School board okays contract for director

By Eddie West Staff Writer

Murfreesboro’s Central Magnet High School Principal John Ash is poised to become the county’s next director of schools.

The county’s eight member school board unanimously approved a three  year contract with Ash during this month’s regularly scheduled meeting held on Monday night of last week. There was no discussion among school board members prior to or after the vote was taken.

Ash was in attendance at the meeting.

Educated in the Smith County school system, the Smith County native is slated to become only the third director of schools in the county’s history. The position was formerly known as school superintendent before state legislators passed a law requiring the position to be appointed by county school boards. 

Today, Ash heads one of the most elite high schools in the nation. Central Magnet School, where Ash is principal, has been ranked third in the nation and first in Tennessee academically by U.S. News and World Report magazine.

Plans are to have Ash working within the school system beginning June 1.

June 1 through June 30 will be a familiarization period for Ash to learn the duties of the position, the school system’s culture and become acquainted with the staff.

Current Director of Schools Barry Smith is expected to leave office on June 30 as his contract expires.

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