SUPERINTENDENT SPOTLIGHT: Dr. Janine Wilson (Fayetteville City)

The TOSS Superintendent Spotlight for November is Dr. Janine Wilson.  She has served as the Director of Schools in Fayetteville City for six years. 

Dr. Wilson's district has a very successful engineering program in the high school, which they have implemented at the middle school over the last year.  They have plans to begin implementation on the elementary level next year.  As a part of this program, the aerospace engineering students had the opportunity to visit the US Aerospace Museum in Florida recently! 

When asked what her favorite part of her job is, Dr. Wilson stated, "Without a doubt, I am motivated each time I visit a classroom and watch the teachers and students interact; each time I attend a band concert; each time I attend an athletic event; and certainly each time I assist in handing out diplomas at graduation. I am motivated by the students and their successes." 

Her favorite memory from her superintendency so far is being honored in a video produced by the high school students in her district.  Dr. Wilson said, "I will cherish it forever because sometimes we forget that our students appreciate what we do for them and what a bright future they have.  I am so proud of our system, especially the bond we have with our boys and girls." 

SUPERINTENDENT SPOTLIGHT: Sherry Darnell (Lake County)

Our Superintendent Spotlight for October is Sherry Darnell who has served as the superintendent in Lake County for nearly three years.  

Ms. Darnell was excited to talk about many new programs in her district, including a new ACT prep program, a new attendance initiative, a balanced literacy block, and embedded professional development in partnership with the Northwest Core office.  She stated, "there are so many exciting opportunities for growth this year, and I can't say enough good things about my leadership team!" 

When we asked Ms. Darnell what the best part of her job is, she said, "knowing that all employees and I are working toward the same goal each day - to truly educate, guide, and influence the students in Lake County to help become fine citizens who will be on the leadership of our school system.  I am very humbled by the love of the students."

 

Charles (Chuck) Cagle Receives Best Lawyer Award

TOSS Legal Counsel Charles (Chuck) Cagle has been named one of the Best Lawyers in America for 2017.  The recipients are selected by their peers and recognized in the Best Lawyers publication.  Chuck is a shareholder and chair of the Education Law and Government Relations Practice Group for Lewis Thomason's Nashville office.  

We are extremely proud and honored to work with Chuck and have him represent our organization.   

SUPERINTENDENT SPOTLIGHT: Dr. Mark Griffith (Marion County)

TOSS is proud to announce that our September Superintendent Spotlight is Dr. Mark Griffith.  He has served as the Director of Schools in Marion County for ten years.  

Dr. Griffith was excited to tell his peers about his district's partnership with Chattanooga State TCAT that helps students receive a Certified Production Technician certificate upon high school graduation.  South Pittsburg High School was the first high school in Tennessee to graduate all students 100% College and Career Ready.  He also told us about their new Early College option for students in grades 9-12.  They also have rising ACT scores in their district! 

When asked what his favorite part of his job is, Dr. Griffith answered, "I love being part of a collaborative effort with my great staff to help the students of Marion County.  In such a rural setting, we see the good and the bad situations, but if our efforts can help make those bad situations better, then everything we do here is worth it." 

Dr. Griffith also shared his favorite memory from his superintendency, in which he was able hold a special graduation ceremony in a children's hospital for a student with cancer.  He got to help fulfill her one wish just twenty days before her passing.  He stated about his experience, "losing a child at sixteen to cancer myself who wanted more than anything to graduate with her peers, it was very enjoyable to see that young lady receive her diploma and the smile on her face." 

We are so honored to work with leaders like Dr. Griffith.