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East Ridge Middle School Principal Nick Darnell was recognized for his work on the Tennessee State School Board at Tuesday’s Hamblen County School Board meeting.

Chair of The State Board of Education Robert Eby gave a few remarks about Darnell and his time on the board.

“It is our privilege to honor Nick Darnell who served on the state board for 5 years with me. We were appointed on the board at the same time by past Governor Bill Haslam in 2018,” he said.

“By law one person on the board must be an educator and Nick was the educator. While he represented District 1 exceptionally well he also represented all the teachers and administrators and did an outstanding job.

“Whenever Nick spoke everyone listened because he brought a perspective none of us had. He was strong and stood up for the rights of teachers and educators and we were privileged to have him on the board.

Following Eby, Nathan James, deputy executive director for legislative and external affairs, read the proclamation presented and approved by the 113 State General Assembly.

“A resolution to recognize Nick Darnell for his honorable and astute service as a member of the State Board of Education,” James read. “It is fitting that members of the general assembly should pause and recognize those estimable educational professionals who have dedicated themselves to improving the lives of students and teachers throughout the state.”

“Nick Darnell is one such individual who has estimably served as a member of this State Board of Education representing the 700,720 people of the first congressional district for the past 5 years. During his time he has been integral to many of the board’s key accomplishments.”

James read the accomplishments Darnell achieved while on the board.

“During his 5 year tenure on the board Darnell has played an important role in licensure flexibility which has helped more individuals enter the profession in a time where schools are in dire need of teachers,” James read. “He also had the novel responsibility of adapting to the challenges represented by the COVID 19 pandemic, working with the board to support the district’s schools and students during that time.

“Darnell’s other contributions as a member of the board include providing the best education possible for Tennessee Students and voting for an increase in the minimum salaries schedule for teachers to $40,000 which will undoubtedly recruit quality candidates into the profession.

“Throughout his exemplary tenure on the State Board of Education Darnell has carried out his responsibilities with diligence and integrity.”

James then read several distinctions and honors Darnell has received outside of being member on the board

“He is an educator with 12 years of classroom experience and was appointed to his position by Bill Haslam who three years prior had named Darnell to the first Governor’s Teacher Cabinet in which he advised the governor and the commissioner of education for three years,” James read. “He has also served as a Learning Leader for Hamblen County, providing facilitations for professional learning communities, leading professional development and mentoring fellow teachers.

“In 2015 he was selected as the East Ridge Middle School’s, Hamblen County School’s and the First Tennessee Core Region Middle School Teach of the Year.

“Darnell has compiled a singular record of success during his exemplary career in education.”

Following the reading of the proclamation, each member of the Hamblen County Board of Education congratulated Darnell for the honor and also thanked him for his dedication to the district and to his students.