’s ideal out-in-schools vs office split 1:09:51
65/35 Ratio Edney’s more realistic field/office split 1:11:01
34.5 years Service length Bill Hall’s education career 1:14:53
12 years Service length Hall’s time as director of Scott County schools 1:16:23
6–12 Grade span Math support hire Hall described in his district 1:18:36
21 college credit hours Academic credit Hall’s children’s dual-enrollment outcome 1:21:20
12 years Service length Hall’s experience overseeing budgets as director 1:27:22
3 years Contract term Hall said he had at least this long under new contract 1:38:33
4 years Possible contract term Hall said possibly this long under new contract 1:38:33
4 years Time period John Mullins’ retirement length 1:55:38
36 years Service length Mullins’ total school career 1:55:54
21 years Service length Mullins’ total superintendent experience 1:56:09
4 years Service length Mullins in Tishomingo County 1:56:18
17 years Service length Mullins in Arab City Schools 1:56:18
63 Age Mullins’ age 1:58:12
20,000 Population Tishomingo County population, per Mullins 1:59:06
1 Count Red lights in Tishomingo County, per Mullins 1:59:14
60% Poverty measure Free/reduced lunch in Tishomingo County, per Mullins 1:59:14
5 classes Class count Classes Mullins personally taught while superintendent 2:00:18
6 weeks Time period Duration Mullins taught those classes 2:00:18
32-year-old Age Mullins’ daughter’s age 2:03:23
5-year-old Age Mullins’ grandson’s age 2:03:31
2-year-old Age Mullins’ granddaughter’s age 2:03:31
9 of 11 Growth measure Tested areas showing growth in Hickman County, per Mullins 2:07:17
2023 Year State of Education in Tennessee report cited 2:10:24
47% Postsecondary rate Tennessee graduates pursuing postsecondary education in 2021, per Mullins 2:10:31
53% Non-postsecondary rate Graduates not pursuing postsecondary education, per Mullins 2:10:48
2021 Year CRT law passage year cited by Mullins 2:12:20
14 prohibited concepts Policy count State CRT-related prohibited concepts cited by Mullins 2:13:08
225 Event count Approximate football games Mullins attended as superintendent 2:17:58
2 Event count Football games Mullins said he missed 2:18:07
21 years Service length Mullins’ budget-management experience 2:20:12
$6,860 Funding amount TISA base funding per student cited by Mullins 2:21:10
ACT 21 Score threshold Score Mullins said can generate additional TISA funds 2:21:48
5 DUIs Legal history count Example Mullins used when discussing hiring standards for bus driving 2:31:24
90 days Time period Mullins’ proposed initial transition period 2:32:35
2023–24 School year Mullins’ staffing and textbook readiness target 2:33:50
33 years Time period Wade Shipman’s marriage length 2:39:30
4 children Count Shipman’s children 2:39:39
34 years Service length Shipman’s public-education career 2:39:54
9 years Service length Shipman’s superintendent experience 2:39:54
2 master’s degrees Credential count Shipman’s graduate degrees 2:40:00
1 time per week Frequency Shipman’s goal to visit each school weekly 2:43:39
1 year Academic progress target College credit goal for some dual-enrollment students on graduation 2:50:10
$20 million+ Budget size One district budget Shipman managed 2:58:08
Nearly $20 million Budget size Another district budget Shipman managed 2:58:08
1–2 years Time period Shipman’s estimate before TISA impacts are fully understood 3:01:17
2,000+ Attendance count Trunk-or-treat turnout cited by Jim Stone 3:19:25
68% Retention rate Teacher retention at one school identified by Stone 3:24:52
90% Retention rate Typical retention at other schools, per Stone 3:24:52
6–8 years Time period Curriculum investment horizon Stone cited 3:27:45
Ford, General Motors, Nissan Industry set Employers Stone referenced when discussing CTE expansion 3:30:52
10 different attributes Funding factor count Student attributes under TISA as described by Stone 3:40:21
12:00 to 1:00 Time period Lunch break announced 3:53:24
1:00 to 2:30 Time period Public forum announced 3:53:31
60–90 seconds Time allotment Candidate answer limit in public forum 5:20:39
8 Applicant count Original number of applicants, per moderator 5:21:09
2 Withdrawal count Applicants who withdrew 5:21:17
6 Finalist count Final candidates remaining 5:21:24
85 District count Tennessee systems said to have sued over inequitable funding 5:49:39
2 years Time period Safety-plan update interval asked by moderator 5:57:26
2 mechanics Personnel count Mechanics driving buses in Hall’s district 6:01:34
3 or 4 teachers Personnel count Teachers driving buses in Hall’s district 6:01:42
3:40 Time of day Edney said his bus room runs until about this time 6:04:54
2.5 weeks Time period Testing duration criticized by Edney 6:20:18
3-week Time period State testing window referenced by Stone 6:23:04
2 robotics teams Team count Edney’s current school robotics teams 6:39:36
12 years old Age Career-awareness testing age cited by Edney 6:40:24
23% Scholarship rate Hickman County students earning HOPE Scholarship, per Mullins 6:45:21
$25,000 Scholarship value Tennessee HOPE Scholarship amount cited by Mullins 6:45:36
414 Enrollment/headcount Students in Edney’s current middle school grades 5–8 6:54:24
27 years Service length Edney’s experience restated in final forum closing 6:57:51
34.5 years Service length Hall’s experience restated in final forum closing 7:03:02
12 years Service length Hall’s director experience restated in final forum closing 7:03:26
1 Bidder count Companies submitting the HVAC labor bid 7:20:30
$200,000 Expense HVAC installation bid discussed 7:21:45
7:00 a.m. Time Example start time for scheduled fresh-air intake 7:23:52
3:00 p.m. Time Example stop time for scheduled fresh-air intake 7:24:00
82 Unit/install count Approximate number of HVAC installations discussed 7:24:43
$1.941 million Expense Original combined HVAC/insulation bid for two schools 7:25:39
6–1 Vote Offer to John Mullins pending negotiations 7:33:19
7–0 Vote Adjournment 7:34:16

External vendors, brands, and software

Name Type Context / topic Timestamp
Trevecca Company Employer Crowe joined after retiring from the Tennessee Department of Education 18:30
Freed-Hardeman University Company Dual-enrollment partner discussed by Crowe and Edney 25:10
MLEC Company Employer/utility referenced by Crowe when discussing former students and CTE preparation 26:25
Columbia State Community College Company Source of student industry certification cited by Edney 53:29
SCORE Company Publisher of the 2023 State of Education in Tennessee cited by Mullins 2:10:31
Andy Griffith Brand TV reference used by Mullins in discussing how closely he had studied the county 2:34:15
Auburn Brand University referenced by Shipman regarding his youngest child 2:39:47
Lions Club Company Civic organization Shipman said he had led in his community 2:42:40
Ford Company Employer referenced by Stone in discussing CTE opportunities 3:30:52
General Motors Company Employer referenced by Stone in discussing CTE opportunities 3:31:00
Nissan Company Employer referenced by Stone in discussing CTE opportunities 3:31:00
Freedom From Religion Foundation Company Organization Mullins said challenged student prayer in a previous district 5:39:18
Facebook Brand Social media platform repeatedly referenced in bullying/defamation discussion 36:36
WKNX Brand Media outlet Mullins said he would cultivate for communication transparency 5:56:20
Hickman County Times Company Newspaper Mullins said he had been reading since December 1 2:27:33
Steve Harvey Brand Edney reference while discussing morale and showing care for staff 6:54:55

Personnel changes

Name Role / office Change Context / topic Timestamp
John Mullins Director of Schools candidate Offered position Board voted to extend offer for next Director of Schools, pending contract negotiations; approved 6–1 7:27:50

Laws and policies

Citation / name Level Type Context / topic Timestamp
No Child Left Behind Federal Law Crowe cited oversight of related Title II grant funds as part of his budget-management experience 33:03
Title II Federal Policy Federal education grant funding cited by Crowe in discussing financial oversight 33:03
Board policy School Policy Candidates repeatedly said complaints, bullying, and staff conduct must be investigated and measured against board policy 35:58
Code of conduct School Policy Edney said bullying discipline should be handled under the code of conduct 1:05:47
State code of ethics State Code Edney cited state ethics rules in handling bullying/staff conduct 1:05:47
TISA State Policy New Tennessee school funding formula discussed by all candidates in relation to budgets, staffing, CTE, and student-based funding 1:02:05
BEP State Policy Former Tennessee funding formula compared against TISA 33:53
14 prohibited concepts law State Law Mullins cited the 2021 Tennessee law barring CRT-related concepts in schools 2:13:08
Harassment policy School Policy Shipman said social-media attacks and bullying should be addressed under board harassment policy 3:06:11
81 act State Law Hall cited required signatures on purchases under what he described as the 81 act 1:28:48
Tennessee HOPE Scholarship State Policy Mullins cited low participation and scholarship value as a reason to push rigor for high-achieving students 6:45:21