The Tullahoma Board of Education has unanimously approved Dr. April Norris as the next Director of Schools for Tullahoma City Schools during a special-called meeting Tuesday evening.
Dr. Norris will assume the role following the retirement of Dr. Catherine Stephens, who announced in October that she would step down effective June 30. Dr. Norris has served as TCS Deputy Director of Schools for the past six years and brings more than three decades of experience in education to the position.
“On behalf of the Tullahoma Board of Education, we are thrilled to be moving forward with Dr. April Norris as she transitions to the position of Director of Schools,” said Board Chairman Kim Uselton. “Dr. Norris has been with Tullahoma City Schools for 13 years in a variety of positions and has had great success in all of her roles. We are excited about the future of TCS under Dr. Norris’ leadership”.
Dr. Norris joined Tullahoma City Schools 13 years ago as a special education teacher before serving as Principal of Bel-Aire Elementary School. She later became the district’s Director of Special Education and then Deputy Director of Schools in 2020.
“I chose to join Tullahoma City Schools because of its reputation for valuing employees, maintaining high academic expectations and unwavering community support,” Dr. Norris said. “As the new Director of Schools, I will continue to uphold these principles and work alongside our teachers, staff and administrators, lead efforts to further align curriculum, instruction, and school culture with future-ready goals”.
Dr. Stephens praised Norris’ leadership and preparation for the role, noting the Deputy Director position was designed to support and prepare future leadership within the district.
Dr. Norris holds a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Cumberland University, a Specialist in Education in Instructional Leadership from Tennessee Technological University, a Master of Education in Elementary Education from Tennessee State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Middle Tennessee State University.
With more than 32 years in education, district leaders say the future of Tullahoma City Schools remains bright under her leadership.
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