Cleveland City Schools announces three new Assistant Principals

Cleveland City Schools is proud to announce three new assistant principal appointments for the 2026-2027 school year.

Casey Price has been named Assistant Principal at Cleveland High School, Heather Sacharczyk has been named 6th Grade Assistant Principal at Cleveland Middle School, and Heather Turner has been named 8th Grade Assistant Principal at Cleveland Middle School.

Each of these educators brings meaningful experience, a heart for students, and a strong connection to the work happening every day in Cleveland City Schools.

“We are excited to welcome Casey Price, Heather Sacharczyk, and Heather Turner into these leadership roles,” said Dr. Jeff Elliott, Director of Schools. “Each of them has shown a true commitment to students, staff, and families. They understand the importance of relationships, consistency, and creating school environments where people feel supported. I am grateful for the experience and heart they bring to Cleveland High School and Cleveland Middle School.”

Price brings 28 years of experience in education and a deep connection to Cleveland City Schools. He began his time with CCS in 1999 at Cleveland High School before moving to Cleveland Middle School in 2001, where he spent 16 years teaching social studies. He moved into administration in 2017 as Assistant Principal at Blythe-Bower Elementary School and later served as Assistant Principal at Yates Primary School.

In addition to his school leadership roles, Price has served as a CCS Summer School Administrator and has supported district work in areas including trauma and behavior, MTSS, Capturing Kids’ Hearts, safety, Superintendent’s Council, communications, discipline procedures, and STEAM designation. He has also poured into students through athletics, coaching at Cleveland Middle School, Cleveland High School, Lee University, and Tennessee Wesleyan.

“I am excited to start this new journey with Mr. Pritchard and the assistant principals at CHS,” Price said. “My three core values are teamwork, trust, and passion, and this is exactly what the administrative team offers at CHS. Together, we will continue working toward the goals of our school and district while keeping students at the center of every decision.”

Sacharczyk brings 21 years of experience in education to her new role as 6th Grade Assistant Principal at Cleveland Middle School. She joined Cleveland City Schools in 2023, serving two years as a 2nd grade teacher at Arnold Memorial Elementary School before moving to Cleveland Middle School in 2025, where she served as Operations Coordinator.

In her new role, Sacharczyk will help welcome and support 6th grade students as they make the transition into middle school. She will also work closely with teachers, staff, and families to help students feel connected, encouraged, and ready to grow.

“I am incredibly grateful and excited for the opportunity to serve in this new leadership role at Cleveland Middle School,” Sacharczyk said. “CMS is a special place filled with amazing students, dedicated teachers, and supportive families who are deeply invested in the success of our school community. I look forward to working alongside all as we continue building on the strong foundation that makes Cleveland Middle School such an exceptional place to learn, grow, and succeed.”

Turner brings 26 years of educational experience to her new role as 8th Grade Assistant Principal at Cleveland Middle School. Throughout her career, she has served as a secondary math teacher, coach, instructional leader, and advocate for student success.

During the past 10 years with Cleveland City Schools, Turner served as a math teacher and softball coach at Cleveland High School before joining Cleveland Middle School's Leadership Team as the RTI Facilitator. She has led school tutoring initiatives, coordinated summer learning programs, facilitated professional learning for staff, and worked collaboratively with educators and families to ensure students have the resources and opportunities needed to succeed.

As the 8th Grade Assistant Principal, Turner will support students during a pivotal year as they prepare for the transition to high school while continuing to foster a culture of academic excellence, leadership, and belonging.

“I am deeply honored to serve Cleveland Middle School in this new leadership role,” Turner said. “For 26 years, my passion has been helping students grow academically, socially, and personally while supporting the educators who make that growth possible. CMS is a place where students are challenged, supported, and encouraged to achieve their best. I am excited to continue building meaningful relationships with students, staff, and families while creating opportunities that empower every student to thrive.”

Cleveland City Schools is thankful for the experience, leadership, and care Price, Sacharczyk, and Turner bring to these roles. Their appointments reflect the district’s continued focus on supporting students, encouraging staff, and building strong school communities.