Jerry Boyd Resigns As Superintendent Of Schools

Putnam County Superintendent of Schools Jerry Boyd has resigned from the position.

Boyd submitted his resignation letter to school board members Tuesday afternoon. He said ongoing personal reasons led him to resign from the job.

“It has been an honor for me serve the Putnam County School System for the past 23 years as a teacher, principal, curriculum supervisor, technology supervisor, assistant director of schools, and director of schools for the past eight years,” Boyd said. “No words can adequately express the true level of admiration I have for the educators and all that support them in our schools and across our school system that serves our students with the greatest commitment, passion, and compassion.”

School Board Chairman Dawn Fry said the news shocked and saddened her.

“He’s been an asset to our school system and he’s vested in it,” Fry said. “He was a student here, so he truly loved the students of Putnam County and wanted to see our schools system grow and be the best that it could be.”

The school board has scheduled a special-called meeting for 5 p.m Wednesday. Fry said the board will accept Boyd’s resignation during the meeting and name an interim director of schools.

“We are going to continue on,” Fry said. “This board is committed as much or more to our schools system than it ever has. We are going to build on all of the extraordinary things that Mr. Boyd has put in place and instilled in us. We’re going to continue to be a great school system.

Boyd’s resignation comes as the school system prepares to build a new school in southwest Cookeville. School board members met with the county commission earlier this month to discuss the design and cost estimates for the project.

Putnam County Commissioner Mike Atwood addressed Boyd’s resignation during Monday’s meeting.

“I think we need to be in prayer and thought for our schools board they look to make changes. It’s a big change,” Atwood said. “We’re in the middle of school building ideas, so I think we need to be aware and talking to those that we can in support of that.”

The school board approved a one-year contract extension for Boyd during last month’s meeting.