Wilson To Retire In June

Huntsville, TN (2011-02-01) The Director of the Scott County School System will step down in June, retiring after 43 years in public service and education.

Sharon Wilson, Director of the Scott County School System, formally announced Tuesday night she would leave her appointed office on June 30, 2011, the end of her current contract. Wilson has been the Director of the local district for the last four years.

Wilson was appointed Director of the County Schools in 2007, after the Scott County Board of Education opted not to renew the contract of then Director, Mike Davis. Wilson was selected from a field of three finalists, which included Davis and Knoxville educator, Emerson Hall. Originally, Wilson was given a three year deal, and later a one year extension was granted.

During Tuesday night’s work session, the Board of Education verbally agreed to start the process of finding a new Director. “(It’s) a time consuming process,” commented Scott County Attorney John Beaty. After Board Chairman James D. (Jim) Sexton suggested the Board set a date for a special-called work session at its next regular meeting, which will be held Thursday, February 10, 2011. Beaty suggested the Board utilize the special called work session to create a structure for the hiring process, including, but not limited to, the establishment of a timeline for advertising the vacancy, defining the scope of its search (local, regional, or both), applicant evaluation and ultimately, the projected hire date. Wilson, who pledged her support to the Board during the process, urged the body to name a new Directory by the end of April.

“She ruined my day yesterday,” remarked Sexton. Sexton, along with other members of the Board, showered Wilson with praise and accolades. “(She’s done) a wonderful job,” remarked First District Member Brian Strunk, who served as Chairman of the Board for two years during Wilson’s tenure. “She’s a valuable asset, not just to this Board, but this school (system),” added Sixth District Member Richard Smith.

Wilson began her career as a Librarian at Huntsville Middle School. She later became an English instructor at Scott High, having taught in the classroom for more than 20 years. Prior to accepting the Director’s job, Wilson had been the Assistant Principal at Scott High for eight years; then, Principal of the facility for another four. She also worked briefly for the State of Tennessee.