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Committed to Excellence. Committed to Opportunity. Committed to Talent. Committed to the Classroom.
"Until every student reads proficiently, each high-schooler earns a diploma, and 100% of KCS graduates feel confident and prepared for life after the classroom, there is still work to be done."
Commitment Concepts
Five years ago, I rolled out a platform anchored in Commitment. As a school board member, I continue my commitment to four major concepts that will help our schools reach higher and reach wider.
Committed to Excellence.
"Excellence isn’t just having nationally superior core subject proficiencies; we must also invest in a full education experience for our students."
What I said (2021)
SEVEN Reward Schools named in 2025 vs. two named in 2020 — a district record
Record number of U.S. Presidential Scholar semi-finalists and National Merit Scholar recognitions
State Championships in Boys Basketball, Softball, Wrestling, Girls Golf, Boys Track, & Bowling
1,200+ State Industry Credentials in Career & Technical Education
2021 and 2022 Back to Back AAA National Champion Dobyns-Bennett Marching Band
Record total students achieving All State Band, Choir, and Orchestra designation
12 military appointments
Progress We've Made
...just a few highlights
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All schools designated as Rewards Schools
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Top 5 in the state for every subject proficiency at every level
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Expanded student involvement within our preeminent Fine Arts programs
Progress to Go
...my aspiration
Committed to Opportunity.
"Committing to opportunity requires a willingness to reach beyond the traditional classroom model so that we offer an education experience suitable for each student in our Tribe."
What I said (2021)
528 students participating in AP classes (~20% increase from 2021)
88% exam passage rate (+12pp increase from 2021)
228 AP Scholar designations in 2025
30 comprehensive CTE programs and 15 Career Clusters (increase in participation since 2021)
1,200+ industry certifications earned (>2x increase since 2021)
200+ student placements with >110 Work Based Learning Partners across Kingsport
Transition School to Work program launched and 16 community partners currently involved
Progress We've Made
...just a few highlights
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FULLY FUNDED SCHOOLS — our city, county, and state must all support
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100% job placement or continuing education after graduation
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More nationally acclaimed programs focused on workforce preparation
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Increased community partnerships within our Transition School to Work and Work Based Learning programs
Progress to Go
...my aspiration
Committed to Talent.
"I am committed to recruiting, retaining, and supporting a robust team of teachers, administrators, and school staff. While teachers are employed in Kingsport, they should always feel that their perspectives are sought-out, respected, and heard."
What I said (2021)
Appointment of Dr. Chris Hampton to
Kingsport City Schools Superintendent
Teacher Pay increase every year since 2021
28% pay increase for Classified staff since 2021
Accelerated pay gap closure passed in 2021
Rollout of the pay gap closure completed 2021 — 4 years early
The accolades our educators have earned are too numerous to share, but among those accolades are:
State of Tennessee Principals of the Year
Dr. Chris Hampton (2022), Dr. Kyle Loudermilk (2023), Dr. Kelley Harrell (2025)
State of Tennessee Teacher of the Year Bryan Kerns (2024)
National Distinguished Principal Ms. Heather Wolf (2022)
TSSAA Boys Basketball Coach of the Year Chris Poore (2022)
TSSAA Unified Bowling Coach of the Year Stephen Baker (2025)
Joyce Ward State Teacher of the Year Jana Engle
#1 Public School Teaching Team in Tennessee John Adams Elementary School (2025)
Progress We've Made
...just a few highlights
Tennessee CTE Director of the Year Dr. Bo Shadden (2022)
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Highest teacher & Classified pay in Tennessee
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Kingsport City Schools as the best place to teach in the state — bar none
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Fortified talent pipeline from our local universities and top schools across the nation
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Continued engagement from our local community partners
Progress to Go
...my aspiration
Committed to the Classroom.
"The classroom is one of the most sacred and influential institutions in a child’s life. Just think of how many hours a week our students spend in the classroom! Each element of the classroom experience is vital."
What I said (2021)
NICHE's Top High School in Northeast Tennessee Dobyns-Bennett High School (2025)
US News & World Report's Best Schools in Tennessee Recognition (2024)
Adams, Johnson, & Washington Elementary Schools
Robinson Middle School
Dobyns-Bennett High School
Historic number of "Letter A" award schools
Every single elementary grade and subject in Kingsport City Schools has demonstrated a net proficiency improvement from 2021 to 2025.
Capital improvements, including renovating the Buck Van Huss Dome, opening the Tribe Athletic Complex, replacing HVACs/roofs across multiple schools, and approving multiple paving projects
Progress We've Made
...just a few highlights
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Every school in Kingsport receives a Letter A score from the TDOE
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Increased access to medical, dental, & mental health resources for students currently underserved
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Kingsport as a destination city for families with school aged children
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100% graduation rate (96.7% current)
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Grow our Pre-K program alongside the opening of 2 elementary schools
Progress to Go
...my aspiration
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