News Summary
Six principals have been appointed to new roles in Knox County Schools, bringing extensive experience and qualifications to their respective schools.
Knoxville, TN — In a significant administrative shift set for July 2025, six principals will transition into new positions within the Knox County Schools system. Among the new appointments is Taiesha Young, who will take over as principal at Carter Elementary School, replacing Emily Jellicorse. Young has previously served as principal at Pond Gap Elementary since 2022 and has been a part of Knox County Schools since 2017, starting her career there as a teacher at Holston Middle School.
The other new appointments include Leighanna McCann at Corryton Elementary, David Claxton at Hardin Valley Elementary, Beki Jones at Norwood Elementary, Sarah Mercer at Pond Gap Elementary, and Amanda Hurd at Sunnyview Primary School. Each of these new leaders brings a unique background and substantial experience within the education sector.
Principal Appointments Overview
Taiesha Young will succeed Emily Jellicorse at Carter Elementary. Young holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Alcorn State and a master’s degree from the University of West Alabama, along with an Educational Specialist degree from Arkansas State University. Her background in Knox County Schools has allowed her to build a solid foundation in educational leadership.
Leighanna McCann has been appointed as the new principal of Corryton Elementary, replacing Aaron Maddox who recently retired. McCann has been part of Knox County Schools since 2008, during which she has held multiple positions, including TAP master teacher and secondary numeracy coach. She stepped into administrative roles in 2018 and is well-equipped for leadership, holding degrees in education from Tennessee Tech and an Educational Specialist degree in instructional leadership from the University of Tennessee.
David Claxton returns to Knox County Schools, stepping in as principal at Hardin Valley Elementary after serving as an intermediate principal in Maryville, TN. Claxton’s career began at Knox County Schools in 1998 as a teacher, later becoming principal at West Valley Middle School from 2015 to 2023. He holds degrees in geography and education from the University of Tennessee and an Educational Specialist degree from Lincoln Memorial University.
Beki Jones has been appointed principal of Norwood Elementary, taking over for the retiring principal, Robyn Ellis. Jones joined Knox County Schools in 2010 and progressed from a teaching role to becoming an administrator in 2017. She is currently the assistant principal at Ball Camp Elementary, where she has served since 2019. Jones holds a degree in human growth and learning from Tusculum University and an administration degree from Carson Newman University.
Additional Changes
Sarah Mercer will take over as principal at Pond Gap Elementary, succeeding Taiesha Young. Mercer has been with Knox County Schools since 2008, beginning her career as a teacher and later working as a magnet facilitator and numeracy coach before assuming her current role as principal at New Hopewell Elementary since 2023. Her academic achievements include degrees from Freed-Hardeman University, the University of Phoenix, and an Educational Specialist degree from Lincoln Memorial University.
Finally, Amanda Hurd has been appointed as the principal of Sunnyview Primary School after serving as interim principal. Hurd’s career at Knox County Schools began in 1996 as a teacher at Carter Elementary, where she worked for 26 years before stepping into various leadership roles, including assistant administrator and assistant principal at Gibbs Elementary. She holds degrees in human learning and curriculum from the University of Tennessee, as well as a master’s degree in educational leadership from Austin Peay State University.
Conclusion
The upcoming leadership changes reflect a continued commitment to strengthening the educational framework in Knox County Schools. Each of the new principals brings valuable experience and educational qualifications that will help foster an enriching learning environment for students in the district.
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Additional Resources
- Knox TN Today: Six More Principals in KCS
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- Knox News: KCS Superintendent on His Vision
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- WBIR: South Knoxville Elementary Gets Check After High Reading Scores
- Google News: Knox County Schools
- WATE: Christian Academy of Knoxville Names New Principal
- Google Search: Knox County education
- Oak Ridger: Oak Ridge Teachers Seek Pay Hike
- Google Scholar: Education Leadership
