Board moves to revive consideration of director of schools contract extension; vote set for next meeting

On Oct. 21, 2025, the Smith County Board of Education voted to take from the table an agenda item concerning whether to offer a contract extension to the director of schools, identified in the meeting as "Mr. Smith." The board voted to place the item back on next month’s agenda for an immediate vote on extension.

Board members explained the need to act so the district can either begin a hiring process or proceed with contract negotiations in a timely manner. Board members discussed possible next steps if the extension is not approved: advertise the position, accept applications, screen candidates through the attorney’s office, and schedule public interviews. One board member said the district typically allows about six weeks for applications and suggested aiming to have a successor in place by April 1 so the new director could shadow the incumbent before the school year ends in June. The board also noted there are statutory timing constraints tied to elections and qualifications for the position but did not cite specific statutes.

A motion to take the item off the table and place it on the agenda for the next meeting was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. The meeting record shows members voting "Aye" with no opposing voice recorded; the chair announced the motion passed. The board said the item will be the first matter at the following meeting so members can vote to approve or deny the contract extension then.

The board did not at this meeting vote on whether to grant the extension itself; it only voted to bring the matter up for an immediate decision at the next meeting. The meeting record indicates both options—granting an extension or initiating an open search—are being considered and that Mr. Smith may apply for the position if it is opened.