Hickman County TN

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

School Board · Meeting · Jan 22, 2026

Thu, Jan 22, 2026

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 meeting focused on two substantive matters: a lengthy review of the school system’s OPEB retiree-benefit trust and an initial narrowing of applications for the next director/superintendent search. On OPEB, the board heard updated projections showing the trust had grown to about $3.4 million–$3.5 million as of 12/31/2025, with recent annual benefit payouts still relatively small, but with long-term outcomes heavily dependent on market growth, insurance inflation, and how broadly the board extends eligibility to non-certified retirees. No final policy change was made; members asked for additional legal and program guidance before deciding whether and how to expand benefits.

The other major item was the records review of superintendent/director applications. The board agreed it did not need to hire an outside search firm, tentatively narrowed the field to four candidates for interviews, and sketched an interview process for February 7 with February 21 discussed as a snow backup. Other notable threads included the possibility of equalizing some retiree support for non-certified employees, concern over whether unused OPEB funds could be repurposed later, catered interview-day meals for candidates, and a board member’s announcement that he will not seek another term.

New Business / Agenda Items 12:01

OPEB trust review and possible benefit changes 12:10

  • 12:30 Administration presented updated OPEB scenarios first reviewed in September, using what was described as more realistic modeling rather than the earlier broad worst-case assumptions.
  • 13:10 Current eligibility rules were restated for employees hired before July 1, 2015:
    • 30+ years: 55% of single premium and 30% of family premium.
    • 20–29 years: 45% of single premium and 25% of family premium.
    • 10–19 years: 35% of single premium and 15% of family premium.
  • 14:18 The trust balance as of December 31, 2025 was reported at about $3.4 million, “almost $3.5 million,” showing continued growth.
  • 14:23 Reported recent payouts for school year 2025 were about $20,000 for medical insurance and $26,000 for Medicare supplemental reimbursement.
  • 15:01 The presentation tied retiree eligibility to TCRS early retirement standards, described as age 55 with 25 years of creditable service.
  • 15:20 For calendar year 2026, estimated Medicare supplemental reimbursements were given as:
    • 15:20 $1,615 for 30+ years
    • 15:29 $325 for 20–29 years
    • 15:29 $254 for 10–19 years
  • 15:45 Members were reminded that retirees pay supplemental premiums during the year and are reimbursed in December; by contrast, the pre-65 medical portion is billed and paid during the year.

OPEB participation counts and current exposure 16:08

  • 16:08 There are 179 active full-time employees hired before the 7/1/2015 cutoff.
  • 16:16 Of those, 83 already meet eligibility requirements and are currently taking insurance.
  • 16:29 Another 43 certified employees meet the other requirements but are not currently taking insurance.
  • 17:34 There are 53 non-certified employees in the pre-2015 group; 28 currently take school insurance and 25 do not.
  • 17:43 Of those 53 non-certified employees, 17 are already over age 65, meaning they would not use the pre-Medicare medical portion in the same way; that was cited as one reason some expansion scenarios do not materially change trust duration as much as might be expected.
  • 16:48-17:25 Discussion clarified that employees do not have to stay continuously on the plan for decades; someone nearing retirement who qualifies can move onto the insurance within the required window and become eligible.

OPEB modeling assumptions and projected depletion dates 18:19

  • 18:19 The scenarios assumed 8% annual OPEB fund growth, described as conservative compared with recent results.
  • 18:19 Recent historical growth over the last 8 years was stated as 11.37%.
  • 18:56 Medical insurance inflation was modeled at 6% annually, based on recent employer-plan experience since 2018 and short-term projections.
  • 19:23 The cost assumption used 75% of projected maximum cost for currently eligible participants and for some scenarios involving future participation by employees not currently on the plan.
  • 20:01 Medicare supplemental costs were projected out for about 20 years past age 65, based on average lifespan assumptions.
  • 21:07 Under a certified-employees-only scenario, with 75% of max cost and 75% participation among those currently eligible plus those who might later join, the fund could run out in 2056.
  • 21:37 A second certified-only scenario with only 50% of currently nonparticipating certified employees eventually joining projected depletion in 2067.
  • 21:53 If all certified and non-certified employees in the eligible hire-date group participated at a 75% level, the fund could run out in 2047.
  • 22:21 A “more likely” blended scenario using 75% participation among current users and 50% / 50% participation by currently nonparticipating certified and non-certified employees projected depletion in 2065.
  • 23:08 A lighter-participation scenario using 75% / 25% / 25% projected depletion in 2069.
  • 23:48 Administration said actual average time on the pre-65 medical benefit is probably closer to 3.5 to 4 years, implying a practical cost exposure closer to about 67% rather than 75% for many retirees.
  • 24:10 Members were warned that even a 2% change in assumed trust growth materially alters the projections.
  • 24:20 When modeled at 60% cost instead of 75%, only one scenario showed the fund running out at all.
  • 24:32 Administration emphasized these were not actuarial studies and said a formal actuarial model would require paying an outside expert.

Board discussion on OPEB risk, fairness, and legal obligations 25:54

  • 25:54 Board discussion emphasized that some current participants have already been using the benefit since the program began, and that the medical side eventually ends when retirees reach Medicare age, while the supplemental reimbursement can continue for life.
  • 27:04 Members noted that earlier program changes had increased long-term exposure compared with the original structure, but also that the eligible population is finite because of the 2015 hiring cutoff.
  • 28:01 Current annual spending was estimated at about $50,000 to $60,000 this year, with about $60,000 spent last year.
  • 28:17 Administration estimated roughly 10 people could retire at full benefit this year, while noting many employees work beyond first eligibility and often retire closer to ages 62 or 63.
  • 29:37 Members remarked that the trust had grown roughly $400,000 over the last few years; administration responded that $400,000 alone could cover current spending for about 8 years without touching principal.
  • 30:12 One member suggested the fund could possibly double in 7 or 8 years, but administration cautioned that higher benefit use and rising supplemental costs would also compound over time.
  • 31:12 It was said the latest eligible participant may not reach age 65 until around 2058, with supplemental reimbursements potentially continuing to 2078 or beyond.
  • 31:53 Administration cautioned that if trust growth fell to 6%, depletion dates would move up by roughly 10 years, and that a few bad market years combined with larger annual claims could rapidly weaken the fund.
  • 32:28 Members asked how unusual the benefit is among school systems. It was described as uncommon, with Shelby County named as the largest example and only about half a dozen or more other systems participating.
  • 33:48 A key unresolved question was whether the board would have any legal obligation to continue benefits if trust funds were exhausted. The response was that the trust and prior resolution appear to define the benefit as available until funds are exhausted, but legal confirmation was requested before any policy expansion.
  • 34:47 Members said they did not want to “rush and lose it” for employees hired before 2015 who may have counted on it as part of their long-term benefits package.
  • 35:31 It was noted the trust originally started with $500,000 and has grown by almost $3 million, which several members cited as evidence that it has been a successful investment for employees.
  • 35:41 One board view favored keeping support to bridge retirees only until age 65 for some groups, while discussing whether professional and non-professional employees should be treated differently or more equally.
  • 36:42 Administration explained a major structural difference: licensed/certified retirees receive a state contribution or reduction on retiree medical premiums, while non-licensed/non-certified retirees do not.
  • 37:03 For the current year, a maximum licensed family-side retiree premium example was given at $5,233, while the non-licensed family-side maximum example was $9,516.
  • 38:17 Administration said one equalization scenario simply carried over the same dollar amount paid on certified retirees to non-certified retirees; because only about 36 non-certified employees would be materially affected after removing the 17 already over 65, the impact on depletion years was described as limited.
  • 39:09 The chair asked members to review scenarios and send follow-up questions before a February 16–17 legislature/program meeting in Franklin, where clarification could be sought.
  • 39:46 Administration said it would seek input from Scott Bennett and TSBA on the legal questions, especially obligations if funds run out and restrictions on any remaining balance.
  • 40:10 Another unresolved issue was what happens if all eligible employees cycle out and money remains in the trust. Members believed the money belongs to the system but wanted clarification on any usage restrictions.
  • 40:44 Several members voiced a policy preference to “find the happy medium” and provide at least some benefit to non-certified employees, while still avoiding a structure that strands millions of dollars unused or creates legal problems later.
  • 41:22 At the same time, administration warned that future annual benefit payouts could rise toward $200,000 or even $250,000 if participation broadens, and that market losses at the wrong time could sharply change the outcome.
  • 43:03 No motion or vote was taken on OPEB. The matter was left for additional scenarios, legal clarification, and later board action.

Superintendent/director search applications and interview planning 45:41

  • 45:41 The board turned to records/applications for the director/superintendent search and said members had reviewed the application packets.
  • 45:58 One application packet reportedly contained a clerical error naming Smith County instead of Hickman County, but the board treated that as non-substantive.
  • 46:19 Members agreed the applicant pool was good enough that the board did not need to hire an outside search firm; one member said paying $8,000 to $10,000 for a search was unlikely to produce a better pool.
  • 46:42 Consensus was to proceed with current applicants rather than restart or outsource the search.
  • 48:32-50:57 Members informally screened out some applicants for distance, weaker fit, or lack of required experience, including discussion of applicants from Virginia, Arizona, and Memphis/Shelby County.
  • 49:00 One applicant was described as not meeting the board’s stated criteria, with only a master’s in arts/philosophy and limited teaching/administrative experience; members indicated that applicant could be dropped at this stage.
  • 51:26 A working shortlist of 4 candidates emerged:
    • 51:41 Marcy Tidwell
    • 51:41 James Stone
    • 51:41 Melinda Anderson
    • 57:20 Philip Nelson of Bartlett
  • 51:59 Board members recalled that James Stone had interviewed previously and had worked in the local system before; that prior familiarity was mentioned as a positive.
  • 52:27 Several members explicitly agreed with proceeding with those four, while leaving open the possibility of revisiting other applications later if needed.
  • 53:07 The board discussed interview format, referring to attorney-provided sample questions as a starting point.
  • 53:34 Members favored repeating a prior model where each board member interviews candidates individually in separate rooms, but with a modification.
  • 54:22-55:57 A revised process gained support: each candidate would first give one presentation to the full board, then rotate through shorter individual interviews so the candidate is not forced to repeat the same pitch seven times.
  • 55:20 Candidates’ prior materials such as first-100-day plans were referenced as useful examples of what the board wants to hear.
  • 56:13 The board clarified it did not want candidates listening to each other’s presentations; instead, each would appear alone before the full board and then proceed to individual sessions.
  • 57:47 The board directed preparation of letters and email notices to shortlisted candidates.

Interview scheduling, meals, and next-step process 58:03

  • 58:03 Members agreed email should go first for speed, even if formal letters also follow by mail.
  • 58:16 The board tentatively targeted Saturday, February 7 for interviews.
  • 59:46 A start time of 10:00 was discussed as workable.
  • 1:00:18 The planned sequence was: all candidates present to the whole board first, then lunch, then individual interviews.
  • 1:00:33 Members wanted to narrow the field further the same day while impressions were still fresh rather than waiting for another meeting.
  • 1:01:13 It was estimated the opening group presentations would take around 2 hours, followed by lunch and the individual sessions.
  • 1:01:35 Members agreed the board should provide lunch for candidates, both as hospitality and to allow informal interaction time.
  • 1:01:45 Possible caterers mentioned were Llana’s and Fish Camp.
  • 1:02:25 Candidates would be told to prepare a presentation of about 30 minutes or less to “sell yourself,” with the public also able to hear those presentations.
  • 1:03:08 Members said the blended whole-board-plus-individual format follows advice previously received during the earlier Paul hiring process.
  • 1:03:49 Final confirmation of the date was delegated pending calls to the candidates.
  • 1:04:27 Because of winter weather concerns, the board also wanted a backup date identified in advance.
  • 1:05:03 February 21 was suggested as the backup “snow day” date, with the same time if needed.
  • 1:05:15 No formal vote was recorded on the shortlist or interview date; the discussion reflected board consensus and direction to staff/leadership to contact candidates.

Announcements 1:04:23

Board member not seeking another term 1:05:33

  • 1:05:33 A board member announced he will not seek a second term on the school board, saying the decision was personal and not connected to current board issues.
  • 1:05:51 He clarified he had signed papers for a county commissioner in the 5th District, but was not himself running for that office.
  • 1:06:07 He said he intends to continue working through August and assist with transition to the new director.

Adjournment 1:07:18

  • 1:07:18 Motion to adjourn was made and seconded.
  • 1:07:25 The motion passed by voice vote.

Key figures and statistics

Figure Type Context / topic Timestamp
30+ years Service threshold OPEB eligibility tier 13:10
55% Percentage Single premium support for 30+ year OPEB tier 13:10
30% Percentage Family premium support for 30+ year OPEB tier 13:20
20–29 years Service threshold OPEB eligibility tier 13:20
45% Percentage Single premium support for 20–29 year OPEB tier 13:20
25% Percentage Family premium support for 20–29 year OPEB tier 13:27
10–19 years Service threshold OPEB eligibility tier 13:27
35% Percentage Single premium support for 10–19 year OPEB tier 13:27
15% Percentage Family premium support for 10–19 year OPEB tier 13:36
July 1, 2015 Date OPEB hiring cutoff 13:36
December 31, 2025 Date Trust balance date 14:18
$3.4 million Fund balance OPEB trust balance reported 14:18
Almost $3.5 million Fund balance OPEB trust balance rounded estimate 14:18
$20,000 Expense SY25 medical insurance OPEB payout 14:23
$26,000 Expense SY25 Medicare supplemental OPEB payout 14:32
2026 Year Calendar year used for benefit examples 14:41
55 Age TCRS early retirement age cited 15:01
25 years Service threshold TCRS early retirement service cited 15:01
$1,615 Reimbursement Medicare supplemental reimbursement for 30+ year retiree 15:20
$325 Reimbursement Medicare supplemental reimbursement for 20–29 year retiree 15:29
$254 Reimbursement Medicare supplemental reimbursement for 10–19 year retiree 15:29
179 Headcount Active full-time employees hired before 7/1/2015 16:08
83 Headcount Eligible employees currently taking insurance 16:16
43 Headcount Certified employees eligible but not currently taking insurance 16:29
53 Headcount Non-certified employees in pre-2015 group 17:34
28 Headcount Non-certified employees currently on school insurance 17:34
25 Headcount Non-certified employees not on school insurance 17:34
17 Headcount Non-certified employees already over age 65 17:43
8% Percentage Assumed annual OPEB fund growth in modeling 18:19
8 years Time period Historical period cited for actual trust growth 18:19
11.37% Percentage Actual trust growth over prior 8 years 18:19
12% to 14% Percentage range Long-term stock/mutual fund range cited in discussion 18:40
6% Percentage Assumed annual insurance premium growth 18:56
2018 Year Start point for experience used in insurance inflation estimate 18:56
75% Percentage Assumed projected cost level used in primary scenarios 19:23
65 Age Medicare transition point used in OPEB discussion 19:45
20 years Time period Supplemental reimbursement projection after age 65 20:01
2056 Year Earliest depletion year in certified-only 75% scenario 21:29
2067 Year Depletion year in lower certified participation scenario 21:37
2047 Year Depletion year if certified and non-certified all participate at 75% 21:53
2065 Year Depletion year in blended “more likely” 50/50 scenario 22:21
2069 Year Depletion year in lighter participation scenario 23:08
3.5 to 4 years Time period Estimated average duration of pre-65 medical benefit use 23:48
67% Percentage Approximate practical cost exposure estimate 23:48
2% Percentage Growth-rate change said to materially alter projections 24:10
60% Percentage Lower-cost scenario that rarely depleted the fund 24:20
6 years Time period Common upper-end duration referenced for some retirees on medical side 26:12
10 years Time period Rare longer duration referenced for some retirees on medical side 26:19
$50,000 to $60,000 Expense range Estimated current-year OPEB spending 28:01
$60,000 Expense Prior-year OPEB spending 28:09
10 people Headcount Approximate number who could retire at full benefit this year 28:17
62 or 63 Age range Common later retirement ages mentioned 29:08
$400,000 Growth amount Approximate trust growth over recent years 29:37
8 years Time period How long $400,000 could cover current spending, per discussion 29:50
7 or 8 years Time period Possible doubling window suggested for the trust 30:12
3% Percentage Lower-return example raised in discussion 30:31
2058 Year Approximate latest age-65 year for eligible participant 31:12
2078 Year Possible end point for supplemental benefits 31:20
6% Percentage Lower trust-growth scenario said to shorten life by about 10 years 31:53
10 years Time period Approximate earlier depletion under 6% growth scenario 31:53
2015 Year Reemployment/eligibility cutoff year referenced again 33:22
$500,000 Initial funding Original OPEB seed amount 35:31
Almost $3 million Growth amount Increase since original OPEB funding 35:31
65 Age Age where one member suggested some benefits could stop 35:51
$5,233 Premium example Licensed/certified retiree maximum family-side example 36:55
$9,516 Premium example Non-licensed/non-certified retiree maximum family-side example 37:19
36 Headcount Approximate non-certified group materially affected after removing over-65 employees 38:39
February 16–17 Dates Program/legislative meeting in Franklin for follow-up questions 39:09
$200,000 Expense Possible future annual OPEB benefit spending 41:22
12 years Time period Rule-of-72 doubling example 41:39
$100,000 Expense Example of doubled annual payout after 12 years 41:48
20 people Headcount Example added participation used in discussion 41:57
$250,000 Expense Example higher annual payout with broader participation 41:57
$8,000 to $10,000 Contract cost range Outside search-firm cost the board said it could avoid 46:31
February 7 Date Tentative interview date 47:52
8:30 Time Existing game time affecting one member’s availability 48:03
9:15 Time Time after which one member said he was free 48:03
4 Headcount Tentative number of superintendent finalists to interview 51:41
100 days Time period Candidate planning horizon referenced from prior materials 55:20
10:00 Time Tentative candidate interview start time 59:46
2 hours Time period Estimated time for whole-board candidate presentations 1:01:13
30 minutes Time period Candidate presentation length discussed 1:02:25
February 21 Date Proposed snow backup interview date 1:05:03
5th District District County commissioner district mentioned in announcement 1:05:51
August Date / time period Board member said he would serve through August 1:06:07

External vendors, brands, and software

Name Type Context / topic Timestamp
TCRS Software Retirement system referenced in explaining early-retirement eligibility 15:01
Scott Bennett Individual Contact to be consulted on OPEB legal/program questions 39:46
TSBA Company Legal guidance requested on OPEB obligations and restrictions 39:46
PSBA Company Meeting where Hickman County’s OPEB participation was praised 44:01
Llana’s Company Possible catered lunch for superintendent interview day 1:01:45
Fish Camp Company Possible catered lunch for superintendent interview day 1:01:45

Personnel changes

Name Role / office Change Context / topic Timestamp
Tim Hobbs Board of Education Chairman, District 3 Not seeking another term Announced he will not run again and expects to serve through August 1:05:33

Laws and policies

Citation / name Level Type Context / topic Timestamp
July 1, 2015 OPEB eligibility cutoff School Policy Hire-date cutoff limiting who may qualify for the retiree benefit 13:36
TCRS early retirement rules State Rule Age 55 and 25 years of service cited to explain retirement eligibility assumptions 15:01
Prior OPEB resolution School Resolution Cited as stating benefits continue until trust funds are exhausted; legal confirmation requested 34:05

Files

This document is the OPEB Quarterly Report for the period from October 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, prepared in January 2026. It includes an Account Activity Summary detailing the beginning and ending values of investment accounts, additions, and withdrawals, as well as a breakdown of dividends and interest earned during the reporting period. The report highlights significant financial activities, including contributions, fees, and investment earnings, providing a comprehensive overview of the account's performance. The information is intended for illustrative purposes and emphasizes the importance of verifying details against official statements from Morgan Stanley.