Hardeman County School Board Meeting – September 2025 {video}
The Hardeman County School board met for its monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at the school board office. In attendance were Director of Schools Dr. Christy Smith and board members Kenny Adkins, Jennifer Aylor, Patricia Carter, Johnny Davis, Anthony Ford, Bobby Henderson, Brad Polk, Gene Ross, and Stacy Swift.
After the meeting was called to order, Dr. Smith opened nominations for board chairman and vice-chairman. For the chairman position, Mr. Ford nominated Mr. Polk and Ms. Carter nominated Mr. Henderson, who has been a school board member since 2006. Mr. Henderson was chosen as chairman after a 6-1 vote, with Mr. Henderson and Mr. Polk abstaining from voting. For the vice-chairman position, Ms. Aylor nominated Kenny Adkins, who was chosen for the position with seven votes, and Mr. Adkins and Mr. Polk abstaining from voting. Mr. Adkins and Mr. Henderson will serve in their positions for one year through August 2026. {0:23 meeting mark in video}
The meeting continued to follow the agenda:
- Agenda Approval {6:28 minute mark in the video}
- Consent Agenda Approval – Approval of Minutes from August 12, 2025, Board Meeting {7:20 minute mark in the video)
- Public Comment {7:43 minute mark in the video}
Three people, which included Ms. Katina Mays, signed up to speak on the topic of community. Mr. Henderson noted there was no item on the agenda in regard to community. As she approached the podium, Ms. Mays responded she would come forward to speak. Mr. Henderson stated he was not going to allow her to speak since the topic was not an actionable item on the agenda. {7:56 minute mark in the video}
After not stepping down at Mr. Henderson’s request, Ms. Mays was removed from the school board meeting. {8:43 minute mark in the video}
Another individual from the community, who signed up to speak on the topic of the community, requested to change their topic to “Public Comment”, which he noted was on the agenda.
Mr. Ford suggested the people who signed up for the Public Comment period be allowed to speak.
“The objective is for us to be harmonious with the community. He has only three minutes, I suggest we listen to the gentleman speak,” said Mr. Ford.
At that moment, Jennifer Craig, an attorney with Sellers, Craig, & Hayden, Inc. out of Jackson, Tennessee introduced herself as the legal representation for the board of education. According to Ms. Craig, the board approved a Public Comment policy in 2023.
“It clearly says comments shall be limited to topics listed on the agenda,” said Ms. Craig.
After Ms. Craig’s introduction, Mr. Ford shared he was not aware of the hiring of Ms. Craig.
“We [the board] are supposed to be on the front end of hiring and not told afterwards,” said Mr. Ford.
Ms. Mays then returned to the room and podium to speak as the Public Comment period continued {12:26 minute mark in the video}
“You denied me on the agenda, and so now here I am public. Which is it going to be? You can either put me on the agenda, or you can let me speak public,” said Ms. Mays, who noted it was her legal right to speak and illegal for her to be removed. “ . . . okay, let me get started.”
As Ms. Mays proceeded to speak, Mr. Henderson called to adjourn the meeting.
“I’ll make a motion we adjourn this meeting right now. Do I have a second?” said Mr. Henderson.
Patricia Carter seconded the motion, which was followed by a roll call vote. Ms. Mays continued to address the audience after the meeting was adjourned.
You may watch the full meeting video on the Hatchie Press YouTube channel, which includes additional comments by Ms. Mays and other community members.
Watch the Full September 2025 Meeting Video
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