Dr. Ed Nichols honored with city coin ahead of retirement
Two longtime city employees also honored
MADISON – Madison City Schools Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols was presented with a framed city of Madison coin at last week’s Madison City Council meeting in honor of his service to the city.
Nichols has served as superintendent of Madison City Schools for six years and in public education for over 30 years.
“Dr. Nichols took over in Madison City Schools at one of the most challenging moments in the history of our school system. He applied during the beginning of COVID, and he was able to ably steer the ship and lead Madison City Schools to new success, managing growth, managing a wonderful school system that reached new heights under your tenure,” said Mayor Ranae Bartlett.
Nichols described him and his family as “blessed” to have made Madison their home.
“It certainly was a blessing to come to Madison and become part of this community of which we have grown to know and to love and plan to stay here. As the city has, we’ve planted our roots here, and our tree is here,” said Nichols.
During his tenure at Madison City Schools, Nichols oversaw the building of three new schools, secured continued funding of the school district, multiple facility upgrades of existing schools, and expansion of STEM, art, music, and Career Tech programs.
He announced his plan to retire earlier this year at the April 9 school board meeting. His last day is expected to be at the end of June.
Two other city employees were honored upon their retirement at the same city council meeting.
Kim Lindsey was awarded a city coin for her 35 years as the Mayor’s Senior Executive Assistant. Four previous mayors joined Mayor Bartlett in presenting the coin.
“I was delighted when I arrived at city hall to have Kim Lindsey help get me through the four years I was here. She is a treasure and everybody will miss her,” said former mayor Jan Wells.
“She was absolutely dependable, absolutely trustworthy, always had a good, firm hand on everything that was going on,” commented former mayor Sandy Kirkendall.
“There is no one more professional that I dealt with that took care of us as mayors as Kim Lindsey,” said former mayor Paul Finley.
“Our city is better because of what you did for us,” commented former mayor Troy Trulock.
Lindsey served during nine mayoral terms starting with Chuck Yancura. She has lived in Madison even longer, moving here in 1984 from northeastern Ohio with her husband.
Police Captain Terrell Cook was also recognized for his service upon his retirement. Cook started with MPD in 1999 and is leaving a lasting impact on the force as the key player responsible for MPD’s accreditation in CALEA, a distinction only 5% of police forces in the United States have.
“After 27 years of serving with the Madison Police Department with distinction, Terell, we’re going to miss you,” said Police Chief Gandy.
