Nine school leaders are up for an annual statewide award, including one principal from Memphis.
Tracie Thomas, a principal at White Station Elementary School, represents schools in Shelby County on the state’s list of finalists. Last year, Principal Docia Generette-Walker of Middle College High School in Memphis received the honor.
Building better principals has been a recent focus for Tennessee Education Commissioner Candice McQueen as roles of the school leaders change under school improvement efforts.
“Successful schools begin with great leaders, and these nine finalists represent some of the best in our state,” McQueen said. “The Principal of the Year finalists have each proven what is possible when school leaders hold students and educators to high expectations.”
The winner will be announced at the state department’s annual banquet in October, where the winner of Tennessee’s Teacher of the Year will also be announced.
The finalists are:
West Tennessee
- Tracie Thomas, White Station Elementary, Shelby County Schools
- Stephanie Coffman, South Haven Elementary, Henderson County School District
- Linda DeBerry, Dyersburg City Primary School, Dyersburg City Schools
Middle Tennessee
- Kenneth “Cam” MacLean, Portland West Middle School, Sumner County Schools
- John Bush, Marshall County High School, Marshall County Schools
- Donnie Holman, Rickman Elementary School, Overton County Schools
East Tennessee
- Robin Copp, Ooltewah High School, Hamilton County Schools
- Jeff Harshbarger, Norris Middle School, Anderson County Schools
- Carol McGill, Fairmont Elementary School, Johnson City Schools