Cleveland City Schools announces Principal, Supervisor, and Classified Staff of the Year honorees

Cleveland City Schools is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024-2025 Principal of the Year, Supervisor of the Year, and Classified Staff of the Year awards. These distinguished individuals have demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and unwavering support for their schools and the entire district.

District Honorees:

Principal of the Year: Bob Pritchard, Cleveland High School
Bob Pritchard, Principal of Cleveland High School, has been recognized as the 2024-2025 Principal of the Year for his outstanding leadership and commitment to excellence. Director of Schools, Dr. Jeff Elliott, stated, "Bob's dedication to fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-achieving school environment has made a significant impact on both students and staff. His tireless efforts, innovative approach, and unwavering focus on student engagement and success have set a high standard for educational leadership. We are proud to have Bob Pritchard as this year's Principal of the Year."

Bob Pritchard expressed his gratefulness, saying, "It’s an incredible honor to be recognized as Principal of the Year. This award is truly a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our teachers, staff, students, and community. Cleveland High School is an amazing place to lead, and I’m thankful to be part of a team that puts students first and strives for excellence every day."

Supervisor of the Year: Kelly Kiser
Assistant Director of Schools, Kelly Kiser, has been named the 2024-2025 Supervisor of the Year for Cleveland City Schools. His exemplary leadership and strategic vision has played a pivotal role in supporting and advancing educational initiatives across the district. Dr. Elliott praised, "Kelly Kiser’s dedication to nurturing a culture of continuous improvement and his ability to support staff and students alike have greatly contributed to the district's success. His leadership each year, especially this year as Interim Director of Schools, exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding supervisor."

Assistant Director of Schools, Kelly Kiser, shared his gratitude, saying, "Cleveland City Schools is home to so many of the best educators and people in the State of Tennessee. It is an honor to be part of this great team and to be chosen to represent this school system."

Classified Staff Member of the Year: Shirley Knight, Blythe-Bower Elementary
Shirley Knight, a beloved member of the Blythe-Bower Elementary community, has been recognized as the 2024-2025 Classified Staff Member of the Year. Dr. Joel Barnes, Principal of Blythe-Bower Elementary, shared, "Shirley Knight is a staple of the Blythe-Bower community and has been for many years. She goes above and beyond for our school and students and is an active member of the Blythe-Oldfield Community Association. Whether reading to students on her front porch in the summertime or lending a helping hand wherever needed, Shirley's dedication and kindness make her truly irreplaceable."

A Celebration of Leadership and Dedication:

These honorees represent the heart and soul of Cleveland City Schools. Their commitment to excellence, their drive to make a positive difference, and their unwavering support for their school communities have set them apart as exemplary leaders and role models.

Dr. Jeff Elliott, Director of Schools, expressed his gratitude for these exceptional individuals, saying, "The leadership and dedication demonstrated by Bob Pritchard, Kelly Kiser, and Shirley Knight highlight the very best of Cleveland City Schools. Their contributions have helped create an environment where both students and staff can excel. We celebrate their achievements and thank them for their tireless service."

These district honorees continue to inspire others as Cleveland City Schools upholds its commitment to excellence in education and community engagement.