Dr. Tracy McAbee officially named Director of Schools

In a unanimous decision by the Lewis County Board of Education, Dr. Tracy McAbee was officially declared Lewis County's preferred candidate for Director of Schools.

The decision was announced in an unanimous roll call vote during last week's School Board meeting and the decision became official on Wednesday morning, May 18, 2022, when Dr. McAbee signed his contract with Lewis County Schools.

During last week's meeting, two concerned citizens asked the board to consider a two-year contract instead of the usual four. The board discussed the terms of Dr. McAbee's contract at a special called meeting held on Tuesday afternoon, May 17, 2022, where it was decided to give Dr. McAbee the full four-year contract. School board member Johnny Clayton said he believed a four-year contract was the right decision because a two-year contract wouldn't be enough time "to get your feet wet."

It was also decided that Dr. McAbee would receive the full BEP recommended salary for Director of Schools which was an approximate $125,000. When the issue was raised Mr. Clayton asked why Dr. McAbee should receive the top end of the salary. In response, school board member Lindsey Himes said, "When I was talking to Dr. McAbee on the phone, he had said he didn't want a percentage raise built into his contract. He said he only wanted a raise if [the board] saw fit, and he wouldn't take a raise unless his teachers got one too. It's also cheaper than what we're paying currently."

Dr. McAbee had also made it known to Chairman of the Board Glenda Atkinson, that he didn't need any moving compensation. Board members Clayton, Himes and Cassie Couch stated they believed he should be compensated for relocating. They then motioned to give Dr. McAbee $3,000 in order to assist him with moving costs. It is stated in the contract that if he left before the four-year contract was over, then he would have to repay the Board the full $3,000.

Dr. McAbee was the Director of Schools for Carter County in Elizabethton, TN. While there, he stated one of his biggest achievements was helping to unite their high school and TCAT Elizabethton in a way that students would also receive their associates degree upon graduating high school. This is something he has said he would love to implement here with TCAT Hohenwald's help.

Before becoming Director of Schools, Dr. McAbee shared that he had been a part of the school system in nearly any capacity. He had been a school board member, bus driver, coach, teacher, principal, special education administrator, and more. During his interview, Dr. McAbee shared that he was excited at the prospect of coming to Lewis County because it reminded him of his hometown.