Kevin Mack Appointed to Wilson County School Board, Eyes Long-Term Role
Former Mt. Juliet mayor Kevin Mack is officially heading back into public service-this time with a new title. On Tuesday night, the Wilson County Commission voted 13-9-1 to appoint Mack to the Wilson County Schools Board, filling the vacant Zone 5 seat left open after Donnie Self resigned last month.
The vote, which required a minimum of 13 votes to confirm the appointment, came after a competitive selection process that included two other candidates: former WCS board chair Larry Tomlinson and retired educator Cindy Johnson. Tomlinson, who previously represented Zone 5, received nine votes in the first round, while Johnson garnered two and was eliminated from the second round of voting.
Mack was sworn in during the meeting and will officially take his seat at the board’s next meeting on Monday, February 2. He’ll serve at least through August, when the seat will be on the ballot. Mack has already picked up a petition to run in both the May primary and the August general election to complete the final two years of Self’s term.
“It was close. I was a little nervous there,” Mack said after the vote. “But I’m excited about this opportunity to serve the board of education, the county commissioners, and most importantly the citizens, parents, and students of Wilson County Schools.”
Mack emphasized his combined experience in government and business, pointing to his time as Mt. Juliet’s mayor from 2000 to 2004 and his background in Career and Technical Education (CTE), which he once taught at Green Hill High. That dual experience, he said, will be key as the district faces rapid growth and evolving educational needs.
“I hope to use my public sector and private sector budgeting skills to help address rapid growth and focus on expanding Career and Technical Education classes,” Mack said. “So whether students go to college or straight into the workforce, they’re ready.”
A Divided Vote, A Unified Spotlight
The meeting drew a crowd-around 100 people filled the room-as 12 citizens spoke during the public comment period to voice their support for the candidates. The support was split nearly down the middle, with several speaking on behalf of Mack, including Wilson County Republican Party Chair Brad Lytle, and others backing Tomlinson.
All three candidates-Mack, Tomlinson, and Johnson-were given five minutes to address the commissioners directly. Mack leaned into his experience and vision, while Johnson highlighted her work in special education across both middle and high schools. Tomlinson, who served on the board for over two decades, pointed to his track record in helping hire school directors and oversee construction of new schools.
Tomlinson made it clear he wasn’t planning a return beyond the interim. According to him, WCS Director Jeff Luttrell had asked him to fill in temporarily, and he had no intention of running for re-election. Johnson, on the other hand, confirmed she plans to run for the seat as an Independent in August.
Political Undercurrents
The appointment didn’t come without political context. Earlier this month, the Wilson County Republican Party hosted an event in Mt.
Juliet urging constituents to contact their commissioners to support keeping a Republican in the Zone 5 seat. Several commissioners and elected officials were in attendance.
Commissioners Danny Clark and Lauren Breeze had also posted on social media in the lead-up to the vote, stating their belief that the seat-having been won by a Republican in 2024-should remain in Republican hands.
Commissioner Glenn Denton, who nominated Mack, praised his résumé and leadership history.
“He has experience and has accomplishments, too,” Denton said. “He’s been very successful in everything he’s done-political, educational, commercial.
Everything he touches seems to be successful. I think Kevin Mack will help us go to a higher level.”
Commissioner Blake Hall nominated Johnson, while Commissioner Mike Kurtz put forward Tomlinson.
A Familiar Face, A Fresh Start
Mack’s appointment brings a familiar face back into the public eye in Mt. Juliet and Wilson County. During his time as mayor, his administration oversaw major development projects, including the extension of Golden Bear Gateway and the creation of Providence Marketplace-both of which reshaped the city’s economic landscape.
He’s hoping to bring that same forward-thinking mindset to the school board, especially as Wilson County continues to grow rapidly. His focus on expanding CTE offerings signals an emphasis on preparing students for a wide range of post-graduation paths, not just the traditional college route.
As for Tomlinson, the longtime board member didn’t hide his disappointment in the outcome.
“People of this county elected me for over 20 years. That speaks for itself,” he said after the vote.
“The majority of the people who spoke against me tonight came from the West end of the county. They shouldn’t have any say in what goes on in Zone 5.
That’s life. That’s the way it is.
I’ve got to live with it and roll with the punches.”
Final Vote Breakdown
Here’s how the commissioners voted:
For Kevin Mack (13 votes): Robert Fields, Rick Brown, Bobby Franklin, Chad Barnard, Kevin Costley, Blake Hall, John Gentry, Jeremy Hobbs, Diane Weathers, Lauren Breeze, Glenn Denton, Danny Clark, Justin Smith.
For Larry Tomlinson (9 votes): Terry Scruggs, Haskell Evans, Tommy Jones, Chris Dowell, Rusty Keith, William Glover, Mike Kurtz, Wendell Marlowe, Jeremy Reich.
Abstained: Mt. Juliet Police Chief Tyler Chandler on both ballots.
Absent: Commissioners Beth Bowman and Jerry McFarland.
With the vote now behind him, Mack steps into a role that will demand both vision and pragmatism. From balancing budgets to navigating population growth and educational demands, the path ahead is anything but simple. But if Mack’s track record is any indication, he’s not shying away from the challenge.