Weakley County Schools is celebrating School Board Appreciation Week, a time dedicated to recognizing and honoring the invaluable contributions of our dedicated school board members. These individuals play a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape of Weakley County and its surrounding areas, working tirelessly to enhance the lives of students.
Weakley County Schools extends heartfelt appreciation to Gath Meeks, District 1 (Dresden and Palmersville); Beau Atkins, District 2 (Gleason); Jeff Floyd, District 3 (Greenfield); Vice Chair Martin Hamlin, District 4 (Sharon); Wendell Cates, District 5 (Martin); Steve Vantrease, District 6 (Martin); Doug Sims, District 7 (Martin); John Hatler, District 8 (Martin); and Chairman Josh Moore, District 9 (Dresden). Patricia Adams, Bookkeeper for the Director of Schools, has served as the Board Secretary for 14 years.
District 9 Representative Josh Moore, elected as Board Chair in October 2023, credits strong leadership and the unified efforts of board members for shaping an environment of collaboration and success.
“I’m truly thankful to be part of this work and to step into a role that has been well-served by Mr. Steve Vantrease and Dr. Gordon Morris. Both incredible leaders worked hard to unify our board, strengthen collaboration, and support the great work of teachers and students in our district. I’m looking forward to much more collaboration with community stakeholders and county leadership in the sustained success of our schools. It’s an honor to serve, facilitate, and encourage the great work of our schools and our county,” emphasized Moore.
Each school board member exemplifies a special commitment to students and families, each represented community, and the county as a whole. The role demands dedication, professionalism, and a focus on collaboration for the greater good. Effective leadership, teamwork, compromise, respect, and selflessness are essential characteristics for the position. Their commitment goes beyond personal interests, ensuring that the needs of students and the community are valued first.
According to Chairman Moore, the board has a collaborative and united methodology.
“We’re committed to the concept of community schools, and we are proud of the communities that we each represent. Instead of allowing that to divide us, we use it to empower us to make important decisions collectively as a unified board with a shared vision of how we want to see students, faculty, and staff thrive,” stated Moore.
Vice Chairman Martin Hamlin acknowledges that effective leadership creates a positive impact with clear outcomes.
“The results of the hard work of students, teachers, and staff are evident. We are very encouraged by recent achievements, a few of which include securing the 16th highest ACT composite score in the state, 16th highest spring 2023 third grade ELA TCAP scores in the state, two Tennessee Rewards Schools Distinctions, and Dresden Elementary’s National ESEA Distinguished Schools selection. The hiring process for a new and thriving Director of Schools is another proud achievement for the board. I can tell you that every member is grateful to be a part of a team that puts policies in place to help foster an environment of innovation and success districtwide,” Hamlin expressed.
“Education impacts everyone and the school board is here to serve,” added Chairman Moore. “As the liaison between the schools and our communities, we invite and encourage citizens to contact us to make their voices heard. The policies that we implement aim to enhance the school experience and provide a foundation for success in the classroom. Each voice is a crucial contributor to every success achieved by our schools. Everyone shares in each accomplishment as an integral part of our collective achievements."
In celebration of School Board Appreciation Week, join us in acknowledging the dedication and service of the Weakley County School Board by sending a word of thanks or encouragement to a board member, or to your nearest school.
“We’re thankful for the dedication and hard work of our School Board,” added Director of Schools Jeff Cupples. “Our board puts the needs of students first. They never fail to find a way to compromise with the best interest of each child at the forefront of their decisions. From the experience I have gained in this role, I can tell you that a board as strong as ours is rare. We are fortunate in Weakley County. This week and every week, we are grateful for our school board.”