Bartlett board unanimously approves extension of Superintendent Dr. David A. Stephens’s contract

The Bartlett City Board of Education voted unanimously Dec. 12 to extend the contract of Superintendent Dr. David A. Stephens.

David M. Cook II, chairman of the Bartlett City Board of Education, opened the special-called meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the district auditorium and said the purpose was to consider a contract extension for the superintendent. Board member Bryan Woodruff led the meeting’s invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Chairman Cook read a letter from board member Erin Berry, who was absent because of a work conflict. In the letter Berry wrote, "Tonight, as the Board votes to approve your contract, although I am unable to be there, know that I wholeheartedly vote yes, so we can continue the wonderful work we are doing at BCS."

Following the reading, Mr. Bryan Woodruff moved to approve the superintendent’s contract extension; Mr. Brad Ratliff seconded the motion. The board recorded the vote as: Erin Berry, absent; David M. Cook II, aye; Shirley Jackson, aye; Brad Ratliff, aye; Bryan Woodruff, aye. The motion passed 4–0.

The meeting packet and the public transcript do not specify the financial terms, length, or other provisions of the extension; those details were not stated on the record.

The board approved the meeting agenda earlier in the session by motion of Mr. Woodruff and a second from Mrs. Shirley Jackson. The special-called meeting adjourned at 5:39 p.m.

A follow-up public materials release or the district office may provide the full contract text or additional details about the extension on request.