A representative from the Bradley County school system asked the Bradley County Commission to consider drafting a resolution in support of superintendent Johnny McDaniel as the school board seeks to buy out his contract.
He said several board members were downplaying Mr. McDaniel's accomplishments, including being named Tennessee Superintendent of the Year in 2013.
Commissioner Bill Winters said, "I appreciate the passion in supporting the superintendent," but that he was against such a resolution, saying if the vote was not unanimous then it could have the opposite effect.
Vice Chairman Jeff Yarber said he understood, but added, "We are the funding body. We do have the right and the ability to say to other boards, 'This is how we feel.'"
Commissioner Howard Thompson said, "I do not want the board of education to even think about buying his contract out...when we're trying to raise money for Lake Forest."
Chairman Louie Alford said that in his opinion, "We shouldn't be micromanaging the school board in any form or fashion."
The Bradley County School Board and Mr. McDaniel have come to terms on the buyout, saying there are differences between them on managing the schools.