Oneida Schools To Begin Search For New Director

Oneida, TN (2011-02-03) The Oneida Special School District will have a new Director next year, as Director S. Henry Baggett announced Thursday night his tenure at Oneida would end in June.

In an emotional announcement Thursday night, S. Henry Baggett, who has been the Director of the Oneida Schools for the last seven years, announced his employment with the District would cease at the end of his current contract.

“(My) current contract ends in on June 30, 2011,” commented Baggett. “I will not return next year,” he added. While Baggett acknowledged his departure from the system, he didn’t indicate whether his leaving was his decision or that his contract wasn’t being considered for renewal by the district.

Following Baggett’s announcement, none of the members of the school board spoke. After the meeting, Board Chairperson Dr. Nancy Williamson simply stated Baggett had “resigned”.

In an emotional, heartfelt tone, Baggett expressed his adoration to the community and his appreciation to the Board for giving him the chance to serve the system. He further spoke highly of the achievement of the district’s students. “(We’ve) been blessed as a district with the greatest young people in the world,” he remarked. “I love these kids with all my heart,” he shared. Although he will be leaving, Baggett pledged to continue working. “My efforts will be the same as if I was going to be here next year,” he remarked. In summation, Baggett opined, “We, like all school districts in the State of Tennessee face uncertain times, and there are going to have to be hard, tough decisions made.” “My only regret is I will not be here to help,” he concluded.