Dr. Darrell Wooden named chief compliance officer at Jackson Madison County Schools

Dr. Darrell Wooden introduced himself as the new chief compliance officer for Jackson Madison County Schools in a recorded interview, saying he chose JMCS and that colleagues describe Jackson as "on the move." "It's the place to be," Wooden said, adding that coworkers in Madison County speak positively about the district's family-oriented atmosphere.

Wooden, who the recording identifies as coming to JMCS after serving as assistant director of operations and federal programs in Hardeman County Schools, described his leadership approach as collaborative and service-oriented. "I'm a dedicated professional and I'm a servant leader," he said, adding that he aims to help "foster a student-centered environment providing students with options and opportunities so that they're successful."

Outlining his career path, Wooden said he began as a kindergarten teacher in Fayette County, later returned to his hometown in Hardeman County where he served as a kindergarten teacher, middle-school language arts teacher and assistant principal, and then moved into district-level work as a federal programs director. "My goal was to make as large of an impact as possible in Hardeman County Schools," he said.

Describing duties tied to federal programs and compliance, Wooden said the role includes overseeing federal program initiatives, managing the money a district receives for those programs, ensuring compliance with federal requirements and maintaining documentation to demonstrate the district has met those obligations. "In my role as federal programs director, I oversee or manage the federal programs initiatives, managing the money ... but it also entails ensuring that the district and schools are compliant with federal programs requirements, regulations, and maintaining documentation," he said.

Wooden said he is "excited to join the team" at JMCS and expects to provide an "extra layer of support" for schools, students and families. The recording closes with Wooden repeating his preference: "I am Dr. Darrell Wooden and I choose JMCSS."