JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
A closed court hearing regarding the termination of Kellye Hogan as Director of the Beene Pearson Public Library was recently held, despite initial plans for a public hearing at the library in South Pittsburg.
Hogan was terminated from her role by the Marion County Library Board—a decision that has sparked significant debate within South Pittsburg and beyond. Many residents have described the action as unjust and controversial.
Ron Hudson, chairman of the South Pittsburg Historic Preservation Society and Hogan’s father, stated that over 300 community members signed petitions advocating for her reinstatement. Public support for Hogan has grown, especially as she pursues legal action to reclaim her former position.
South Pittsburg Commissioner Mike Allen voiced his concerns at a recent public meeting, calling Hogan’s dismissal unfair given her contributions to the library.
“Kellye has come in here and brought us up to speed with what’s going on every month,” said Allen. “I thought it was very positive, and the reason she was let go—I was not happy, and I’m still not happy about it.”
Commissioners Ruric Brandt and Paul Schafer of the Marion County Commission also expressed support for Hogan. At a previous Commission meeting, Brandt questioned the rationale behind Hogan’s termination, particularly given her strong track record and qualifications. He even proposed disbanding the Marion County Library Board entirely, citing not only Hogan’s dismissal but also concerns over the board’s management of government funds and the unauthorized closure of its bank account.
The closed hearing was held Wednesday, May 14, at the Marion County Courthouse in downtown Jasper. Commissioners Brandt, Schafer, and Allen, along with many of Hogan’s supporters, stood outside the courthouse awaiting updates. A public hearing had originally been scheduled for 5 p.m. that same day at the Beene Pearson Library, but it was replaced last minute with the private session at the courthouse.
Commissioner Schafer, speaking outside the courthouse, voiced agreement with Brandt’s proposal to dissolve the current library board and establish a new one without any city board members.
Hogan’s attorney, Sam Hudson of Dunlap, stated following the hearing that he and the board’s attorney plan to meet again this week. Their discussions will focus on allegations that the board violated the Tennessee Open Meetings Act, which mandates public access to government meetings. Both attorneys aim to resolve the issue before further legal steps are taken and to schedule a proper public hearing regarding Hogan’s termination.
Disclaimer: Several minor inconsistencies regarding last week’s Executive Director Concerns story were recently shared with us by Dr. Christine Van Hamersveld. The comment she made regarding ongoing financial mismanagement was in reference to the Marion County Library Board, not the director or other staff members of the Carolyn Stewart Municipal Library. The Carolyn Stewart Municipal Library has been under the oversight of the Jasper Municipal Library Board for several months now. It is no longer associated with the Marion County Library Board. Dr. Van Hamersveld also noted that the executive director position was posted in the Marion Tribune on March 6, one day before the March 7 meeting at which the board approved the executive director’s resignation and the job posting. She also stated that one other local applicant met all qualifications other than having a library background. Finally, it should be noted that the Library Director at the Beene Pearson Library did not resign from her position.
