2023-2024 Administrative Appointments

Dr. Andrew Brown Appointed Interim Assistant Superintendent of Student Success

 

Dr. Andrew Brown has been appointed Assistant Superintendent of Student Success for Knox County Schools effective February 2024.

 

Dr. Brown joined Knox County Schools in 1999 as a teacher at Central High School. He went on to work for 12 years as a teacher and principal in Bristol, Tenn. In 2016, he returned to Knox County Schools as principal of South-Doyle Middle School and was named principal of Central High School in 2019. He currently serves as Senior Executive to the Superintendent, a position he has held since November 2023.

 

Dr. Brown holds a bachelor's degree in Biology from Carson-Newman University, a master's degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University, an education specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Carson-Newman University, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Carson-Newman University.

 

 

 

Chelsea Price Appointed Student Success Advisory and Improvement Officer

 

Chelsea Price has been appointed Student Success Advisory and Improvement Officer for Knox County Schools effective November 2023.

 

Ms. Price began her legal career as a law clerk at Held Law Firm in Knoxville in 2019. She also served as a volunteer law clerk for Legal Aid of East Tennessee at both its main office and the Family Justice Center and has dedicated her time to supporting youth in foster care. Following graduation from law school, she began working as an attorney for Held Law Firm.

 

Ms. Price received a bachelor's degree in International Relations from the University of Alabama and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Tennessee College of Law.

 

 

 

Dr. Sofia Roth Appointed Principal of Richard Yoakley School

 

Dr. Sofia Roth has been appointed principal of Richard Yoakley School effective November 2023.

 

Dr. Roth joined Knox County Schools in 2002 as a teacher at Carter High School. She began teaching at Fulton High School in 2008 and later became an assistant administrator. She was named assistant principal of Vine Middle School in 2016 and is currently an assistant principal at Fulton High. She also serves as principal of the Night Alternative School, a position she has held since 2008.

 

Dr. Roth holds a bachelor's degree in Spanish, a master's degree in ESL/FL Secondary Education, and an Educational Specialist degree, all from the University of Tennessee, as well as a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from the University of the Cumberlands.

 

 

 

Steve Killian Appointed Principal of Carter High School

 

Steve Killian has been appointed principal of Carter High School effective November 2023.

 

Mr. Killian joined Knox County Schools in 1986 as a teacher at Bearden Middle School. He previously was a teacher at Clinton Jr. High School. In 1988, he began teaching at Central High School, where he worked for 12 years. He began his career in administration in 2000, when he was named assistant principal at Halls High School. In 2007, he began as assistant principal of West High School, and in 2018, he was named an assistant principal at Farragut High School, where he currently serves.

 

Mr. Killian holds a bachelor's degree in Physical Education from the University of Tennessee and a master's degree in Secondary Education, from Lincoln Memorial University.

 

 

 

Brad Corum Appointed Director of Academies

 

Brad Corum has been appointed Director of Academies effective October 2023.

 

Mr. Corum joined Knox County Schools in 1997 as a teacher at Karns High School. He began his career in administration in 2004 serving as assistant principal at Powell Middle School. He has also been an assistant principal at Karns Middle and West Valley Middle schools. In 2013, he was named principal of Karns Middle School, and in 2016, he was appointed principal of Karns High School. He is currently principal of Carter High School.

 

Mr. Corum holds a bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Tennessee and a master’s degree in Education Administration from Lincoln Memorial University.

 

 

 

Cindy Sanford Appointed Principal of Beaumont Magnet Academy

 

Cindy Sanford has been appointed principal of Beaumont Magnet Academy effective July 2023.

 

Ms. Sanford joined Knox County Schools in 2006 as a teacher at Lonsdale Elementary School. In 2012, she began working as a districtwide numeracy coach while also serving as a Common Core coach for the Tennessee Department of Education. She was selected to be part of the Leadership Academy in 2015 and placed at Pleasant Ridge Elementary School. In 2016, she was named assistant principal of West Haven Elementary School, and in 2017, she became the assistant principal of Dogwood Elementary School.

 

Ms. Sanford holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from South College and a master's degree in Instructional Leadership from the University of Tennessee.

 

 

 

John "J.D." Faulconer Appointed Principal of Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy

 

Dr. John "J.D." Faulconer has been appointed Principal of Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy effective July 2023.

 

Dr. Faulconer joined Knox County Schools in 2013 as the founding principal of Career Magnet Academy. He previously worked five years as a teacher and 12 years in administration for Anderson County Schools and the Corbin Independent School System. He is currently the Career and Technical Education Specialist of Curriculum and Instruction for KCS.

 

Dr. Faulconer holds a bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Kentucky, a master's degree in Educational Leadership from Tennessee Technological University, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from East Tennessee State University.

 

 

 

Dr. Danielle Rutig Appointed Principal of Central High School

 

Dr. Danielle Rutig has been appointed Principal of Central High School effective July 2023.

 

Dr. Rutig joined Knox County Schools in 2019 as an assistant principal at Central High School, where she currently serves. She started as a teacher in Florida in 2005, and subsequently, worked for eight years as a teacher for Anderson County Schools.

 

She began her career in administration in 2015 when she was named assistant principal of Norwood Middle School. In 2016, she was selected to be part of the Leadership Academy. She served as assistant principal of Clinton Middle College and Career Academy for three years before coming to Knox County.

 

Dr. Rutig holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Florida State University, a master's degree in Education Administration and Policy and an Education Specialist degree in Education Administration and Policy, both from the University of Tennessee, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from East Tennessee State University.

 

 

Meagan Booth Appointed Supervisor of Employee Relations

 

Meagan Booth has been appointed Supervisor of Employee Relations effective July 2023.

 

Ms. Booth joined Knox County Schools in 2009 as a teacher at Halls High School. She started her teaching career with Greenville County Schools in South Carolina. She has taught at Halls High and Powell High schools and worked as a numeracy coach at Green Magnet Academy. In 2016, she was named assistant principal and athletic director of Halls High School, and also served as an assistant principal at Karns High School. She is currently the principal of Dr. Paul Kelley Volunteer Academy.

 

Ms. Booth holds a bachelor's degree in Mathematics from Gardner-Webb University in North Carolina, a master's degree in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Tennessee.

 

 

 

Theresa Nixon Appointed Executive Director of Academic Supports

 

Theresa Nixon has been appointed Executive Director of Academic Supports effective July 2023.

 

Ms. Nixon joined Knox County Schools in 1993 as a teacher at West High School, where she worked for 15 years serving in various leadership positions, including department chair and a member of the mentor core team.

 

In 2008, she became a districtwide science instructional coach, and subsequently, a science specialist and supervisor. She was named Director of Educational Technology and Library Services for KCS in 2013, and she currently serves as the district’s Director of Teaching and Learning Supports.

 

Ms. Nixon holds a bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of the South - Sewanee, and a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Tennessee.

 

 

Mitchell Cox Appointed Principal of Hardin Valley Academy

 

Mitchell Cox has been appointed Principal of Hardin Valley Academy effective July 2023.

 

Mr. Cox joined Knox County Schools in 2017 as principal of Halls Elementary School. He taught seven years at Sullivan North High School before becoming a teacher and administrative assistant at Innovation Academy of Northeast Tennessee in 2012. He began his career in administration the following year as an assistant principal at Sullivan Central High School and served as principal of Indian Springs Elementary School.

 

In 2019, he was named principal of Cedar Bluff Elementary. He is currently Supervisor of Employee Relations for Knox County Schools.Mr. Cox holds a bachelor's degree in History from East Tennessee State University, a master's degree in Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment from Walden University, and an Educational Leadership license from Union College.

 

 

 

Greg Adams Appointed Principal of Farragut Middle School

 

Greg Adams has been appointed Principal of Farragut Middle School effective July 2023.

 

Mr. Adams joined Knox County Schools in 2021 as an assistant principal at Bearden High School, where he currently serves. He previously worked 18 years in Michigan, where he started his career rehabilitating at-risk youth as a youth specialist. He has worked as an assistant principal and athletic director at DaVinci High School, a special education teacher for Jackson Intermediate School.

 

Additionally, Mr. Adams has been a program director for Western Career Prep High School and assistant principal at Jackson High School.Mr. Adams holds a bachelor's degree in Learning Disabilities/Special Education and a master's degree in Emotional Impairment, both from Michigan State University, and a certificate in Educational Leadership and Administration from the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals.

 

 

 

Chris Daniels Appointed Principal of Chilhowee Intermediate School

 

Chris Daniels has been appointed Principal of Chilhowee Intermediate School effective July 2023.

 

Mr. Daniels joined Knox County Schools in 2000 as a teacher at Carter Middle School, where he worked for 11 years. He previously was a teacher at Sevierville Middle School. He also taught at Northwest Middle School, where he was a TAP mentor, IT coach and lead teacher. He has been an assistant administrator at Northwest Middle, Beaumont Magnet Academy and West Hills Elementary. In 2021, he was named an assistant principal at Karns Elementary School, where he currently serves.

 

Mr. Daniels holds a bachelor's degree in Social Science and a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction, both from the University of Tennessee, and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University.

 

 

 

Jessica Schaefer-Ruiz Appointed Principal of Fort Sanders Educational Development Center

 

Jessica Schaefer-Ruiz has been appointed Principal of Fort Sanders Educational Development Center effective July 2023.

 

Ms. Schaefer-Ruiz joined Knox County Schools in 2003 as an intern at Beaumont Magnet Academy. She worked as a teacher at Green Magnet Academy and Beaumont Magnet for six years before becoming an Instructional Coach at Beaumont. She also was a TAP master teacher at Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Academy. She was selected to be part of the Leadership Academy in 2012 and placed at Sterchi Elementary School as an assistant principal.

 

She became an assistant principal of Green Magnet Academy in 2013, and in 2018, she was named an assistant principal of Dogwood Elementary School, where she currently serves.

Ms. Schaefer-Ruiz holds a bachelor's degree in Human Ecology, a master's degree in Early Childhood Education, and two Educational Specialist degrees in Leadership and Administration, all from the University of Tennessee.

 

 

 

Emily Jellicorse Appointed Principal of Carter Elementary School

 

Emily Jellicorse has been appointed as Principal of Carter Elementary School effective July 2023.

 

Ms. Jellicorse joined Knox County Schools in 2008 as a teacher at Carter Elementary School. She previously worked as a teacher at Jefferson County Schools and in Arkansas. She also taught at Holston Middle, where she was a TAP mentor and master teacher. She served as an instructional coach at Gresham Middle School until 2017 when she began her career in administration as an assistant principal at Gresham.

 

She became an assistant principal at Gibbs Elementary School in 2017, and in 2019, she was named principal of Chilhowee Intermediate, where she currently serves.

Ms. Jellicorse holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Carson-Newman College, a master's degree in English Education from the University of Tennessee and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Administration from Lincoln Memorial University.

 

 

 

Weston Edmonds Appointed Supervisor of Assessments for Knox County Schools

 

Weston Edmonds has been appointed Supervisor of Assessments effective July 2023.

 

Mr. Edmonds joined Knox County Schools in 2004 as a teacher at Farragut High School upon graduating from the University of Tennessee. He began his career in administration in 2012 as an assistant principal at Central High School. He became an assistant principal at Farragut Middle School in 2013, and in 2015, he was named principal of Farragut Middle, where he currently serves.

 

Mr. Edmonds holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science and a master's degree in Education, both from the University of Tennessee, and an Education Specialist degree in Administration from Tennessee Tech University.

 

 

 

Denise Watts Appointed Principal of Powell Middle School

 

Denise Watts has been appointed Principal of Powell Middle School effective July 2023.

 

Ms. Watts joined Knox County Schools in 2005 upon graduation from the University of Tennessee and worked 10 years as a high school teacher before becoming a TPaCK Coach. She was selected to be part of the Leadership Academy in 2016 and placed at Austin-East Magnet High School as an assistant principal, where she continued to serve until 2021. She is currently an assistant principal at Bearden High School.

 

Ms. Watts holds a bachelor's degree in History, a master's degree in Theory and Practice in Teacher Education, and an educational specialist degree in Instructional Leadership, all from the University of Tennessee.

 

 

 

Tye Sutton is appointed Principal of Vine Middle School

 

Tye Sutton has been appointed Principal of Vine Middle School effective July 2023.

 

Mr. Sutton joined Knox County Schools in 2014 as an assistant principal at Fulton High School. He previously worked as teacher in Alabama and Ohio and served 13 years as an administrator in Ohio. He has also been a principal at South-Doyle Middle School and an assistant principal at Northwest Middle School. In 2017, he was named an assistant principal at Karns High School, where he currently serves.

 

Mr. Sutton holds a bachelor's degree in Music Education from Alabama State University and a master's degree in Educational Leadership from Wright State University.

 

 

 

William Smith Appointed Principal of Lonsdale Elementary School

 

William Smith has been appointed Principal of Lonsdale Elementary School effective July 2023.

 

Mr. Smith joined Knox County Schools in 2010 upon graduation from the University of Tennessee and worked seven years as an elementary school teacher at Inskip and Lonsdale Elementary schools schools serving as both a TAP Mentor teacher and a TEAM lead teacher. He was selected to be part of the Leadership Academy in 2017 and placed at Hardin Valley Elementary School as an assistant principal. In 2018, he was named an assistant principal at Green Magnet Academy, where he currently serves.

 

Mr. Smith holds a bachelor's degree in Human Ecology, a master's degree in Child and Family Studies and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership, all from the University of Tennessee.

 

 

 

Dr. Elizabeth Ingram Appointed Principal of West Valley Middle School

 

Dr. Elizabeth Ingram has been appointed Principal of West Valley Middle School effective July 2023.

 

Dr. Ingram joined Knox County Schools in 2008 as assistant principal of Hardin Valley Academy. Before joining Knox County Schools, she worked as a math teacher in Florida and Kentucky for more than eight years. She has also been an assistant principal at West Valley Middle School and at Farragut High School. In 2018, she was named principal of Powell Middle School, where she currently serves.

 

Dr. Ingram holds an associate's degree in Education from Southeast Community College and a bachelor's degree in Education from Union College, as well as a master's degree in Educational Leadership and Supervision and a doctorate in Organizational Managment, both from Nova Southeastern University.

 

 

 

Sarah Mercer Appointed Principal of New Hopewell Elementary School

 

Sarah Mercer has been appointed Principal of New Hopewell Elementary School effective July 2023.

 

Ms. Mercer joined Knox County Schools in 2008 as a teacher at Beaumont Magnet Academy. She also worked as a magnet facilitator and numeracy coach while at Beaumont. In 2016, she became a TPaCK Coach at East Knox County Elementary School. She began her career in administration in 2020, when she was named assistant principal of A.L. Lotts Elementary School, where she currently serves.

 

Ms. Mercer holds a bachelor's degree in Education from Freed-Hardeman University, a master's degree in Instruction and Curriculum from the University of Phoenix, and an Educational Specialist degree in Instructional Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University.

 

 

 

Rocky Riley Appointed Principal of Bonny Kate Elementary School

 

Rocky Riley has been appointed Principal of Bonny Kate Elementary School effective July 2023.

 

Mr. Riley joined Knox County Schools in 2001 as a teacher and worked at South-Doyle High and West High schools. In 2007, he became a Career and Technical Education Curriculum Supervisor for Knox County Schools. He began his career in administration in 2016 when he was named assistant principal of West High. He has been an assistant principal at Career Magnet Academy and at South-Doyle Middle School, where he currently serves.

 

Mr. Riley holds a bachelor's degree in Human Resource Development with a concentration in Technology Education from the University of Tennessee, and a master's degree in Education from Lincoln Memorial University.

 

 

 

Shelli Eberle Appointed Special Education Supervisor for Knox County Schools

 

Shelli Eberle has been appointed Special Education Supervisor for Knox County Schools.

 

Ms. Eberle joined Knox County Schools in 2005 as a teacher at Green Magnet Academy. She also worked for six years at New Hopewell Elementary School. She began her career in administration in 2012 when she was appointed assistant principal of West Hills Elementary. In 2015, she was named principal of Fort Sanders Educational Development Center, and in 2016, she also took on the role of Child Find and Preschool Special Education Supervisor. She currently holds both positions.

 

Ms. Eberle received a bachelor's degree in Child and Family Students and a master's degree in Early Childhood Education, both from the University of Tennessee, as well as an Educational Specialist degree in Leadership and Administration from Lincoln Memorial University.

 

 

 

Jason Harris Appointed Principal of Karns Preschool

 

Jason Harris has been appointed Principal of Karns Preschool effective July 2023.

 

Mr. Harris joined Knox County Schools in 2002 as a teacher at Belle Morris Elementary School.

 

He previously served as a teacher in Asheville, N.C. He also taught at Vine Middle School and was a lead teacher at Maynard Elementary. He has been an administrative assistant at Austin-East Magnet High School and at A.L. Lotts Elementary School. He was named assistant principal of A.L. Lotts in 2015 and assistant principal of Gibbs Elementary School in 2016. He is currently the assistant principal of Sterchi Elementary.

 

Mr. Harris holds a bachelor's degree in Pre-Teaching Multi-Cultural Studies, and a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction, both from the University of Tennessee. He also has an Education Specialist degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University and an Education Specialist degree in Administration and Supervision from the University of Tennessee.

 

 

April Partin Appointed Principal of Cedar Bluff Preschool

 

April Partin has been appointed Principal of Cedar Bluff Preschool effective July 2023.

 

Ms. Partin joined Knox County Schools in 2001 as a teacher at A.L. Lotts Elementary School, where she taught several years and served as a lead teacher.

 

She began her career in administration in 2012 when she was appointed assistant principal at A.L. Lotts. She also served as an assistant principal at Green Magnet Academy. She was selected to be part of the Leadership Academy in 2017 and placed at Karns Elementary School as an assistant principal. In 2018, she was named principal of Shannondale Elementary, and in 2019, she became principal of Lonsdale Elementary, where she currently serves.

 

Ms. Partin holds a bachelor's degree in Communications and a master's degree in Elementary Education, both from the University of Tennessee. She also holds an education specialist degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University and an education specialist degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Tennessee.

 

 

Desiree Jones Appointed Principal of Cedar Bluff Middle School

 

Desiree Jones has been appointed Principal of Cedar Bluff Middle School effective July 2023. Ms. Jones joined Knox County Schools in 1996 upon graduation from the University of Tennessee and worked 15 years as a high school teacher.

 

She served as English Department Chair at Hardin Valley Academy from 2008-2011, and as a TAP Master Teacher at Austin-East High School. She was selected to be part of the Leadership Academy in 2012 and placed at Carter High School as an assistant principal. She also served as interim principal of Vine Middle School and as an assistant principal at Fulton High School. In 2017, she was named principal of Vine Middle, where she currently serves.

 

Ms. Jones holds a bachelor's degree in English, a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction and an educational specialist degree in Educational Administration, all from the University of Tennessee.

 

 

 

Kimberly Harris Appointed Principal of Northshore Elementary School

 

Kimberly Harris has been appointed principal of Northshore Elemenaty Schools effective July 2023.

 

Ms. Harris joined Knox County Schools in 2012 and worked as a teacher at A.L. Lotts and Hardin Valley Elementary. Previously, she was a teacher with Broward County Schools in Florida. In 2019, she was named assistant principal of Northshore Elementary, and in 2022, she was appointed principal of Bonny Kate Elementary, where she currently serves.

 

Ms. Harris holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University and a master's degree in Educational Leadership from Carson Newman University.

 

 

 

Robert Angel Appointed Principal of Mount Olive Elementary School

 

Robert Angel has been appointed principal of Mount Olive Elementary Schools effective July 2023.

 

Mr. Angel joined Knox County Schools in 2019 as an assistant principal of Fountain City Elementary. He previously worked for 16 years as a teacher and administrator at several schools in Campbell County. He also worked as a project manager for the U.S. Department of Energy-ORAU. He is currently serving as an assistant principal at Belle Morris and Corryton Elementary schools.

 

Mr. Angel holds a bachelor's degree in History/Middle Grades Education from the University of Pikeville, a master's degree in Elementary Education from the University of the Cumberlands, an educational specialist degree in Leadership and Administration from Lincoln Memorial University, and a master's degree in Theology from Regent University.

 

 

 

Keith Cottrell Appointed Principal of Fountain City Elementary School

 

Dr. Keith Cottrell has been appointed principal of Fountain City Elementary School effective July 2023.

 

Dr. Cottrell joined Knox County Schools in 1998 as a teacher at Cedar Bluff Intermediate School. He has also served as a teacher at A. L. Lotts Elementary, Blue Grass Elementary, and Sterchi Elementary schools. He was selected to be part of the Leadership Academy in 2011 and placed at Cedar Bluff Elementary School as an assistant principal. He has also served as assistant principal at Farragut Primary, principal of Cedar Bluff Elementary, and principal of Northshore Elementary.

 

He is currently the Associate Director of the Grow Your Own Center at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Cottrell holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Tennessee, a master's degree in Teaching from Carson Newman University, an Education Specialist degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University and a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Tennessee.

 

 

 

David Guyer Appointed Principal of Belle Morris Elementary School

 

David Guyer has been appointed principal of Belle Morris Elementary School effective July 2023.

 

Mr. Guyer joined Knox County Schools in 2022 as assistant principal of Hardin Valley Academy, where he currently serves. He previously worked 14 years as a teacher and administrator at various schools in California, including KIPP SOCAL Schools, John Muir Middle, John Burroughs High, and Monterey High schools.

 

Mr. Guyer holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Milligan College, and a master's degree in Education from the University of California, Los Angeles.

 

 

 

Porscha Harris Appointed Principal of Bearden Elementary School

 

Porscha Harris has been appointed principal of Bearden Elementary School effective July 2023.

 

Ms. Harris joined Knox County Schools in 2013 as a teacher at West Haven Elementary. She previously worked as a teacher in Hamilton County Schools. In 2015, she joined the teaching staff at Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Academy and became a lead teacher in 2017. She was a TAP Mentor from 2014-2016. She began her career in administration in 2020 as an assistant principal at Gibbs Elementary, where she currently serves.

 

Ms. Harris holds a bachelor's degree in Business Marketing from the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, a master's degree in Teacher as Instructional Leaders from South College, and an educational specialist degree in Instructional Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University.

 

 

 

Brandon Pratt Appointed Ombudsman for Knox County Schools

 

Brandon Pratt has been appointed Ombudsman for Knox County Schools effective July 2023.

 

Mr. Pratt joined Knox County Schools in 2001 as a teacher at Cedar Bluff Intermediate School. Before joining Knox County Schools, he worked as a teacher in Mississippi. He began his career in administration in 2005 as an assistant principal at A.L. Lotts Elementary School. He has served as principal at Corryton Elementary, Sunnyview Primary, Ball Camp Elementary, and Northshore Elementary schools. He is currently the principal of New Hopewell Elementary.

 

Mr. Pratt holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a master's degree in Education Leadership, both from the University of Mississippi.

 

 

 

Shawn Smith Appointed Principal of Copper Ridge Elementary School

 

Shawn Smith has been appointed principal of Copper Ridge Elementary School effective July 2023.

 

Ms. Smith joined Knox County Schools in 1985 as teacher at Ridgedale Elementary School, where she worked for 15 years. In 2000, she joined the teaching staff at Copper Ridge Elementary and became a lead teacher in 2012. She began her career in administration in 2017 as an assistant principal at Copper Ridge Elementary, where she currently serves.

 

Ms. Smith holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Louisiana College and a master's degree in Educational Leadership: Administration and Supervision from the University of Tennessee.

 

 

 

Tonya Cash Appointed Principal of Christenberry Elementary School

 

Tonya Cash has been appointed principal of Christenberry Elementary School effective July 2023.

 

Ms. Cash joined Knox County Schools in 2002 as a teacher at Christenberry Elementary School, where she worked for 11 years. She previously held various supervisor positions at Child and Family Tennessee. At Christenberry Elementary, she served in various leadership and professional positions. She began her career in administration in 2013 as an assistant principal at Christenberry Elementary, where she currently serves.

 

Ms. Cash holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Carson-Newman College, a master's degree in Education Administration from Grand Canyon University, and an Education Specialist degree in Instructional Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University.

 

 

 

Kori Lautner Appointed Interim Assistant Superintendent of Strategy

 

Kori Lautner has been appointed Interim Assistant Superintendent of Strategy effective April 2023. Ms. Lautner worked as a site director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley for three years before joining Great Schools Partnership as the Community School Coordinator for Lonsdale Elementary School in 2015.

 

In 2020, she became the Community Engagement Manager for Knox Education Foundation, where she developed and managed strategic partnerships between County Schools and the greater Knox County community. She joined Knox County Schools in 2021 and currently serves as Senior Executive to the Superintendent.

 

Ms. Lautner received a bachelor's degree in English Literature and a master's degree in Public Policy and Administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.