CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Bradley County Schools Director Johnny McDaniel’s contract has been extended by a year.
Bradley County Board of Education members added the fourth year on Thursday, making it the longest contract allowed by state law, board Chairman David Kelley said.
On the board’s evaluation, Mr. McDaniel’s performance showed an almost perfect score.
“These are some of the highest (scores) I’ve ever seen for a director-of-schools evaluation,” Mr. Kelley said.
“I know that the days that are upon us, with the advent of Volkswagen and Wacker and many others coming here, it’s going to affect education,” he said. “What I have seen as a board member is a visionary attitude on the part of our director.”
Terry McGuire, vice chairman, said the county has been blessed both with elected superintendents and now its first and second appointed schools director.
RATING THE DIRECTOROut of a possible 5.0 for each category:Board relationship: 4.93Community relationship: 4.98Staff/personnel relationship: 4.97Educational leadership: 4.97Business/finance: 5.0Strategic planning: 4.86Source: Bradley County Board of Education
“We had four real winners,” he said of the applicants who sought the director’s job. “At our regional and state meetings, you get into pockets of conversation where they talk about boards and directors and their relationships. It lets you know we’ve got the real deal.”
Mr. McDaniel said the school system’s success is due to teachers, parents, administrators and the board.
“We have teachers who love teaching. They love children,” he said. “Many of them feel this is a life’s calling.”
Two county board members — Troy Weathers and Mark Grissom — were absent Thursday. Mr. Weathers sent word, however, that he was out of town on business but supported extending Mr. McDaniel’s contract.
Earlier in the week, the Cleveland Board of Education approved the form for its evaluation of City Schools Director Rick Denning. The evaluation will come later in the year.