Wilson County to Begin Superintendent Search After Retirement Announcement
Wilson County Schools Superintendent Jeff Luttrell. (Photo courtesy Wilson County Schools)
The Wilson County School Board committed to a timeline to hire a new superintendent before the start of the 2026-2027 school year.
The search follows last week’s announcement that the current superintendent, Jeff Luttrell, will retire. Mills had served in the position for almost 10 years.
“It's been an honor to work for you, with you,” Lutrell said during the board’s March 2 meeting. “Wilson County School (District) has been a big part of my life. To all the parents, the teachers (and) my team: thank you. We've done a lot of good work in last five years. I believe that will continue. I think this district is sitting in a great place.”
Before moving on to other items in the meeting, board member Dr. Beth Meyers expressed her gratitude to Luttrell for his work in the district.
“I just want to say this, Mr. Luttrell: I have worked for numerous superintendents,” Meyers said.
I have witnessed numerous superintendents across different areas, and you have been one of the most engaged directors (and) superintendents that I've ever had the pleasure to work with, and I just want to thank you for that.”
The board finalized the timeline during its special meeting on March 5, but emphasized the plan could be adjusted in the future if needed.
The Selection Process
The board will begin its selection process on March 9, when the job posting will open. While the state of Tennessee only requires a bachelor’s degree to serve as a school superintendent, the board specified that it will only consider applicants with an active teaching license. The application portal will be open until April 7.
There will be a public meet-and-greet with selected candidates on April 24, before official interviews begin for the top four to five candidates at 10 a.m. on April 29. The board will then select the top two candidates on May 7, and then those candidates will interview again on May 13 from 12 to 2 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m.
The board will vote on a new director on May 20, and the new superintendent will begin working on June 1. Because Mills’s last day of work is June 30, this will allow the new candidate to complete on-the-job training before taking over the role independently.
