Community input sought in school director search; Thu. meeting planned

‘We want to put this in the hands of the people as much as we can’- Jeffrey Miller, chairman, BOE

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- Looming budget concerns. Less than expected test results. Loss of students. These are just some of the challenges that lie ahead for the Campbell County Board of Education and the next director of schools. “We are at perhaps the most critical time ever in the history of our schools,” said Jeffrey Miller, chairman of the Board.

If it was up to you to select the next director of schools for Campbell, what are the qualifications you would expect the DOS to have? On Thursday, Jan. 15 you’ll have a chance to say exactly what you think. “We want everyone’s input, and I think this is a way to do just that,” said Miller.

On Thursday, Jan. 15, at noon, at The Grand on Central, mayors, county commissioners, city council members and aldermen, business leaders and member of the school board will meet. There’ll be a light lunch served in a meet and greet session, according to Miller. Then, all those in attendance will be given a survey to express their expectations.

“At 2pm, members of the central office staff, supervisors, principals and assistant principals will convene at The Grand on Central. They’ll have their chance to complete their surveys,” said Miller. Representatives with the TSBA, the Tennessee School Boards Association, will be there all day facilitating the process, according to Miller.

Scheduled to complete surveys at 3pm will be all classified employees. Following that session, all teachers are invited by at 4pm to offer their input by way of a survey.

“Now, at 6pm, is when we want everyone else to stop by The Grand and fill out their survey, a community forum. We want to put this in the hands of the people as much as we can,” said Miller.

“The folks at TSBA will develop a model from all the surveys. They’ll have a committee match the criteria to the applicants. From there, they will send us their top three candidates. Next will come a public interview process and eventually the vote for the new director,” said Miller.

“We want to make this as transparent and as fair as possible,” said Miller. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-01/09/2026-6AM)