Candidate Hargrove stresses teacher support, safety and early literacy in Coffee County director interview

Mister Hargrove, a candidate for Coffee County director of schools, told the Board of Education during an interview that his top priorities would be supporting teachers, improving foundational literacy and strengthening school safety.

Hargrove emphasized support for classroom teachers as the central lever for student success, saying, “Our number 1 job is to support the teachers in the classroom, because that's where the rubber meets the road.” He described administrative support, coaching and clearer expectations as the practical steps he would use to raise employee morale and improve instructional results.

The candidate framed early literacy as foundational to later performance on the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP), saying instruction must start “in kindergarten” and that by third grade students should be “reading to learn.” He pointed to Response to Intervention (RTI) teams and small-group instruction as tools for closing reading gaps and said growth that amounts to “a year plus” is his operational measure of success.

On nutrition policy, Hargrove described the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) as largely positive because it eliminates stigma and ensures students get breakfast and lunch, but he also flagged unanswered fiscal questions. “The last thing you want to do is cut Title I money that supports the learning that goes on,” he said, and recommended the district’s finance staff (referred to in the interview as Miss Cotton) review CEP’s effect on federal funding streams such as Title I and E-rate.

School safety was repeatedly described as “priority No. 1.” Hargrove said safety planning requires a partnership with the county sheriff, school resource officers and federal partners where appropriate. He noted the district’s geography — with schools far apart — creates logistical differences in evacuation and staging that require school-by-school security planning.

Asked about discipline and restorative approaches, Hargrove said clear expectations, consistent policy and invested school leadership are essential. He voiced support for restorative practices and for giving teachers classroom-management training, saying, “If you support teachers, they're gonna be happy.” He added that increases in behavior issues since the COVID-19 pandemic make consistent investment in climate and discipline more urgent.

Hargrove discussed parent and community engagement strategies including literacy nights, small-group parent conferences for upper elementary grades, regular communications (weekly emails and apps such as ParentSquare), and open community meetings. He said the district should survey parents to learn how they prefer to receive information and use a mix of methods — hard copy, social media and apps — to reach the majority.

On extracurriculars, Hargrove described athletics, arts and academics as complementary “hooks” that help engage students. He also advocated celebrating school successes publicly through local media and social media to strengthen community support.

The candidate outlined an evaluation approach used elsewhere — Project Coach — that emphasizes unannounced, coaching-oriented observations rather than a “dog-and-pony show.” He described it as a tool for more actionable feedback and greater administrative time to support teachers.

Hargrove closed by stressing transparency, relationship-building and leading “with hope.” The board chair said the board will meet again for a work session and a special called meeting before making a decision.

Ending: The board did not take a formal vote at the interview. The board chair said additional interviews remain and the board will convene again to continue the hiring process.