News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
White County residents mourning the passing of longtime principal David McCulley.
Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said McCulley’s first principal role came at East Sparta Elementary in 1978. He eventually moved to Woodland Park Elementary. He served as first-ever principal at Northfield Elementary until 2005. Dronebarger said McCulley was a father and even grandfather figure to thousands of local students over the years.
“I can’t tell you how many people I’ve met in the community that say what an impact he made on their lives,” Dronebarger said. “Even people that say that they were disciplined by him but still thought of him so fondly in the way that he corrected them in his gentle spirit. He just was really beloved by his community.”
Dronebarger said McCulley was deeply involved in the community, serving as a county commissioner for many years. Dronebarger said long-term educators like McCulley help shape their community and the people they live and work with for the better.
“I think everybody has that experience, they think back on their childhood,” Dronebarger said. “School is a big part of that and so these adults in their lives have a huge impact on their daily lives and who they turn out to be.”
Dronebarger said the district is deeply appreciative of the efforts and influence McCulley had and will be considering ways to honor McCulley in the coming days. Dronebarger said McCulley’s legacy speaks for itself through the local citizens who remember him so fondly.
“It’s a legacy of excellence that I want to emulate in my leadership and I want to carry on and one that I think White County’s become known for,” Dronebarger said.
Dronebarger said McCulley started as a teacher at White County High School and worked with the district for over thirty years.
McCulley will be remembered in services Wednesday.
