Jackson-Madison Schools honors educator fellows, student SCOPE delegates and rising young musician

Superintendent Dr. Marlon King recognized a cohort of 12 educators who completed the Jackson-Madison County Schools Educator Fellowship, presenting plaques and fellowship jackets and praising the program as a year-long professional development initiative that built policy knowledge and communication skills.

Dr. King described the fellowship as designed to "lift and raise educator voices" and listed fellows by school, including Jordan Billingsley (Southside High School), Teia Buntton (JCM), Chris Clark (Madison Academic), Jerry Emmens (North Side High), Tamara Forner (Arlington Elementary), Ashton Guard (Pope School), Leslie Galarian (Project Search/community partner), Tony Rei, Andrew Robinson, Scott Shackleford, Caroline Yarro and Jana Young. Bob Sparks was recognized as facilitator and designer of the fellowship.

The board also recognized student delegates who attended the Tennessee School Boards Association SCOPE conference at Belmont University: Kamura Hurt (JCM Early College High), Kennedy Taylor (Liberty High) and Connor Webster (Southside High). Attendees noted that 367 students statewide elected officers for the next conference and that Connor Webster was chosen by peers to serve as second vice president for the 2027 SCOPE general session.

In a separate arts spotlight, the board highlighted seventh grader Caleb Bond, who advanced quickly in band and auditioned successfully for the Jackson Youth Symphony, winning the tuba chair over older applicants. Dr. King noted the district's investment in the arts and said the instrument for Caleb cost approximately $3,000.

Board members praised the district's commitment to arts and student leadership and thanked chaperones and staff who supported student participation.