Tennessee Code Title 6. Cities and Towns § 6-36-109

(a) The board of education shall appoint a director of schools who shall be the administrative head of the city school system. The director shall be subject only to the board of education and all orders of the board relating to the management of the schools shall be given through the director. Except for the purpose of inquiry, the board and its members shall deal with administrative officers, principals, teachers and other employees solely through the director. Neither the board nor any member thereof shall give orders to the director's subordinates or otherwise interfere with the director's functions through such means as the making of particular purchases from, or contracts with, any specific individual or organization.

(b) The office of any board member violating any provision of this section shall immediately become vacant upon the member's conviction in a court of competent jurisdiction.

(c) The board of education shall fix the director's salary. The director shall serve at the pleasure of the board as provided by the director's contract of employment. The director has the right to take part in the discussion of all matters coming before the board, but not the right to vote.

(d) The director, or other employee designated by the board on the recommendation of the director, shall serve as secretary to the board.