Rutherford County Schools

Investing in every student, every day.

[Rutherford County Schools @rucoschools]

School Board work session livestreaming at 5:30 p.m. here: https://t.co/r8EbvZPnyh

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We're so proud of you, Ja'Kobe! #theRCSdifference

[Rutherford County Schools @rucoschools]

The Rutherford County Board of Education has several surplus items listed for auction at https://t.co/qXYpJrig4K.

Auctions end June 15. Visit https://t.co/WW5F8JqOAG for complete details.

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From the classroom to the track 🏍️🏁

LaVergne High School students wrapped up a partnership with Northern Tool this weekend, seeing their custom-built Harley-Davidson dirt track bike unveiled at Tennessee National Raceway in Hohenwald.

Students worked on the project since September alongside leaders in dirt track racing. The bike is now headed to the SEMA Show in Las Vegas in November.

LaVergne welding students tackled the challenge, gaining experience in engines, electrical systems, fabrication and racing.

Congratulations to LaVergne High students, instructor Jason Bowers and Principal Theowauna Hatchett on the achievement.

Footage from the race will air on Fox Sports on Monday, June 15, at 12 p.m. CT.

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School Board meeting livestreaming at 5:30 p.m. here: https://t.co/6aj9gNAlwF

[Rutherford County Schools @rucoschools]

ASHLEY TOOMBS NAMED ESL COORDINATOR

June 2, 2026

By JAMES EVANS
Rutherford County Schools

Ashley Toombs, a longtime member of the RCS ESL department, has been named the new ESL coordinator.

The ESL coordinator oversees instructional strategies, compliance and works with schools to provide instruction to those students who are learning the English language.

“Ms. Toombs brings extensive experience, deep knowledge of our district's structures and systems, and a unique ability to analyze and communicate data that will help strengthen the work already in place,” said Chief Academic Officer Dr. Kelly Chastain.

The ability to work and apply data is essential to the position because it is used to increase student achievement and ensure every student receives appropriate services and instruction, Chastain explained.

Toombs succeeds Dr. Meagan Turnbow, who was recently named principal of Rockvale High School.

During her educator career, Toombs has worked with all facets of ESL, including instruction, funding, compliance, and coaching administrators and teachers.

“My desire to move into the coordinator role came from a genuine investment in the program that we've built and a deep commitment to continuing to grow it,” Toombs said. “Dr. Turnbow has done an amazing job at bringing our department to where it is, and I want to continue that momentum.”

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School Board work session livestreaming at 5:30 p.m. here:

https://t.co/NZq9SvlFNn

[Rutherford County Schools @rucoschools]

Stewarts Creek anglers Landan Smith and Van Yocom shined May 17 at the East TN Bass Nation HS Championship (Nickajack Lake), weighing 22.4 lbs with a 7.73 big fish. They earned $1K ($500 each); Yocom added $150. State next: May 29–30, Watts Bar Lake. Eagleville also competed.

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Smyrna Elementary School ended the 2026-2027 school year by cutting the ribbon on its new greenhouse along with community partners Taylor Farms and Dow Smith Company, Inc.

The 12x20 greenhouse was constructed earlier this month and replaces one damaged by a storm a few years ago. In previous years, the school has grown tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and tomatillos and made them available them to parents during school visits. 

During Friday's celebration, students in the school's Garden Club planted a small summer garden with bell peppers, jalapeños, zucchini and tomatoes. This year’s club boasted 15 students and six adult sponsors.

Once fully up and running, produce from the greenhouse will be given to Smyrna Elementary families, while plants will be used for Project Based Learning activities throughout the school year, extending real-world opportunities into the classroom.

Taylor Farms donated $25,000 to the effort and Dow Smith Company completed the assembly of the greenhouse, which is equipped with electricity and water.

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Buchanan Elementary Principal Ashley Witt named Tennessee Principal of the Year semifinalist

Witt, who has served as principal of Buchanan Elementary since 2017, says recognition reflects collective work of school community
May 29, 2026

By JAMES EVANS
Rutherford County Schools

Buchanan Elementary School Principal Ashley Witt has been named a semifinalist in the Tennessee Department of Education Principal of the Year recognition program, an honor recognizing outstanding school leaders across the state.

Witt, who has served as principal of Buchanan Elementary since 2017, said the recognition reflects the collective work and culture built by the school community.

“I am so grateful that this honor has come at this particular season of my career and that it happened with my Buchanan Elementary school family,” Witt said. “We have worked very hard in our school to be intentional about not only academic success, but making sure our children are well supported. We’ve built a school that we truly love — we want to come to work, and we want to be here.”

Director of Schools Dr. Jimmy Sullivan praised Witt’s growth as a leader and her commitment to students and staff.

“Ashley has grown tremendously as a leader since taking over Buchanan Elementary,” Sullivan said. “She leads with heart, compassion and purpose, and it’s clear in the culture she has created within the school. She genuinely cares for her students, her employees and the entire school community, and this recognition is a reflection of the impact she is making every day.”

Witt, a longtime educator in Rutherford County Schools, said she is proud to serve in the district that helped shape her career.

“Rutherford County Schools raised me,” Witt said. “I believe in the things we stand for in this district, and I’m grateful that I get to serve here. I don’t take that lightly.”

For Witt, the role of a principal extends far beyond managing a building. She said her greatest goal is ensuring students feel supported, valued and prepared for success in life.

“At the end of the day, I want our children to know they were loved, they were seen and they were supported,” Witt said. “We want the best for them, and we want to help them become the best version of themselves.”

The Tennessee Principal of the Year program recognizes school leaders who demonstrate excellence in instructional leadership, student achievement and school culture. The overall winner of the distinction will be announced later this year.

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Have a great summer✌️

[Rutherford County Schools @rucoschools]

Jason Brown named new principal of Eagleville School

Former principal Tim Pedigo appointed to role at Central Office

May 28, 2026

By JAMES EVANS
Rutherford County Schools

Jason Brown, a longtime assistant principal at Eagleville School, has been named the new principal of the school.

Tim Pedigo, the school’s current principal since 2020, has been named Rutherford County Schools’ textbook coordinator, which will oversee all textbook distribution, purchasing and accounting for all schools.

“Each school in RCS is unique, but a K-12 school within one of the top 80 school systems by student enrollment in America distinctly stands out amongst other schools in the district,” Director Sullivan said.  “Mr. Jason Brown has served as an assistant principal and teacher at Eagleville under three administrations and distinctly understands the Eagleville community.  Currently, Eagleville is a Reward School academically and has experienced unparalleled successes athletically.  I have full confidence that Mr. Brown will continue this tradition of excellence while continuing to blend the traditions that make Eagleville unique with the growth of the area.”

Brown will officially begin his new role on July 1 but will work with Pedigo throughout June to ensure a smooth transition.

“I’m both honored and grateful for Dr. Sullivan’s confidence in me as the next leader of Eagleville School,” Brown said. “As a K-12 school, there’s a unique opportunity to build relationships over the course of a student’s academic career, and to create a consistent culture from the earliest grades all the way up through graduation.”

Brown is a veteran educator who began his career at LaVergne High School in 2003. He taught in Marshall County for two years before being hired by former Eagleville Principal Rhonda Holton in 2007. He became an assistant principal in 2011, serving with former Principal Bill Tollett and Pedigo.

“I want to thank outgoing principal Mr. Pedigo for his steady leadership at Eagleville,” Brown said. “Under his guidance, Eagleville has experienced great success both academically and athletically, and I will work to continue this tradition of excellence for our students, staff, and community.”

Pedigo will serve in a newly revised role as Textbook Coordinator at the district’s Central Office. The role isn’t new but restructured from the former materials center supervisor role, which was held for many years by Debra Murphy before she retired recently. The revised role will work to ensure the efficient tracking and distribution of textbook resources to help control costs.

“I want to first thank Dr. Sullivan and the Board of Education for all the support for my time at Eagleville,” Pedigo said. “As I step into a new role in the district, I do so with deep gratitude for my time at Eagleville School. Serving this community has been an incredible blessing, and I am truly thankful for the relationships built with our students, staff, and families. I am proud of all we’ve accomplished together, and it brings me great comfort knowing that things at Eagleville are going well. The strength and dedication of this school community will continue to carry it forward, and I look ahead with excitement, knowing our shared work will keep making a difference.”

A search for a new assistant principal will begin immediately.

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For the eighth consecutive year, Rutherford County Schools has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education Award from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding support and commitment to music education.

Now in its 27th year, the awards program continues to spotlight and celebrate school districts and individual schools across the United States for their exemplary dedication to music education and their ongoing efforts to ensure equitable access to music learning as part of a well-rounded education.

MORE: https://t.co/gUBTDNV7QG

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Central Magnet School students had a strong showing in the 2026 Tennessee Geographic Alliance State Mapping Contest, earning top honors across both divisions. Central teacher Clay Burns recognized with GIS Catalyst Award.

Congratulations, Central Magnet!

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School Board special-called meeting livestreaming at 5 p.m. here:

https://t.co/AEjDr1QvHW

[Rutherford County Schools @rucoschools]

Stewarts Creek softball blanked Maryville tonight — — the game lasted to nearly midnight after multiple rain delays today — 10-0 after five innings to win the 4A State Championship.

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Congratulations to Eagleville Softball for capturing the 1A state championship with 2-1 win tonight over McEwen. After several weather delays, the game started at about 4:30 p.m. at Shelbyville Central High School. Congrats Eagles!

[Rutherford County Schools @rucoschools]

Farewell to Dayna Nichols: A career built on relationships

Rockvale Elementary principal retiring after 31 years in the district

May 21, 2026

By BARTON HENLEY
Rutherford County Schools

“Being a principal makes me feel like I’m a rockstar,” Dayna Nichols said.

At Rockvale Elementary School, the job looks quieter than that — a daily conversation with a student waiting for the bus around 2 p.m. or greeting children with hugs in the front lobby each morning.

Principal Dayna Nichols is retiring after 31 years with Rutherford County Schools, including 12 years leading Rockvale Elementary.

“I became so invested in this place,” Nichols said. “I’m going to miss the people in this building the most.”

That connection is what brought her back to the school level after time in the district’s central office. Nichols has served in several roles — from fifth grade teacher at Stewartsboro Elementary to a Title I math teacher at Rock Springs Elementary, and later as an ATLAS program coordinator and human resources supervisor — but found herself missing daily interactions with students.

Each afternoon around 2 p.m., Nichols makes time for a conversation with a student as they wait for the bus — a routine she rarely misses. The student, who is blind, shares stories, ideas and observations, often guided by a huge imagination.

“I watch the clock every day for 2 p.m.,” Nichols said. “I look forward to it each day.”

In the mornings, it was much the same. Nichols stood in the lobby, greeting students as they arrived — often with hugs — creating a sense of familiarity in a school of more than 1,200.

“The students know I care,” Nichols said. “That means something.”

Those relationships didn’t end when students left Rockvale Elementary.

Nichols keeps in touch with former students, including one she met years ago through the district’s ATLAS program, which Nichols founded. That student became close to Nichols, resulting in her helping raise the teen’s young child. The child who lived with Nichols throughout his childhood has graduated and earned a cheerleading scholarship to a major university.

“I consider him one of my children. They’re still part of my life,” Nichols said. “She was a child with a child. She was so appreciative of the help, and I consider them part of our family.”

When Nichols left the district office to take over as principal at Rockvale Elementary, she was nervous about how the community would receive her since she was not from there.

“I am most proud of the fact that I came into a school where the faculty was very close, and I’ve been able to maintain that,” Nichols said.

It wasn’t something she took lightly, especially returning to a school setting after years away from the classroom.

“I had been out of the classroom many years and my biggest fear was that I was going to mess it up,” Nichols said. “But the minute I walked in here, I was on their team, and they would not let me fail.”

Even in a role she describes as “the loneliest job,” leading a school of more than 1,200 students and more than 100 staff members, Nichols said that support made the difference.

On April 17, RCS Director of Schools Dr. Jimmy Sullivan named Jason Crutchfield the successor to Nichols. (https://t.co/JOtpIKTwNn)

“We have a superior school district here,” Nichols said. “I couldn’t be more tickled that Mr. Crutchfield is going to be here leading. My people will be very well taken care of.”

Even in retirement, Nichols said she does not plan to step away completely.

“I’m ready to retire, but I’m not ready to be put out to pasture,” Nichols said.