School Board Recognizes Retiring Teachers, Approves Budget
The Hardeman County Board of Education recognized retiring employees, approved the district’s 2026-27 budgets and heard updates on student achievements during its May 12, 2026, meeting.
Following the invocation and pledge, board members approved the meeting agenda with amendments, including minutes from the April 14, 2026, regular and special-called meetings. Board officials also noted that no public comments were submitted under the district’s updated policy requiring requests to speak to be filed 48 hours in advance.
The highlight of the meeting was the recognition of retirees from across the district. Director of Schools Dr. Christy Smith praised the dedication and long-term service of employees who spent decades serving Hardeman County students.
“Many of these individuals we are honoring this evening have dedicated more than 30 years to education,” Dr. Smith said. “They have not simply held jobs. They’ve built relationships, shaped lives and contributed to the success of thousands and thousands of students over the years.”
Among those recognized were retiring teachers, coaches, administrators, support staff and cafeteria employees from schools across the district including;
Bolivar Central High School – Bonnie Breeden, Mark Fulghum, Mike Johnson and Linda McKinnie
Middleton High School – James Burkley, Deanna Johnson and Jeff Kennamore
Whiteville Elementary School – Cheryl Jones, Teresa Williams and Lurean Cheairs
Bolivar Elementary School – Nina McClellan, Deidra Woods and Rickey Carter
Bolivar Middle School – Tina Cranford and Principal Brian Mays
Toone Elementary School – Principal Chris Cranford
Bus Garage – Brad Holmberg
Smith shared examples of retirees whose careers impacted multiple generations of students, including one teacher who taught both her and later her children, and another employee who has served in the Bolivar Elementary cafeteria for more than four decades.
The Hardeman County Retired Teachers Association also invited retirees to remain involved in supporting local education through its organization and hosted an appreciation reception for the new retirees after the meeting.
The board later approved a ballfield lease with the City of Bolivar and a differentiated pay plan for teachers. Board members approved several budgets for the upcoming school year.
It was said the proposed general purpose school budget for 2026-27 includes approximately $26 million in TISA funding and $8.8 million in local contributions. Officials said the district continues to face rising operational costs, particularly in insurance, transportation and instructional materials.
Smith noted that the cost of a new school bus has increased from approximately $92,000 to nearly $178,000 in recent years. Textbook costs also rose significantly due to a larger adoption cycle, increasing from roughly $200,000 last year to about $620,000 in the upcoming budget.
Despite financial pressures, district officials said they were able to maintain teaching positions, nurses, Communities in Schools services and employee raises. The budget projects a deficit of approximately $495,000, though administrators said the district has historically managed spending conservatively enough to avoid ending the year in deficit.
The board also approved the district’s capital projects budget, totaling more than $1.26 million for building improvements, as well as the cafeteria fund budget, which is projected to finish with a surplus despite uncertainty surrounding future food costs and reimbursement rates.
During her director’s report, Dr. Smith highlighted recent accomplishments and activities throughout the district, including teacher and staff appreciation events, proms, field trips, FFA and HOSA competitions, athletic scholarship signings and college acceptance celebrations.
Dr. Smith also recognized the top 10 graduates from Middleton High School and Bolivar Central High School. {click here to read more about the top 10 graduates}
She highlighted the district’s growing career and technical education opportunities, including certifications in health sciences, welding and the middle college program with Jackson State, where 24 students graduated with college credentials before completing high school.
It was also announced that all required firearm safety training mandated by the state had been completed with assistance from TWRA.
May 20 was noted as the final school day for students and May 22 as the last day for teachers.
The next school board meeting is scheduled for June 9, 2026.
You may watch the full meeting by clicking here.
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