The Hickman County Board of Education is considering a significant review of its nepotism policy, which has come under scrutiny for being overly restrictive. During the June 3 meeting, a board member highlighted the need for flexibility in hiring practices, particularly in a county where many residents are related.

The current policy prohibits hiring relatives of board members or the director of schools, a stance that goes beyond state law. While state law allows for the hiring of relatives as long as the board is notified and the candidate is qualified, the local policy has created barriers that some believe hinder the district's ability to attract and retain qualified staff.

The discussion centered on the challenges of staffing, especially in light of increasing enrollment of students with exceptionalities. The board member pointed out that the strict policy has made it difficult to fill critical positions, such as school psychologists, and has led to missed opportunities for local candidates who may be well-qualified but are related to current staff.

Concerns were raised about the implications of having relatives in the same line of supervision, which can complicate evaluations and create conflicts of interest. The board member suggested that a more reasonable approach would be to allow relatives to work in the same district but not in direct supervisory roles over one another.

As the board deliberates on this issue, the potential for policy changes could lead to a more inclusive hiring process, allowing the district to better meet its staffing needs while still addressing concerns about nepotism. The outcome of this discussion could significantly impact the future hiring practices within Hickman County Schools.