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Education/Schools - Historical Notes

Tennessee Code Annotated
Tennessee Attorney General Opinions

Board of Education

The following acts once affected the board of education in Weakley County but are no longer operative. Also referenced below are acts which repeal prior law without providing new substantive provisions.

  1. Private Acts of 1935 (Ex. Sess.), Chapter 11, amended Section 8, Private Acts of 1933, Chapter 224, by inserting a new Section which raised the per diem of the members of the Board from $4 to $7 and of the Chairman from $5 to $10. This Section was repealed by Private Acts of 1975, Chapter 99. Private Acts of 1933, Chapter 224, was repealed by the Private Acts of 1994, Chapter 128.
  2. Private Acts of 1955, Chapter 270, amended Private Acts of 1933, Chapter 224, by inserting a new Section 2 with new Districts, and by adding a paragraph to Section 3 which named Roy B. Crowder as a member of the Board from School Zone #8, to serve until his successor is elected in the 1956 August election. This Act was properly ratified by the Quarterly Court. Private Acts of 1933, Chapter 224, was repealed by the Private Acts of 1994, Chapter 128.
  3. Private Acts of 1972, Chapter 216, amended Private Acts of 1933, Chapter 224, by dividing Weakley County into seven school zones and designating the member of the School Board from each zone. Private Acts of 1933, Chapter 224, was repealed by the Private Acts of 1994, Chapter 128.
  4. Private Acts of 1978, Chapter 174, amended Private Acts of 1933, Chapter 224, by increasing the number of school zones from seven to ten, and changing the terms of office from four years to those stated in the Act and then for six years. Private Acts of 1933, Chapter 224, was repealed by the Private Acts of 1994, Chapter 128.
  5. Private Acts of 1994, Chapter 128, was repealed by Private Acts of 2002, Chapter 80, changing the number of school districts in Weakley County from ten to nine.

Districts - Chesnut- Glade School District

The following private acts are included for historical value only.

  1. Private Acts of 1919, Chapter 325, established a special and independent school district in the 17th and a portion of the 13th Civil Districts of Weakley County to be called the "Chestnut-Glade Special School District," the boundaries of which are described in the Act. The District would be managed by a five member Board of Directors to which the Act names B. A. Golden, Charles L. Taylor, T. V. Rawls, W. E. Morgan and E. I. Brundige, as the first members. Vacancies would be filled by the remaining members of the Board. The members must be over 25 years of age and freeholders and householders. The Board would select a President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer, but the Treasurer would not be a Board member. Members would serve staggered terms initially and then their successors would serve terms of five years. The powers and duties of the Board were enumerated in the Act. The County Trustee would apportion the county school funds to the district based on the scholastic census. A special tax of 50 cents per $100 property valuation and a $1 poll tax on those between ages of 21 and 50 were levied to provide additional funds for the schools. All children of school age in the District may attend free of charge but others must pay the tuition rate decided by the Board. The Board members were not to be paid except the Secretary for taking the scholastic census. This Act was repealed by Private Acts of 1935, Chapter 717.
  2. Private Acts of 1921, Chapter 884, exempted the Chestnut-Glade School District from the provisions of Public Acts of 1920 (Ex. Sess.), Chapter 22, which changed the rate of taxation for school districts in the State.
  3. Private Acts of 1935, Chapter 717, abolished the Chestnut-Glade Special School District and transferred the management, control, and ownership of the school to the County Board of Education operating under the general laws of the State without liability on the part of the County Board for any of the existing debts of the School District, but one acre of land including the teacher's residence was reserved from the transfer. All laws relative to the School District were repealed except the law levying the taxes would remain in force until the debts are paid.
  4. Private Acts of 1939, Chapter 598, recited in the preamble of the abolition of the School District and of the continuation of the tax levy until the debts were paid, and that the debts are now paid and a small sum remains in the hands of the County Trustee, therefore, this Law authorized the transfer of the balance of the money in the Chestnut-Glade School District to the County General Education Fund.

Districts - Dresden Special School District The following private acts are included for historical value only.

  1. Private Acts of 1913 (Ex. Sess.), Chapter 44, formed a special school district in portions of the 7th Civil District and the 24th Civil District of Weakley County, including the town of Dresden, to be designated as the "Dresden Special School District". The affairs of the District would be managed and controlled by a five member Board of School Trustees, who would be elected to two year terms by the people on the first Thursday in August, 1914. This Act appointed D. A. McWherter, R. T. Lewis, W. T. Killibrew, W. A. McCuan, and C. L. Henderson, as the first Board who would serve until their successors were elected and qualified. Board members must be at least 30 years old, residents of the District, of good moral character and have at least a primary public school education, and they must select a President, Clerk, and Treasurer. No member would be paid except the Clerk could be compensated for taking the scholastic census. The powers of the Board were enumerated in the Act. They could levy a tax of twenty cents per $100 and a $1 poll tax on males between the ages of 21 and 50, to supplement the funds coming from the County Trustee. The Board was authorized to establish and support a high school with a four year curriculum. This Act was repealed by Private Acts of 1951. Chapter 295.
  2. Private Acts of 1915, Chapter 266, amended Private Acts of 1913 (Ex. Sess.), Chapter 44, by changing the boundaries of the Dresden School District according to the description contained in the Act. The tax rate was increased from 20 cents to 30 cents per $100, and arrangements were made for the Railroad Commission of the State to assess all the railroad and public utility property in the District for taxation.
  3. Private Acts of 1917, Chapter 354, amended Private Acts of 1913 (Ex. Sess.), Chapter 44, by adding some additional area to the School District as the same was described in the Act, by changing Section 2 so as to make women eligible to serve on the Board of Trustees, and providing for the office of Vice-President of the Board, and in Section 3 by creating the position of Truant Officer and authorizing the Board to select the individual and fix his compensation.
  4. Private Acts of 1919, Chapter 373, amended Private Acts of 1913 (Ex. Sess.), Chapter 44, by adding some additional areas to the school district as the same was described in the Act, located on the southern side; by setting up certain duties for the Tax Assessor in regard to making up a separate tax list of the properties in the district which shall contain the information specified herein for which he may charge up to $7.50.
  5. Private Acts of 1921, Chapter 632, amended Public Acts of 1920 (Ex. Sess.), Chapter 22, which changed the rate of taxation for 1920, and subsequent years, by exempting the Dresden Special School District from its application.
  6. Private Acts of 1921, Chapter 743, amended Private Acts of 1913 (Ex. Sess.), Chapter 44, by adding some additional areas to the Dresden School District as the same was described in the Act.
  7. Private Acts of 1921, Chapter 837, was similar to Private Acts of 1921, Chapter 632, which exempted the District from Public Acts of 1920 (Ex. Sess.), Chapter 22.
  8. Private Acts of 1925, Chapter 681, amended Private Acts of 1925, Chapter 362, by changing the date for the referendum election from April 25, 1925, to July 2, 1925.
  9. Private Acts of 1935 (Ex. Sess.), Chapter 10, amended Private Acts of 1913 (Ex. Sess.), Chapter 44, Section 3, by adding a provision that the Board of Trustees were authorized to borrow up to $10,000 to build a gymnasium, or other buildings which the said Board may consider necessary for the use and benefit of the schools operating under their authority.
  10. Private Acts of 1951, Chapter 295, abolished the Dresden Special School District and repealed Private Acts of 1913 (Ex. Sess.), Chapter 44. All funds and assets of the School District were transferred to the public school account of Weakley County to be used as are other school funds.

Districts - El Bethel School District

The following private act is included for historical value only.

  1. Private Acts of 1920 (Ex. Sess.), Chapter 104, formed the El Bethel Special School District in portions of the 9th Civil District, the 15th Civil District, and the 16th Civil District, as the same was particularly described in the Act. The District would be operated under the supervision and control of a five member Board of Directors, who must be at least thirty years of age, a resident and freeholder of the District, of good moral character, and have at least a common school education. Oscar Coats, N. B. Abernathy, H. Pope, B. L. Pittman, and P. B. Moseley, were named to serve as the first Board, and any vacancies would be filled by the remaining members of the Board, for the unexpired term of 2 years. These officers would serve until their successors, elected in the regular election in August, 1922, would assume office. The powers and duties of the Board were specifically enumerated in the Act. A property tax rate was authorized of 25 cents per $100 and a poll tax of $1 on males between the ages of 21 and 50 to supplement the funds from the Trustee's scholastic census count to keep the schools open for nine months of the year. All children in the District between ages of 6 and 21 could attend these schools free of charge, and non-residents may attend by paying the tuition charge fixed by the Board. Proper records must be kept in the District and the Board shall not employ anyone who is not qualified to perform according to the State's standards. This Act was repealed by Private Acts of 1921, Chapter 260.

Districts - Gardner Special School District

The following private acts are included for historical value only.

  1. Private Acts of 1919, Chapter 746, created the Gardner Special School District in the 3rd Civil District of Weakley County, describing the boundaries of the District in the Act. The District would be managed by a seven member Board of Directors, who are incorporated herein as a body politic, who shall be twenty-five years of age, or older, freeholders residing in the District, of good moral character and have at least an elementary school education. T. B. Smally, Walthe Gray, A. L. Hester, John A. Gardner, S. P. McClien, A. R. Ennis, and L. M. Watson, were appointed to the first Board of Directors to serve until their successors were elected by the people of the District at the regular August, 1920, election to two year terms. Section 5 contains 12 specific grants of power and responsibilities. The County Trustee was directed to pay them their pro rata share of school funds as based on the scholastic census in the area and, in addition, a tax levy of 20 cents per $100 of property valuation and $1 poll tax on those between the age of 21 and 50 were both authorized to supplement these funds so as to keep the schools open for eight months each year. Records must be kept and special conditions met before paying out the money. All children living in the District between the ages of 6 and 21 may attend free and others may be taken care of if the tuition charge determined by the Directors is paid. No Director would be paid except the Secretary for the school census and no person would be hired unless they were qualified and met prescribed standards. This Act was repealed by Private Acts of 1941, Chapter 183.
  2. Private Acts of 1920 (Ex. Sess.), Chapter 71, amended Private Acts of 1919, Chapter 746, by reducing the tax rate specified from 20 cents to 10 cents per $100 property valuation. This Act was repealed by Private Acts of 1921, Chapter 950, and by Private Acts of 1941, Chapter 183.
  3. Private Acts of 1921, Chapter 950, restored the 20 cent rate of taxation and the $1 toll tax as was originally fixed by the 1919 Act creating the District. This Act was repealed by Private Acts of 1941, Chapter 183.
  4. Private Acts of 1941, Chapter 183, abolished the Gardner Special School District transferring the management, control, supervision, and assets of the District to the County Board of Education in Weakley County. All funds on deposit in the Trustee's office shall be transferred over to the General Education High School Account.

Districts - Gleason Special School District

The following private acts are included for historical value only.

  1. Acts of 1907, Chapter 138, created a special school district in the 11th and 23rd Civil Districts of Weakley County, including within its limits the town of Gleason, beginning at Burch Atkin's; thence to Colonel Mitchum's; thence to Widow Dickerson's; thence to Captain Smith's; thence to Tom Taylor's; thence to Para Lee Walter's; thence to Will Armour's; thence to J. L. Alexander's; thence to Reverend Neal's; thence to W. B. Edmondston's; thence to Henry Larkins'; thence to W. B. Deason's; and back to the beginning. The Act nominated T. A. Lovelace, J. C. Oliver, and C. C. Wooldridge as School Directors, who would serve until the next general election. The County Trustee was directed to pay over the area's pro-rated share of school funds.
  2. Acts of 1907, Chapter 548, amended Section 2, Acts of 1907, Chapter 138, by striking out the names of the school Directors and inserting in their place the names of J. L. Alexander, J. L. Lovelace, and J. B. Brummett, and by making the Act effective immediately instead of on January 1, 1908, as previously provided.
  3. Acts of 1909, Chapter 215, fashioned the Gleason Special School District out of the 11th and 23rd Civil Districts of Weakley County as described in the Act. T. A. Lovelace, A. C. Edwards, and R. W. Bandy were named School Directors to serve until their successors could be elected by the people. The County Trustee shall pay to the District their pro-rated share of school funds in the hands of the County Trustee according to the scholastic census.
  4. Private Acts of 1915, Chapter 207, formed the Gleason Special School District in part of the 11th and 23rd Civil Districts of Weakley County, including the town of Gleason, as described in the Act. The District would be supervised and governed by a five member Board of Directors, who must be at least 30 years of age, residents and freeholders of the District, of good moral character and possessing at least a common school education. L. A. Lovelace, I. J. Latum, W. B. Edmondson, A. M. Dunlap, and R. I. Haley, were appointed as the first Board to serve until their successors were elected and took office for two year terms. Section 5 had eleven specific grants of power and responsibilities for the Board. A property tax of 40 cents per $100 and a poll tax of $1 for those between the ages of 21 and 50 were levied to provide funds for the operation of the schools. The District would also receive its pro-rata share of the school funds from the County Trustee. All children living in the District could attend school free of charge, others must pay tuition to attend. Only qualified people, meeting state standards, would be employed in the District. This Act was repealed by Private Acts of 1957, Chapter 8.
  5. Private Acts of 1917, Chapter 549, created a Gleason Special School District in part of the 11th and 23rd Civil Districts of Weakley County as described in the Act which included the town of Gleason. A five member Board of Directors was incorporated who must be 30 years old, or more, a resident of the District, a freeholder, of good moral character, and have at least a common school education. W. B. Edmondson, C. P. Smyth, M. E. Fanning, J. C. Oliver, and A. M. Dunlap, were named to the first Board to serve until their successors were properly elected to two year terms. Nine specific grants of powers are contained in Section
  6. The Trustee would supply the District with its pro-rata share of the school funds. A tax of 20 cents per $100 property valuation and $1 poll tax were authorized and levied by this Chapter.
  7. Private Acts of 1921, Chapter 953, exempted the Gleason Special School District from the application of Public Acts of 1920 (Ex. Sess.), Chapter 22, a general law which revised some aspects of the taxing process.
  8. Private Acts of 1923, Chapter 168, amended Private Acts of 1917, Chapter 549, so as to exclude the 57 acre tract of land known as the C. H. Flats tract, now C. A. Vorville's tract, from the boundaries of the Gleason Special School District.
  9. Private Acts of 1953, Chapter 478, amended Private Acts of 1927, Chapter 297, by deleting Section 5 in its entirety. Section 5 set up a tax rate of 25 cents per $100 and $1 poll tax in the School District.

Districts - Greenfield Special School District

The following private acts are included for historical value only.

  1. Acts of 1909, Chapter 190, formed the Greenfield Special School District in the 9th Civil District of Weakley County, which embraced the city of Greenfield and which would be enlarged at any time the city was enlarged. The Trustee was directed to pay over to the Treasurer of the City of Greenfield the pro-rated share of school funds according to the scholastic census. The Mayor and Aldermen were empowered to levy additional taxes for school purposes. The Schools would be directly supervised by a popularly elected Commission composed of six members to be designated as the Board of Education of the City of Greenfield. All public school property became the property of the School District.
  2. Private Acts of 1911, Chapter 477, amended Acts of 1909, Chapter 190, Section 2, by directing the County Trustee to apportion and pay over to the Treasurer of the City of Greenfield, upon the written order of their Board of Education, and, in proportion to their scholastic census, its prorated share of all school funds in his hands at the time this Act becomes effective. Section 4 was amended to the effect that all the school directors would be elected by the Mayor and Aldermen of the city and not by the people as soon as the terms of the present Board members expire.
  3. Private Acts of 1925, Chapter 350, created the Greenfield Special School District which included portions of the 9th and 22nd Civil Districts and the city of Greenfield. The boundaries were described in the Act. The District would be managed and supervised by a seven member Board of School Trustees, 30 years of age, or older, residents and freeholders of the District, of good moral character and having a primary school education who shall be elected by the people at the regular August, 1926, election for 2 year terms. W. A. Barton, E. M. Shannon, John B. McAdams, G. C. Thomas, B. F. Adcock, J. R. Hatcher, and John Dunlap, were named as the first Board who would serve until their successors were elected. The Board would employ all school personnel. A tax rate of 30 cents per $100 property valuation, and $1 poll tax on those between the ages of 21 and 50, were both authorized and levied. The tax assessor would prepare a separate list for the District and the Railroad Commissioners will assess the railroad and public utility properties for taxation. Tax assessor may charge up to $5 each year for his list. One or more high schools with a four year curriculum may be operated and maintained. The Act was repealed by Private Acts of 1949, Chapter 800.
  4. Private Acts of 1929, Chapter 852, amended Private Acts of 1925, Chapter 350, in Section 6 by inserting a provision that the Board of School Trustees would have the power to admit all persons of school age who are non-residents of the District, or the County and State, to admission in the said school free of charge.
  5. Private Acts of 1939, Chapter 516, amended Private Acts of 1925, Chapter 350, by reducing the authorized tax rate from 30 cents to 15 cents on each $100 property valuation.
  6. Private Acts of 1943, Chapter 362, amended Private Acts of 1925, Chapter 350, by striking the provision for a tax rate levy of 30 cents per $100.00 and by amending Section 1 of Private Acts of 1939, Chapter 516, by striking 30 cents and inserting 15 cents.
  7. Private Acts of 1943, Chapter 363, was the enabling legislation for the Greenfield Special School District to issue and sell its notes in the amount of $4,956.20, to pay off and discharge the outstanding debts of the District. Five promissory notes were to be issued, each in the amount of $991.24, at 4% interest, and due within 5 years, one being paid off each year. A tax of 15 cents per $100, in addition to all other taxes, must be levied as long as the notes were not paid. The Governor vetoed this Act but the same was overridden and the Act became an effective law.

Districts - Magnolia Seminary Special School District

The following private acts are included for historical value only.

  1. Private Acts of 1919, Chapter 536, created the Magnolia Seminary Special School District which embraced the 22nd Civil District in Weakley County and included the Magnolia Seminary School and the Brock's Chapel School, as described in the Act. The Board of Directors would consist of five members, all residents of one year, or more, freeholders, 25 years old, or older, of good moral character, and who would select a President and Secretary from its own members and a Treasurer from elsewhere. The first Board was composed of G. A. Maness, W. T. Tillman, W. T. Campbell, T. H. Maness, and J. B. Simmons, to serve until their successors, elected at the general August, 1920, election would take over and serve two year terms. Section 5 contained twelve specific grants of power to the Board to supervise and operate the District. To enable the school to continue for at least 7½ months as a free school during the year, an additional tax of 40 cents per $100 property valuation, and $1 poll tax for those between the ages of 21 and 50 were authorized and levied. All children residing in the District between the ages of six and twenty-one may attend the schools free of charge and the Board had the power to contract with persons over that age and with non-residents for their admittance to the schools. This act was repealed by Private Acts of 1923, Chapter 314.
  2. Private Acts of 1920 (Ex. Sess.), Chapter 72, amended Private Acts of 1919, Chapter 536, by reducing the authorized tax rate from 40 cents to 10 cents.

Districts - Martin School District

The following private act is included for historical value only.

  1. Acts of 1909, Chapter 157, created a special school district in the Second Civil District of Weakley County, which contained the city of Martin within the boundaries described in the Act. It was further provided that whenever, in the future, the city of Martin should be enlarged, the school district would likewise be increased to that extent. The County Trustee was directed to pay over to the School District its pro rata share of school funds according to the scholastic population. The Mayor and Aldermen of Martin were authorized to levy a tax from year to year to supplement the amount of funds the District would be paid by the Trustee, to lengthen the term of the school year, and for any other beneficial purpose. The Schools are to be controlled by a five member Board of Education who would be elected by the Mayor and Aldermen at their regular meeting in May, 1909. They may also pass such laws and ordinances as were necessary to promote the best interests and welfare of the schools in the District and its pupils. This Act was repealed by Private Acts of 1975, Chapter 97.

Districts - Mount Pelia Special School District

The following private acts are included for historical value only.

  1. Private Acts of 1919, Chapter 742, established the Mount Pelia Special School District which embraced a portion of the 3rd and 14th Civil Districts of Weakley County, and a portion of the 7th Civil District of Obion County which was described in the Act. The officers of the District would be a five member Board of Directors, incorporated herewith, whose members must be 25 years old, or more, residents of the District, freeholders, of good moral character, and have at least an elementary school education. M. R. Hilliard, J. P. Miller, W. A. Parish, C. B. Poyner, and W. C. Maxwell were named to the first Board to serve until their successors were elected on the second Monday in March, 1921, for two year terms. Section 5 had 12 specific grants of power for the Board to exercise in their supervision of the District and the scholastic census is required to be taken and reported as soon as possible. To keep the school open for eight months as a free school each year, a tax levy of 20 cents per $100 property valuation, and a $1 poll tax is levied, and authorized for future years. Children between the ages of 6 and 21 may attend the school free if they reside in the District and others may attend by contract and tuition with the Board. No compensation for Directors except the Secretary may be paid lawful compensation for taking the scholastic census. This Act was repealed by Private Acts of 1941, Chapter 182.
  2. Private Acts of 1920 (Ex. Sess.), Chapter 51, amended Private Acts of 1919, Chapter 742, by deleting Section One and inserting a new description of the District which omitted the portion in Obion County and included portions of the 3rd and 14th Civil Districts in Weakley County. The money in the hands of the Trustee of Obion County which belongs to the School District would be paid over to the Hazelwood School District and the Cane Creek School District in Obion County. This Act was repealed by Private Acts of 1941, Chapter 182.
  3. Private Acts of 1921, Chapter 805, amended Section 1, Private Acts of 1919, Chapter 742, by omitting all the territory of the Mount Pelia Special School District which was located in Obion County and inserting the description of the area embraced by the School District which was now located entirely within Weakley County. This Act was repealed by Private Acts of 1941, Chapter 182.
  4. Private Acts of 1941, Chapter 182, abolished the Mount Pelia Special School District. All the debts and obligations of the school district have been paid and discharged and there remains a balance of $96.24 in the hands of the Trustee which are from delinquent taxes, this amount will be transferred to the General Education High School Account for use as other school funds. All property was transferred to the County Board of Education.

Districts - Palmersville Special School District

The following private acts are included for historical value only.

  1. Private Acts of 1919, Chapter 135, formed a special school district in the 5th Civil District of Weakley County which embraced the village of Palmersville within its boundaries, and which would be called the Palmersville Special School District containing such area as was described in the Act. The District would be supervised and operated by a five member Board of Directors, who were incorporated herewith, who must be 25 years of age, or older, a resident freeholder of the District, of good moral character, and possess at least a common school education. The Act appointed U. Pentecost, W. G. Riggins, W. L. Lafon, T. C. Pentecost, and J. M. Buckley, as the first Board, who would serve until their successors were elected to two year terms by the voters of the District at the general August election in 1920. The powers and duties of the Board were specifically mentioned in twelve paragraphs of Section 5, among them being one to establish and maintain a high school in Palmersville with a four year course of study. The Trustee was directed to pay to the District its pro-rated share of local and State funds based on the scholastic census count. In order to supplement these funds and to continue the schools for 9 months in the year as free, public schools, a tax levy is made of 50¢ per $100 property valuation and $1 poll tax on all persons between the ages of 21 and 50, and no personal property in the District shall be exempt. The children residing in the District between the ages of six and twenty-one may attend school free of charge, older students, or nonresidents may contract to attend on the terms and tuition price set by the Board. The Board had the authority to employ all personnel but they must be as qualified to do their jobs as the state standards.
  2. Private Acts of 1921, Chapter 853, changes the description appearing in the first Section of Private Acts of 1919, Chapter 135, as to the area encompassed in the District.
  3. Private Acts of 1929 (Ex. Sess.), Chapter 21, abolished the Palmersville Special School District and transferred the management of the same to the County Board of Education operating under the general laws of the State. All the laws relative to the District are repealed except those imposing taxes which will continue until all the debts of the District are paid.
  4. Private Acts of 1931, Chapter 196, recited in the preamble of the abolition of the Palmersville School District and the continuing obligation of the District to pay its debts, of which there is one due the Weakley County Bank of Dresden of $2,627.63, the balance of money used on the school building, which is long overdue and unpaid, and the tax revenue derived from the District is insufficient to pay the debt, and it is undesirable to have the property foreclosed against, therefore the County Board of Education of Weakley County is authorized to assume and pay this obligation and to account for this in its next budget submitted to the Quarterly Court.
  5. Private Acts of 1933, Chapter 134, recited virtually the same facts in this preamble as was set out in the foreword of the Private Acts of 1931, Chapter 196, except the debt owed to the Weakley County Bank has been reduced to $2,215.51. This Act confers the power and authority on the County Board of Education to deliver a trust deed conveying the real estate and school property of the former District to secure the indebtedness due the Weakley County Bank.
  6. Private Acts of 1939, Chapter 596, stated in the preamble that the Palmersville School District was abolished, subject to the payment of its debts, and that the ownership of all the school property in the District was transferred to, and accepted by, the Board of Education of Weakley County, assuming all debts and obligations, and the right to tax was reserved by the District until all debts were paid. Now, all the debts have been liquidated and a small balance of the tax money remains in the hands of the Trustee and there are a few more delinquent taxes to be collected. This Act authorized the Trustee to transfer all the funds now in the account and accruing in the future to the General Education Account to be spent as the remainder of that account is spent.

Districts - Ridgeway Special School District

The following private acts are included for historical value only.

  1. Private Acts of 1919, Chapter 300, created the Ridgeway Special School District which shall be a special and independent school district in the 17th Civil District of Weakley County embracing the area described in the Act. The District would be governed and managed by a five member Board of School Trustees, who were incorporated, and who would serve 2 year terms after being elected in August, 1920. The act named P. P. Ridgeway, George C. Frost, G. C. Holladay, Lon Bruce, and Curt Muzzall to serve as Trustees until the elected Trustees could take office. The Trustees would select a Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer, but no member shall be paid except the Secretary for preparing the scholastic census. The Treasurer shall be sworn and bonded as provided in the Act. The Board has the power to employ and discharge all school personnel, professional and otherwise. A special tax of 50 cents per $100 would be levied to support the schools and to insure its operation for the regular school year, and a poll tax of $1 would be paid by all people between ages of 21 and 50 in the District. The Board may establish and maintain elementary and high schools in the District as their needs may dictate and may allow students outside the district to attend upon payment of a tuition charge which the Board shall determine. The Board must cause proper school records to be kept which meet the standards of the State education department. This Act was repealed by Private Acts of 1931, Chapter 453.
  2. Private Acts of 1920 (Ex. Sess.), Chapter 82, amended Private Acts of 1919, Chapter 300, by reducing the tax rate in the Ridgeway Special School District to 25 cents per $100 of assessed valuation and by granting the Board of Trustees the power to use the school funds to build a new school building or repair the old building and for purchasing furniture and equipment.
  3. Private Acts of 1931, Chapter 453, abolished the Ridgeway Special School District and transferred the management, control, and ownership of the school in the said District to the County Board of Education.
  4. Private Acts of 1939, Chapter 597, recited that the Ridgeway Special School District had been abolished, the management and control of the school transferred to the County Board of Education, that there were no outstanding debts or obligations in the school District, and a small sum of money remained in the hands of the Trustee. This Act authorized the transfer of the money from that account to the General Education Fund of the County.

Districts - Sharon Special School District

The following private acts are included for historical value only.

  1. Private Acts of 1913 (Ex. Sess.), Chapter 35, established a special school district in the 8th Civil District of Weakley County whose description, as written in the Act, included the town of Sharon and the District will hereafter be called the "Sharon Special School District." The District would be controlled and managed by a five member Board of Directors, which was herewith incorporated, whose members shall be 30 years of age, or older, residents and freeholders of the District for at least one year, of good moral character, and have at least a common school education. J. A. Moore, D. J. Nowlin, W. E. Tansil, W. H. Simpson, and Charley Thompson were named as the first Board members who would serve until their successors are elected to two year terms in the general August election, 1914. There were eleven specific grants of power in Section 5 of the Act for the Board to exercise in their management role. In order to operate the schools as free, public schools for at least nine months of the year, a tax levy of 40 cents per $100 property valuation and a $1 poll tax on males between the ages of 21 and 50, were levied to supplement the pro rata share of the State educational funds which the Trustee is directed to pay to the District. All Children residing in the District between the ages of six and twenty-one may attend the school free of charge, but others must pay the tuition rate set by the Board. No Board member would be paid except the Clerk and then only for preparing the scholastic census. The Board must employ qualified people only.
  2. Private Acts of 1919, Chapter 51, amended Private Acts of 1913 (Ex. Sess.), Chapter 35, by reducing the property tax rate in the District from 40 cents to 10 cents, and the poll tax from $1 to 25 cents.
  3. Private Acts of 1919, Chapter 488, amended, Private Acts of 1913 (Ex. Sess.), Chapter 35, by changing the description of the area in the school District so as to exclude the territory described in the 1913 Act. Section 7 was amended to raise the tax levy to 25 cents per $100 on property and to 75 cents on the poll taxes.
  4. Private Acts of 1921, Chapter 912, amended Public Acts of 1920 (Ex. Sess.), Chapter 22, which was a general law enacting some changes in the taxing processes of the State, so as to exclude the Sharon Special School District from the application of its provisions.
  5. Private Acts of 1925, Chapter 400, amended Private Acts of 1913 (Ex. Sess.), Chapter 35, by increasing the tax levy in the Sharon Special School District to 35 cents per $100 on property and to $1 for the poll taxes, the previous rates being 25 cents and 75 cents, respectively.
  6. Private Acts of 1929 (Ex. Sess.) Chapter 23, amended Private Acts of 1913 (Ex. Sess.), Chapter 35, by changing slightly the boundaries of the School District so as to encompass the entire 8th Civil District, and by naming W. H. Simpson, J. W. Overton, J. A. Roberts, C. B. Brooks, and J. G. Stoker, as the members of the Board until the regular August election of 1930 can produce their successors.
  7. Private Acts of 1931, Chapter 811, amended Private Acts of 1913 (Ex. Sess.), Chapter 35, by revising the tax rate for the School District to 25 cents per $100 on property and $1 on the polls of people between the ages of 21 and 50.

Districts - Sidonia Special School District

The following private acts are included for historical value only.

  1. Private Acts of 1919, Chapter 758, formed the 19th Civil District of Weakley County into a special school district designated as the "Sidonia Special School District." The officers of the District would be a five member Board of Directors, who are at least 30 years of age, residents for one year, freeholders, of good moral character, and have at least a common school education. The Board may have a President and a Clerk from its own members and a Treasurer who shall not be a member of the Board. The Act named W. E. Adams, A. W. Hunley, J. F. Erwin, W. J. Bailey, and Delmer Fisher to the first Board who would serve until their successors, elected at the regular August election in 1920, would take office on the first Monday in September for two years. This Act makes grants of 12 specific powers in Section 5, one of which is to establish and maintain a high school in Sidonia. The Trustee was ordered to pay to the Treasurer the pro-rata share of this District's County and State educational funds. To supplement these funds and assure that the schools will be open for seven months at least as free public schools, a tax was levied of 40 cents per $100 property tax and a $1 poll tax was placed on males between the ages of 21 and 50. All school funds would be under the direction and control of the Board. All children residing in the District shall attend the school free of charge while between the ages of six and twenty-one, but otherwise, a tuition charge in an amount set by the Board must be paid to attend. Sufficient records must be kept of all the activities of the District. This Act was repealed by Private Acts of 1921, Chapter 537.

Districts - Webb School District

The following summary is offered for historical purposes.

  1. Private Acts of 1919, Chapter 134, created the Webb Special School District in the 5th Civil District of Weakley County which contained the territory described in the Act. The District would be operated and managed by a five member Board of School Trustees, who would be elected to two year terms by the people of the District on the first Thursday in August, 1920. Until then, the Act named J. C. Wiggins, B. B. Howard, B. F. Webb, S. J. McWherter, and J. T. Shobe to serve as Trustees. No one would be paid except the Secretary, chosen by the members, who would be compensated for producing the scholastic census. The Board had the authority to levy a property tax of 50 cents per $100, and a poll tax of $1 on everyone between the ages of 21 and 50, to supplement the school funds paid by the Trustee based on the pro rata number of students in the District. The Tax Assessor was required to prepare a separate tax list for the use of the school district officials. All school property would be held in the name of the Trustees for the use and benefit of the District.

Superintendent or Director of Schools

After the passage of the Education Improvement Act of 1991, the elected office of superintendent of public instruction (county superintendent of education) was phased out. Replacing the superintendent is a director of schools, who is an employee of the county board of education; however, the continued use of the title superintendent is permitted. The director of schools is employed by the board under a written contract of up to four years duration under T.C.A. § 49-2-203(a). The duties of the director of schools are enumerated in T.C.A. § 49-2-301. The acts referenced below once affected the office of superintendent of education in Weakley County, but are no longer operative. Also referenced below are acts which repeal prior law without providing new substantive provisions.

  1. Private Acts of 1929, Chapter 91, was the authority for the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Chairman of the Board of Education in Weakley County to borrow money and to issue promissory notes bearing interest in amounts not exceeding 80% of the annual levy, not in excess of 6% interest per annum and to become due and payable no later than one year after issue. The proceeds of the notes would be used to pay the salaries of teachers and the other necessary expenses for the maintenance of the public schools, provided, however, the Quarterly Court adopted a Resolution authorizing the same before the money is borrowed. The money would be placed to the credit of the Trustee and disbursed only upon proper order. The loans shall in no case exceed twelve months and shall be paid out of tax money raised for school purposes. This Act was repealed by Private Acts of 1975, Chapter 97.
  2. Private Acts of 1931 (2nd Ex. Sess.), Chapter 5, provided that the twelve year certificates of qualifications for the position of County Superintendent of Schools issued under the authority of Public Acts of 1911, Chapter 69, as amended, shall be renewed for another period of twelve years if the holder of the certificate has served as the County Superintendent of Schools in some county, or counties, for not less than four years during the life of the certificate. This Act repeals any portion of Public Acts of 1925, Chapter 115, the general education law of the State, which might be in conflict with it. This Act was repealed by Private Acts of 1975, Chapter 97.
  3. Private Acts of 1941, Chapter 476, declared that the Superintendent of Public Instruction would be elected by the people of Weakley County under the present applicable election laws for a term of four years, the first election hereunder to be in August, 1942, and the person elected would take office on September 1, 1942. Vacancies would be filled by special election for the unexpired portion of the term. This Act was repealed by Private Acts of 1975, Chapter 97.
  4. Private Acts of 1995, Chapter 8, repealed Private Acts of 1929, Chapter 837, and all other acts amendatory thereto.

General References

The following acts constitute part of the administrative and political heritage of the educational structure of Weakley County but are no longer operative since they have either been superseded, repealed, or failed to receive local approval. Also referenced below are acts which repeal prior law without providing new substantive provisions.

  1. Acts of 1825, Chapter 241, Section 2, incorporated William H. Johnson, Richard Porter, Archilaus M. Hughes, Simpson Organ, and John Charlton, as the Trustees for an academy to be located in the town of Dresden in Weakley County.
  2. Acts of 1829, Chapter 177, appointed William Fitzgerald, Mears Warner, Pulaski B. Bell, Martin Lawler, and John Charlton, as the Trustees for a charitable school for Weakley County. The Trustees were given a preferment on 50 acres of land in the 12th Surveyor's District, Range 1, Section 7, and, upon the building of a school house on the said acreage, the Trustees would have the preference for entry. Any vacancy in the Trustee's ranks shall be filled by selection of the County Court.
  3. Acts of 1831, Chapter 16, Section 25, stated that nothing in this Public Act on Common Schools would be so construed as to prevent any future General Assembly of the State from making such disposition of the school funds heretofore allotted to Henry, Carroll, Weakley, Gibson, Dyer, and Obion Counties, as they may from time to time elect to direct.
  4. Acts of 1835-36, Chapter 132, established the "Dresden Female Academy", naming Benjamin Bondurant, Jubilee Rogers, Perry Vincent, William H. Johnson, William Fitzgerald, James H. Moran, Richard C. Williams, Thomas C. Edwards, David P. Caldwell, Pulaski B. Bell, John A. Gardner, and John Charlton, as the Trustees for the incorporated school. Vacancies would be filled by the remaining Trustees, who were granted all the powers incidental to corporate institutions. The Trustees of the Dresden Male Academy were directed to pay over to this school one-half of all the interest earned on the funds of the school, January 1, of each year.
  5. Acts of 1839-40, Chapter 102, designated the county academy for every county in the State. In Weakley County, Dresden Academy was named as the official county academy. The County Court was obligated to appoint Trustees for the academy to serve two year terms.
  6. Acts of 1857-58, Chapter 27, Section 12, stated that the Board of Trustees of the Dresden Female Academy, or a quorum thereof, would meet on May 1, 1858 and proceed to elect, by voice vote, or by written ballot, five Trustees who would in the future constitute the Board of Trustees. and who would be vested with all the powers, authority, and responsibilities as was the original Board.
  7. Acts of 1869-70, Chapter 64, Section 23, incorporated John Somers, B. D. Irvine, John J. Drewry, John A. Rogers, George R. Brasfield, M. D. Cardwell, J. L. McGlothlin, W. C. Scott, and B. B. Edwards, as the Trustees of the Dresden High School with all the powers to manage and operate the same. The Trustees may open books and sell stock in this corporation at $25 share, and, when $3,000 has been subscribed in stock, they may organize for business. A Trustee must be 21 years old, male, and a resident of Weakley County. The Trustees of the Dresden Male Academy and the Trustees of the Dresden Female Academy had the authority to sell all the lands of the Dresden Male Academy and the Dresden Female Academy, and their assets, the proceeds to be used for the benefit of the above High School. The new high school must be located within Dresden and would be for the benefit of both boys and girls.
  8. Acts of 1869-70, Chapter 64, Section 31, incorporated A. M. Smyth, C. Harris, J. G. Thomason, Dr. G. H. Burnett, J. W. Bandy, J. P. Alexander, R. F. McSpadden, A. J. Swain, R. Covington, William Phillips, J. A. Webb, and J. M Finch, as the Trustees of the Masonic Male and Female Institute, of Gleason in Weakley County.
  9. Acts of 1907, Chapter 236, counties abolished the District Directors of all the counties in the State except in those counties expressly excluding themselves whose number did not include Weakley County. The County Court must divide the County into five school districts from each of which one member of the County Board of Education, would be appointed by the Court. The County Superintendent would serve as the Secretary of the Board of Education. The appointed members would serve until their successors elected in the general election of August, 1908, by the people of each district, shall take office. The County Superintendent would fill vacancies on the Board. The duties of the Chairman, the Secretary, and the members of the Board were all enumerated in the Act. The members would be paid from $1.50 to $3 per meeting day as fixed by the Court. Each District would also have a three member Advisory Board, elected by the District's people to two year terms, whose duties were also specified in Section 14. The Act did not apply to city School Systems. Nine counties exempted themselves from the provisions of this law.