News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Van Buren County Director of Schools Jared Copeland announced his resignation during a special called Board of Education meeting Wednesday.
The Board of Education accepted Copeland’s resignation letter and Copeland will serve as director until February 7. Copeland said he is resigning to take a position with the Tennessee Department of Education.
“I’m a firm believer that to everything there is a season and I carry that belief with me through this decision,” Copeland said. “I appreciate the opportunity you have given me to lead this amazing school system, it has been an honor. I love our students and our staff and I know that these are some of the finest people in the world we truly have something special here.”
The board decided to hold off on naming an interim director. Board Member Barry Austin said he wanted to do preliminary work before naming an interim director.
“How do we know who wants to be interim director,” Austin said. “I mean no, that’s the thing we vote and say we want that person and then they can say no and then we are another month away.”
The board will further discuss the interim director position and name an interim director in a special called meeting on January 15 at 5:30pm. Board Member Davy Shockley said he would like to see some stipulations put in place for the interim director position.
“As interim I don’t think they should do the hiring and firing and moving people around in such a short time without board approval,” Shockley said. “Cause you move people around that’s done. You start firing people that’s done and you can’t redo that.”
Copeland said he will serve as the District Technology Engagement Manager in his new role with the state. Austin said he was thankful for Copeland and the board taking a chance on a young guy paid off.
“I really think Jared has done a good job over the past two years with the Van Buren County School System,” Austin said. “I wish he wasn’t going that’s why we hired him but I do wish him the best in his further endeavors with the state.”
