Bill Harlin is a native of Williamson County, and was recently named to take the principal position at the new Nolensville High School, opening fall 2016. His full name is William Wirt Harlin IV, and he grew up raising Tennessee Walking Horses in Franklin at Harlinsdale Farm. He has served his entire 15 year teaching career in Williamson County as an educator at Williamson County Schools.
Beginning his career in 2000, he taught AP European History and World History at Centennial High School for six years and also served as the department chair for Social Studies. In 2006, he was hired as an assistant principal at Brentwood Middle School, and in 2009 he became principal. During his time as principal, Brentwood Middle School has been recognized as the top achieving school in the district for 3 years and for the highest growth in the district for 2 years. In 2013, Brentwood Middle was named a Tennessee Reward School. During the 2013-14 school year, Brentwood Middle received both the highest achievement and the highest growth awards in the district.
He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Mississippi, Master of Arts in Teaching from Belmont University, an administrative endorsement from University of Tennessee at Martin. Currently, he is pursuing his Ed.D. at Lipscomb University in Learning Organizations and Strategic Change.
He is married to Kelly Harlin and is the proud father of two sons.
1What brought you to Williamson County?
I am the fourth generation of my family to live in Williamson County. Technically my great grandfather is the reason my family made its way to Williamson County in the 20th century to start Harlinsdale Farm.
2How long have you been working for Williamson County Schools?
I have worked in Williamson County Schools for my entire career going all the way back to student teaching at Fairview Middle School and Franklin High School in the 1999-2000 school year. My first paid position was as a teacher at Centennial High School from 2000-2006. I taught AP European History and World History. I also served as the department chair for Social Studies for three years. In the summer of 2006, I became an assistant principal at Brentwood Middle School, and for the past six years beginning in 2009, I was the principal of Brentwood Middle School.
3What are you most excited about as far as Nolensville High School?
That is a difficult question because everything is exciting with the start of a new school. I am excited about developing relationships with students, parents, community members, and staff in order to create top notch academic, arts, and athletic programs at Nolensville High School. I am excited about seeing future students recognized with achievement awards and scholarships in the future. Our facilities will be fantastic. I am also excited about working with my feeder schools as well because they are all so close in proximity. We will have a lot of fun collaborating to develop students all the way through high school and to inspire a community spirit that is unique to Nolensville.
4Do you have a favorite memory from your time working for WCS?
I have so many great memories of working here in this district. I have loved every minute developing relationships with my students, coworkers, and parents. I have great memories of many accolades and accomplishments by the staffs of CHS and BMS. However, my favorite memory may be from this past year when one of my 6th graders walked up during awards day to the loud applause of her classmates, staff, and BMS community. This young lady had a brain tumor earlier in September that made her non-responsive and immobile for months. When she finally became responsive again after her surgeries, she worked and worked through physical therapy and speech therapy to regain her abilities. To see her walk up during awards day and waive to her peers is a memory of courage and determination that I will never forget. She continues to work hard every day to regain her abilities before her tumor. I am so proud of her and proud to know her.
5What is your favorite thing about Williamson County and/or Nolensville?
I have several favorite things. First, I love to kayak on the Harpeth River especially the stretch from the Williamson County Rec center in Franklin to Moran Road. It is very beautiful scenery. In Nolensville, I love the spirit of community. Everyone is willing to roll up their sleeves and help in any way to make Nolensville High School great.
I love going to the Park at Harlinsdale to walk and to remember many wonderful memories of my childhood.
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