Administrative Appointments

 

Jack Owen has been appointed principal of Carter Middle School effective September 2019. Mr. Owen joined Knox County Schools in 1997 as a teacher at Cedar Bluff Middle School.

 

Mr. Owen has also worked at the Department of Energy and taught at Karns Middle School. He began his career in administration in 2007 as an assistant principal at Powell Middle School. In 2013, he was named assistant principal of Northwest Middle School and in 2016, he was named assistant principal of Whittle Springs Middle School, where he currently serves.

 

Mr. Owen holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology/Criminal Justice from the University of Tennessee, a master's degree in teaching from Carson-Newman College, and an education specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University.

 

 

 

Thomas Watson has been appointed supervisor of secondary education effective September 2019. Mr. Watson joined Knox County Schools in 1996 as a teacher at Whittle Springs Middle School.

 

Mr. Watson has also taught at Carter Middle School. He began his career in administration in 2006 as an administrative assistant at Green Magnet Academy and later assistant principal at Northwest Middle School. In 2009, he was appointed principal of Richard Yoakley School and in 2015, he was appointed principal of Carter Middle School, where he currently serves.

 

Mr. Watson holds bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Biology and a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction, from the University of Tennessee, and an education specialist degree in Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University.

 

 

 

Ryan Siebe has been appointed Human Resources supervisor for secondary education effective July 2019. Mr. Siebe joined Knox County Schools in 2000 as a teacher at Powell Middle School. Mr. Siebe previously worked as a teacher at Unicoi County High School. He also served as a teacher at Farragut High School.

 

He began his career in administration in 2007 as administrative assistant at Fulton High School and later assistant principal at West High School. He was selected to be part of the Leadership Academy in 2010 and placed at Fulton High School as an assistant principal. He has been a curriculum principal at Austin-East High School and principal at Carter High School. He is currently Principal at Farragut High School.

 

Mr. Siebe holds a bachelor's degree in English from Milligan College, a master's degree in Instructional Leadership from Tennessee Tech University and an education specialist degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of Tennessee.

 

 

 

Dr. John Bartlett has been appointed principal of Farragut High School and Director of Leadership Development effective July 2019.

 

Dr. Bartlett joined Knox County Schools in 2008 as principal of Bearden High School, where he served for I 0 years. Previously, he was principal of Loudon County High School and worked as a teacher in Bledsoe County. Prior to entering the education field, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves for 12 years. In 2018, he was appointed supervisor of secondary education, a position he currently serves.

 

Dr. Bartlett holds a bachelor's degree in History from Tennessee Temple University, and a master's degree in Instructional Leadership and an Educational Specialist degree, both from Tennessee Technological University. He also has a doctorate degree in Educational Administration from Liberty University.

 

 

 

Renee Kelly has been appointed as chief of staff for Knox County Schools. Ms. Kelly returns to Knox County Schools from Emerald Academy, where she currently serves as school director.

 

Ms. Kelly joined KCS in 1999 as a teacher at Bearden Middle School and later worked for Project GRAD. She began her career in administration in 2009 when she was appointed assistant principal at Spring Hill Elementary. She was selected as part of the Leadership Academy in 2010 and placed at Bearden Middle as an assistant principal. She also served as assistant principal and principal at West Valley Middle. She was named dean of scholars at Emerald Academy in 2016 and school director in 2017.

 

Ms. Kelly holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Marketing and a master's degree in Elementary Education, both from the University of Tennessee. She also holds an education specialist degree in Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University.

 

 

 

Jennifer Garrett has been appointed principal of Paul Kelley Volunteer Academy effective July 2019. Ms. Garrett joined Knox County Schools in 1998 as a teacher at Karns Elementary School.

 

Ms. Garrett also served as a TPaCK technology coach at Sterchi Elementary. She was selected to be part of the Leadership Academy in 2016 and placed at Dogwood Elementary School as an assistant principal. She worked as campus manager at Paul Kelley Academy and as an assistant principal at L&N STEM Academy, where she currently serves.

 

Ms. Garrett holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Western Michigan University and a master's degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Tennessee.

 

 

 

Jason Myers has been appointed executive director of student supports effective July 2019. Mr. Myers joined Knox County Schools in 2008 as a teaching assistant at Fulton High School.

 

Mr. Myers has also served as a special education teacher and lead teacher. He began his career in administration in 2013 as an administrative assistant and later assistant principal at West High School. In 2016, he was appointed principal of Knoxville Adaptive Education Center (K.A.E.C.) and in 2018, he was appointed principal of Bearden High School, where he currently serves

 

Mr. Myers holds a bachelor's degree in History and a master's degree in Special Education, both from the University of Tennessee.

 

 

 

Debbie Sayers has been appointed principal of Bearden High School effective July 2019. Ms. Sayers joined Knox County Schools in 2002 as a teacher at West High School.

 

Ms. Sayers previously taught in Michigan. She has also taught at Hardin Valley Academy and served as a lead teacher and STEM Academy dean. She began her career in administration in 2013 as curriculum principal at Farragut High School and later as an assistant principal at Central High School, where she currently serves.

 

Ms. Sayers holds a bachelor's degree in Chemistry and Biology from Spring Arbor College, Michigan, and a master's degree in Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University.

 

 

 

April Partin has been appointed principal of Lonsdale Elementary School effective July 2019. Ms. Partin joined Knox County Schools in 2001 as a teacher at A.L. Lotts Elementary School.

 

Ms. Partin taught several years at A.L. Lotts 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 20 I 7 and placed at Karns Elementary School as an assistant principal. In 2018, she was named principal of Shannondale 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.

 

 

 

Renee Rupeka has been appointed principal of Shannondale Elementary School effective July 2019. Ms. Rupekajoined Knox County Schools in 1999 as a teacher at Belle Morris Elementary School.

 

Ms. Rupeka also taught at Shannondale Elementary. She began her career in administration in 2014 when she was appointed assistant principal at Fountain City Elementary, where she currently serves.

 

Ms. Rupeka holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a master's degree in Elementary Education, both from the University of Tennessee, as well as an education specialist degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University.

 

 

 

Carl Whipple has been appointed principal of West Haven Elementary School effective July 2019. Mr. Whipple joined Knox County Schools in 1998 as a teacher at Vine Middle School.

 

Mr. Whipple previously worked at Darlington School in Georgia and at Webb School of Knoxville. He began his career in administration in 2006 when he was appointed assistant principal at Norwood Elementary. He is currently assistant principal at Northshore Elementary School.

 

Mr. Whipple holds a bachelor's degree in Music from Davidson College in North Carolina, as well as a master's degree in Music Education and an education specialist degree in Leadership and Administration, both from the University of Tennessee.

 

 

 

Janice Cook has been appointed director of school culture effective July 2019. Ms. Cook joined Knox County Schools in 1997 as a district-wide intervention consultant.

 

Ms. Cook previously held various positions at East Tennessee Children's Hospital and Peninsula Hospital. She began her career in school administration in 2008 when she was appointed principal of Knoxville Adaptive Education Center. In 2016, she was named principal of Paul Kelley Volunteer Academy, where she currently serves.

 

Ms. Cook holds a bachelor's degree in Music from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music in Scotland and a master's degree in Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University.

 

 

 

Michelle Clayton has been appointed principal of Richard Yoakley School effective July 2019. Ms. Clayton joined Knox County Schools in 2007 as a teacher at Richard Yoakley.

 

Ms. Clayton has also served as an administrator and principal in private residential treatment institutions and at the Department of Child Services juvenile correctional facility. She returned to Knox County Schools in 2016 as an administrative assistant at West High School. She was selected to be part of the Leadership Academy in 2017 and placed at Central High School as an assistant principal. She is currently an assistant principal at Austin-East High School.

 

Ms. Clayton holds bachelor's degrees in Secondary Education and History from the University of South Alabama, as well as a master's degree in Educational Administration and an educational specialist degree in Educational Leadership, both from the University of Tennessee.

 

 

 

Amy Brace has been appointed principal of West View Elementary School effective July 1, 2019. Dr. Brace joined Knox County Schools in 1992 as a teacher at Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Academy.

 

Dr. Brace has also worked as a Magnet Program Lead Educator. She began her career in administration in 2008 when she was appointed assistant principal at Inskip Elementary School and later assistant principal at Sarah Moore Greene. In 2012, she was named principal of Lonsdale Elementary School, and in 2016, named principal of Sarah Moore Greene.

 

Dr. Brace holds a bachelor's degree in Education, a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and a doctorate degree in Educational Administration and Supervision, all from the University of Tennessee.

 

 

 

Robin Curry has been appointed principal of Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Academy effective July 2019. Ms. Curry joined Knox County Schools in 2001 as a teacher at Bearden Elementary School.

 

Ms. Curry also worked as a parent educator before returning as a teacher at Cedar Bluff Middle School. She was selected to be part of the Leadership Academy in 2015 and placed at Vine Middle School as an assistant principal. She is currently assistant principal at West Valley Middle School.

 

Ms. Curry holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology, a master's degree in Elementary Education and an education specialist degree in Educational Leadership, all from the University of Tennessee.

 

 

 

Seth Smith has been appointed principal of Fulton High School effective July 2019. Mr. Smith joined Knox County Schools in 1997 as a teacher at Farragut High School.

 

Mr. Smith also taught at Fulton High School. He began his career in administration in 2006 when he was appointed assistant principal at Carter High School. He has been an assistant principal at Farragut and Central high schools, and in 2015, was named principal of Richard Yoakley School, where he currently serves.

 

Mr. Smith holds a bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Tennessee and a master's degree in Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University.

 

 

 

Jimm Allen has been appointed principal of L&N STEM Academy effective July 2019. Mr. Allen joined Knox County Schools in 2012 as a teacher at West High School.

 

Mr. Allen previously was a teacher in Florida. He was selected to be part of the Leadership Academy in 2014 and placed at Hardin Valley Academy as an assistant principal. He has served as assistant principal at L&N STEM and is currently assistant principal at South-Doyle High School.

 

Mr. Allen holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Bowling Green State University and a master's degree in Educational Administration from the University of Tennessee.

 

 

 

Andrew Brown has been appointed principal of Central High School effective July 2019. Mr. Brown joined Knox County Schools in 1999 as a teacher at Central High School.

 

Mr. Brown went on to work for 12 years as a teacher and principal in Bristol, Tenn. In 2016, he returned to Knox County Schools when he was appointed principal of South-Doyle Middle School, where he currently serves.

 

Mr. 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 and an education specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Carson-Newman University. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Carson-Newman University.

 

 

 

Denise Cross has been appointed principal of Spring Hill Elementary School effective July 2019. Ms. Cross joined Knox County Schools in 2004 as a teacher at Beaumont Magnet Academy.

 

Ms. Cross previously worked as an elementary and middle school teacher in Oregon. She has also taught at Vine Middle School and served as a TAP master teacher at East Knox, West View and West Haven elementary schools. She began her career in administration in 2015 as assistant principal at West Hills Elementary School. She is currently assistant principal at Bonny Kate and Mount Olive elementary schools.

 

Ms. Cross holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Western Oregon University and a master's degree in Instructional Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University.

 

 

 

Spencer Long has been appointed principal of Halls High School effective July 2019. Mr. Long joined Knox County Schools in 2011 as a teacher at Halls High School.

 

Mr. Long previously was a teacher at Jefferson County High School. He was selected to be part of the Leadership Academy in 2017 and placed at Karns High School as an assistant principal. He is currently assistant principal at Bearden High School.

 

Mr. Long holds a bachelor's degree in Biology and a master's degree in Educational Leadership, both from Carson-Newman University, as well as an educational specialist degree in Educational Administration from the University of Tennessee.

 

 

 

Anthony Norris has been appointed principal of South-Doyle Middle School effective July 2019. Mr. Norris joined Knox County Schools in 2000 as a teacher at the former Karns Annex Alternative School.

 

Mr. Norris also worked for more than 12 years at South-Doyle High School as a teacher and mentor teacher. He began his career in administration in 2014 as an assistant principal at Farragut High School, where he currently serves.

 

Mr. Norris holds a bachelor's degree in History and a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction, both from the University of Tennessee, as well as an educational specialist degree in Administration from Lincoln Memorial University.

 

 

 

Jamey Black Romig has been appointed principal of Halls Elementary School effective July 2019. Ms. Romig joined Knox County Schools in 1998 as a teacher at Belle Morris Elementary School.

 

Ms. Romig also taught at Brickey-McCloud Elementary School, worked with Project GRAD Knoxville, and served as an instructional coach at Dogwood and Halls elementary schools. Ms. Romig began her career in administration in 2015 as assistant principal at Halls Elementary, where she currently serves.

 

Ms. Romig holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a master's degree in Elementary Education, both from the University of Tennessee, as well as an Education Specialist degree in Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University.

 

 

 

Rob Speas has been appointed principal of Hardin Valley Academy effective July 2019. Mr. Speas joined Knox County Schools in 2000 as a teacher at Austin-East Magnet High School.

 

Mr. Speas also worked as a teacher at Oak Ridge High School. He began his career in administration in 2008 as assistant principal at Austin-East High School. He was selected to be part of the Leadership Academy in 2010 and placed at Fulton High School as an assistant principal. He has served as assistant principal at L&N STEM Academy, and in 2012, he was named principal of Fulton High School, where he currently serves.

 

Mr. Speas holds a bachelor's degree in Chemistry and a master's degree in Education, both from the University of Tennessee, as well as an education specialist degree in Educational Administration from Lincoln Memorial University.

 

 

 

Sallee Reynolds has been appointed supervisor of secondary education effective July 2019. Ms. Reynolds joined Knox County Schools in 1988 as a teacher at West High School.

 

Ms. Reynolds previously worked as a teacher at Knoxville Catholic High School. She began her career in administration in 2001 as assistant principal at Central High School. She has served as principal at West High School, and in 2007, she was named founding principal of Hardin Valley Academy, where she currently serves.

 

Ms. Reynolds holds a bachelor's degree in Joint Elementary and Secondary Mathematics Education and a master's degree in Administration and Supervision, both from the University of Tennessee.

 

 

 

Beth Lackey has been appointed Early Childhood Supervisor effective July 2019. Ms. Lackey joined Knox County Schools in 2006 as an assistant principal at Powell High School.

 

Before joining Knox County Schools, Ms. Lackey worked for nearly 20 years in a number of teaching and administrative positions with various school systems in Georgia. She is currently principal at Spring Hill Elementary School.

 

Ms. Lackey holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a master's degree in Science Education, both from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She also holds an Education Specialist degree in Mathematics Education and an administration certification from the University of Georgia.

 

 

 

Trina Bruns has been appointed principal of Pond Gap Elementary School effective July 2019. Ms. Bruns joined Knox County Schools in 2016 as assistant principal at Pond Gap Elementary School, where she currently serves.

 

Before joining Knox County Schools, Ms. Bruns served as a special education teacher, STEM interventionist and an elementary school assistant principal in Colorado Springs, Co.

 

Ms. Bruns holds a bachelor's degree in Education from Bowling Green State University and a master's degree in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University.

 

 

 

Keith Cottrell has been appointed principal ofNorthshore Elementary School effective July 2019. Dr. Cottrell joined Knox County Schools in 1998 as a teacher at Cedar Bluff Intermediate School.

 

Dr. Cottrell 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 and is currently principal of Cedar Bluff Elementary.

 

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.

 

 

 

Mitchell Cox has been appointed principal of Cedar Bluff Elementary School effective July 2019. Mr. Cox joined Knox County Schools in 2017 as principal of Halls Elementary School, where he currently serves.

 

Mr. Cox taught seven years at Sullivan North High School before becoming a teacher and administrative assistant at Innovation Academy ofNortheast 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.

 

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.

 

 

 

Tara Howell-Spikes has been appointed principal of Fair Garden Family Center effective July 2019. Ms. Howell-Spikes joined Knox County Schools in 2000 as a teacher at Mount Olive Elementary School.

 

Ms. Howell-Spikes was selected to be part of the Leadership Academy in 2013 and placed at A.L. Lotts Elementary School as an assistant principal. She has also served as an assistant principal at Cedar Bluff Elementary. She is currently assistant principal at Sunnyview Primary and Chilhowee Intermediate schools.

 

Ms. Howell-Spikes holds a bachelor's degree in Communication and Media Studies from Carson-Newman University, a master's degree in Elementary Education and Teaching from the University of Tennessee, an Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Tennessee.

 

 

 

Kristi Phillips has been appointed principal ofRidgedale School effective July 2019. Ms. Phillips joined Knox County Schools in 2003 as a teacher at Northwest Middle School.

 

Ms. Phillips also served as a TAP mentor teacher at Northwest Middle. She began her career in administration in 2010 when she was appointed assistant principal at Bearden Middle School. She has been an assistant principal at L&N STEM Academy and is currently an assistant principal at Ridgedale.

 

Ms. Phillips holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a master's degree in Educational Leadership, both from Carson-Newman University.

 

 

 

Amelia Baker, interim principal of Pleasant Ridge Elementary, has been appointed the permanent principal effective July 2019. Ms. Baker joined Knox County Schools in 2010 as a counselor at Central High School and later South-Doyle Middle School.

 

Ms. Baker previously worked as a teacher at Maryville City Schools and Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools. She began her career in administration in 2012 as an assistant principal at South-Doyle Middle School and later assistant principal at Northwest Middle. She served as assistant principal at Pleasant Ridge before being named interim principal in December 2018.

 

Ms. Baker holds a bachelor's degree in English from Maryville College, a master's degree in School Counseling from the University of Tennessee and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Administration from Lincoln Memorial University.

 

 

 

Emily Jellicorse has been appointed principal of Chilhowee Intermediate School effective July 2019. Ms. Jellicorse joined Knox County Schools in 2008 as a teacher at Carter Elementary School.

 

Ms. Jellicorse 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 is currently assistant principal at Gibbs Elementary School.

 

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.

 

 

 

Shelly McGill has been appointed principal of Amherst Elementary School effective July 2019. Ms. McGill joined Knox County Schools in 2006 as a teacher at Brickey-McCloud Elementary School.

 

Ms. McGill began her career in administration in 2011 when she was appointed assistant principal at Carter Elementary School. She was selected to be part of the Leadership Academy in 2013 and placed at Dogwood Elementary School as an assistant principal. In 2014, she was named principal of Pond Gap Elementary, where she currently serves.

 

Ms. McGill holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a master's degree in Elementary Education, both from the University of Tennessee, and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University.

 

 

 

Brandon Pratt has been appointed principal of New Hopewell Elementary School effective July 2019. Mr. Pratt joined Knox County Schools in 2001 as a teacher at Cedar Bluff Intermediate School.

 

Before joining Knox County Schools, Mr. Pratt 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, and Ball Camp Elementary schools. His is currently principal of Northshore Elementary School.

 

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

 

 

 

Tiffany Watkins has been appointed principal of Gap Creek Elementary School effective July 2019. Ms. Watkins joined Knox County Schools in 1995 as a teacher at Ball Camp Elementary School.

 

Ms. Watkins also taught at Hardin Valley Elementary School and served as a mentor teacher. She was selected to be part of the Leadership Academy in 2012 and placed at A.L. Lott Elementary School as an assistant principal. She has also served as an assistant principal at Adrian Burnett Elementary School and is currently principal at Fair Garden Community Center.

 

Ms. Watkins holds a bachelor's degree in Education and a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction, both from the University of Tennessee.