School Board approves Hamlett’s contract for Milan Director of Schools
By Jean Odom
Milan School board called a special called meeting Monday night to approve the contract to hire Dr. Versie Hamlett as the new Director of Schools. The contract was approved by a 5-0 vote. Lauren Biggs and Greg Horton were absent from the meeting.
Jackie Hopper has served as interim Director of Schools since August 2024 after Jonathan Criswell resigned to take a position with Tennessee’s Department of Education. Hamlett will take over as Director of Schools starting January 1st, 2025.
The contract offers Hamlett $150,000 per year for three and a half years. This will make her contract renew in July rather than December, which is an easier date for the Board to renew when the contract is up.
The contract also stipulates that Hamlett will be provided a $600 per month car allowance, mileage reimbursement at the current IRS rate for travel outside of MSSD, as well as a technology fee of $125 per month to allow Hamlett to use her personal cell phone for professional business. The Director can also receive up to $5,000 per year for reimbursement of expenses required in the performance of her official duties as Director of Schools.
Hamlett comes to Milan from Fayette County Schools, where she has served as superintendent since October 2020.
Hamlett is familiar with Gibson County, having served as superintendent for Humboldt City Schools from May 2104 to June of 2020. During her time at Humboldt, Hamlett helped implement a Montessori Pre-K and Kindergarten program at Stigall Primary School, reading gifted intervention programs to improve literacy, district-wide gifted programs, honor courses in grades 7-12, advanced placement courses at Humboldt High School, dual enrollment courses for high school students, and additional career technical courses.
Hamlett got her education locally in West Tennessee, graduating from Lane College with her Bachelor of Arts. She received her master’s degree in Education Curriculum and Instruction and then in Administration and Supervision. She finished her doctorate in education at Union University.
She got her start as a teacher at Pope Elementary School in Jackson, Tennessee, before moving to assistant principal after 11 years.
She spent 5 years in administration at Jackson-Madison County Schools and then moved to Leader of Elementary Education at Jackson-Madison County Schools in October of 2011. She left in early 2014 to work as an adjunct professor at the University of Tennessee at Martin, Lane College, and Union University before returning to JMCSS schools briefly as the chief academic officer before taking the job as superintendent of Humboldt City Schools.
Hamlett met with Board Chairman, Will Ownby Tuesday morning to officially sign the contract. She is excited to join to Milan family.
“I am honored and thrilled to join the Milan Special School District as your Superintendent. This opportunity to serve such an exceptional community fills me with immense gratitude and excitement for the journey ahead,” Hamlett said via email. “Together, we will build upon the district’s strong foundation, continue to foster a culture of excellence, and ensure the success and well-being of every student. I am eager to collaborate with our talented staff, dedicated parents, and engaged community members to shape a bright future for Milan’s schools. Thank you for trusting me with this responsibility. I look forward to meeting you, hearing your ideas, and working alongside you to achieve our shared vision.”
