There are now three finalists in the running for director of schools

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF)- The Campbell County Board of Education will meet in a Special Called meeting on Mon., March 16, 2026, 5pm.
The meeting will take place in the lower conference room of the Central Office.
The purpose of the meeting is to discuss and take any necessary action regarding the Director of Schools applicants interview process.
After a 6-4 vote earlier in the week at Tuesday’s regular monthly meeting, Nancy Lay, the interim director, is now a finalist to become the next director of schools. Previously, it was decided that the interim director would not be eligible to be in the running to become the permeant director. Finalists recommended by TSBA include Lori Adkins-Clemons, Elementary Supervisor, Campbell County Schools, Jacksboro, and Charlotte McCoy, Special Education Supervisor, Campbell County Schools, Jacksboro.
Adkins-Clemons, Lay and McCoy are the three finalists. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-03/16/2026-6AM)

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Transparency and integrity should matter when it comes to decisions about our schools.
Changing the rules in the middle of a search for a new Director of Schools doesn’t just look questionable — it makes the six school board members who supported it appear untrustworthy and lacking integrity. When rules are set at the beginning of a process, they should apply to everyone equally from start to finish.
The interim director knew from the start that the position was not open to her under the original terms. If she wanted to be considered for the job permanently, that should have been made clear from the very beginning so the process could have been handled honestly and transparently.
At this point, the right thing to do would be for Nancy Lay to step aside and respect the original rules that were put in place.
Otherwise, it leaves the public wondering if the outcome was already decided long before the search even began. If that’s the case, then why was $15,000 spent on a search process that ultimately recommended two candidates who were already local? It makes it feel like the “search” was just for show — and that any outside candidates never really stood a chance.
Our community deserves better than a process that looks predetermined. We deserve transparency, fairness, and leadership that values integrity over political maneuvering.
Yes, Ms. Lively. I agree.