Tag Archives: Principal

Algood Middle School welcomes Rusty Darley as its new principal. Darley served for five years as the Assistant Principal at Cookeville High School, and previously as a teacher and athletic trainer in other school districts. “I have a different perspective of Algood Middle in that my first perspective is as a parent,” Darley said. “Of course, my children came through ... Read More »

Hillham Elementary has a new principal in Kelly Montgomery. She replaces Kim Dial who is now a faculty member of Hillham Elementary. Montgomery said as a first time principal, student success will be her focus this school year. “A family approach is what Overton County is good at, and we’ve always taken athletic endeavors, academic endeavors, social and emotional worries ... Read More »

Longtime Van Buren County educator Neal Wayne O’Neal will be laid to rest Friday. He passed away at the age of 78-years-old. Director of Schools Cheryl Cole said O’Neal was a teacher, high school principal and served 10 years as superintendent. “I graduated in 1983 and Mr. O’Neal was one of my teachers that I had in high school,” Cole ... Read More »

Gainesboro Elementary School has named its new principal. Sonja Smallwood has over 28 years of experience in the Jackson County School System, with the last 12 years as an assistant principal. Smallwood takes over the position from long-time principal Tina Cassetty, who decided to retire this year after serving in the system for more than 30 years. Read More »

Changes in leadership at Putnam County Schools have the system wanting to plan ahead. Director of Schools Corby King said that it’s important to have a robust pool of candidates who are eager to fill leadership roles. He said that the system currently has a principal and leadership pipeline through a “learn-to-lead” program. “The principals nominate,” King said. “Teachers will ... Read More »

Putnam County Schools named Stephen Robbins as the new Upperman High School principal for next school year Tuesday. Robbins will replace Billy Stepp who accepted a new position as Cumberland County Director of Schools. Robbins served as Cookeville High School’s assistant principal and athletic director for five years. Robbins will officially begin his role on July 1st. “I am honored ... Read More »

Van Buren High School will host an informational back to school night Tuesday evening. Principal Katina Simmons said the event will serve both parents and students with information as the new school year begins. “We’re really big on communication with our parents and our students,” Simmons said. “The more they know the more information they have the better is always ... Read More »

Heather Tinch has been named the new principal of Burks Elementary School. The Putnam County School System made the announcement Monday that Tinch will take over for Kevin Maynard, who is retiring. Tinch has fourteen years of experience as a classroom teacher and has spent the last eight years as the Prescott South Middle School Assistant Principal. “I am incredibly ... Read More »

Teia Arms will become Clay County High School’s new principal. Born and raised in Clay County, Arms has taught math for over 20 years. Arms said she expects her students to take ownership in their actions and education. But at the same time, let her students know their teachers care about them. “Trust between you and the staff, making sure ... Read More »

Greg Wilson could have never imagined being Principal at White County School as he walked through graduation in 1985. “I was speaking to some classmates online, I would have never thought that I could come back and be in the place of Mr. Charles Dycus, who was our principal,” Wilson said. “One of the things that never crossed my mind.” ... Read More »