Van Buren County’s School Board elected Jared Copeland as the new director of schools Wednesday night.
Copeland was the only nominee from five original candidates. Barry Austin nominated Copeland for a two-year contract to be negotiated by Chairman Tim Hodges.
Copeland originally taught in Cookeville. He has been with Van Buren Schools for 10 years moving from teaching to assistant principal. In 2019 he moved to the central office as supervisor of instructional technology and accountability where he currently serves.
“You know obviously heter ea re a lot of challenges right now,” Copeland said. “State changing things, new funding, new academic requirements, third-grade retention law, lots of things in the works. But it just takes us kind of moving forward and keep stepping in the right direction.”
Copeland said he had strong relationships with the other internal candidates and they were all good colleagues and friends. He said they all shared a common goal to be there for the kids.
Copeland said his current role with Accountability and Data made him aware of where state dollars come from and how those dollars are generated.
“So there’s more to learn as that’s still being developed by the state,” Copeland said. “But I’m on solid footing there.”
In the coming months, Copeland said he would work on training and transitioning with current director Cheryl Cope.
“Cheryl will officially retire come Christmas in December,” Copeland said. “That will be a good transition time learning the new school year and the budget and things like that. As far as I know, that’s kind of how it will work.”
Copeland said he would continue to make students his focus.
“I think overall as I said in my interview with the board, that’s going to drive everything we do,” Copeland said. “We’re an exemplary district. We have a lot of great things going on.”
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