WCS Announces New Principals

from wcs.edu

Students, parents and staff at four Williamson County schools will return from Winter Break to find new leadership in their buildings.

Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney announced the following on December 8: Chapman’s Retreat Elementary Assistant Principal Jill Justus as principal of Bethesda Elementary; Longview Elementary Assistant Principal Bronwyn Rector as principal of Crockett Elementary; Grassland Elementary Assistant Principal Yolanda Blackburn as principal of Hunters Bend Elementary; and Nolensville Elementary Assistant Principal Amanda Fuller as principal of Nolensville Elementary.

Jill Justus replaces Steve Fisher who announced his retirement from Bethesda earlier this month.

Jill Justus
Jill Justus

“Jill will be an asset to the Bethesda community,” said Looney. “She is a highly respected teacher and administrator who has the professional skill set and leadership ability to serve the Bethesda students, staff and families well.”Jill Justus replaces Steve Fisher who announced his retirement from Bethesda earlier this month.

Justus began her teaching career in 1999 and joined Williamson County Schools and Heritage Elementary in 2002 as a fifth grade teacher. She taught fourth grade at Chapman’s from 2003-2009; served as an elementary lead mentor from 2009-2010; and has been serving as the assistant principal at Chapman’s since 2010.

“I am truly honored to have been chosen to lead the community of learners at Bethesda Elementary. Bethesda has a long-standing tradition of excellence in Williamson County. I am excited to work with the students, staff, and families as we continue to build upon those accomplishments,” said Justus. “It has been a privilege to serve the Chapman’s Retreat families for the past 14 years. They will always have a special place in my heart.”

Justus holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Middle Tennessee State University and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University.

Bronwyn Rector will be taking over at Crockett as Robert Bohrer was recently named the principal of Thompson’s Station Elementary School.

Bronwyn Rector
Bronwyn Rector

“Bronwyn is a relational administrator who is passionate about doing what’s best for students,” said Looney. “In her time at Longview, she has proven herself as an instructional leader, and I believe she is a natural choice for the leadership role at Crockett.”Bronwyn Rector will be taking over at Crockett as Robert Bohrer was recently named the principal of Thompson’s Station Elementary School.

Rector has served as the Longview Elementary assistant principal for the past six years. Prior to the time, she was a school psychologist in Williamson County Schools for 13 years and a teacher and Title I reading consultant in Hamilton County Schools for nine years.

“I am thrilled to have the honor of joining Crockett Elementary School as the new principal,” said Rector. “While I am grateful for the time I spent at Longview and the support I received there, I look forward to partnering with the Crockett faculty, staff, students and parents to build on their outstanding successes. I am eager to start the new year as a Crockett Pioneer.”

Rector earned her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and a TN Certification in School Psychology from The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga; a Master’s in Education from Tusculum College; and a Tennessee Certification in Educational Leadership from The University of TN at Martin.

Grassland’s Yolanda Blackburn will be returning to Hunters Bend Elementary to lead that school. She replaces Chad Walker who was named the principal of Jordan Elementary.

Yolanda Blackburn
Yolanda Blackburn

“Yolanda’s years as a teacher mentor and her ability to impact instruction make her an excellent choice for Hunters Bend,” said Looney. “Her familiarity with the school will only help her to continue to build upon the strong learning community in place.”Grassland’s Yolanda Blackburn will be returning to Hunters Bend Elementary to lead that school. She replaces Chad Walker who was named the principal of Jordan Elementary.

Blackburn taught special education at Hunters Bend and Kenrose elementary schools for a combined nine years before serving as a special education new teacher mentor for three years. She has served as the Grassland Elementary assistant principal since 2013.

“I am honored and excited to rejoin the Hunters Bend Family. I look forward to building new relationships and reacquainting with others, and I will serve to continue the Hound Dog tradition of excellence,” said Blackburn. “Being a part of the Grassland Elementary family the last five years has been such a rewarding experience, and I wish them the best.”

Blackburn, a National Board Certified Teacher in Special Education K-6, holds a Bachelor’s in Communication Disorders and an Education Specialist in Administration Supervision from Middle Tennessee State University. She earned a Master’s in Special Education from Tennessee State University.

Nolensville’s Amanda Fuller will stay in the same school as she takes over for Paula Waits who will open Thompson’s Station Middle School.

Amanda Fuller
Amanda Fuller

“Amanda knows the Nolensville school community well. She has helped build the strong foundation of excellence,” said Looney. “I am confident she will continue to build on that foundation of excellence for the Nolensville community.”Nolensville’s Amanda Fuller will stay in the same school as she takes over for Paula Waits who will open Thompson’s Station Middle School.

Fuller has served as assistant principal since 2014. Prior to that time, she taught sixth grade math and science at Grassland Middle School and fifth grade math at Allendale Elementary.

“I am honored and excited to accept the principal role at Nolensville Elementary. Having served as assistant principal the past four years, I understand the value our community places on education,” said Fuller. “I am eager to continue to work with our incredible students, supportive parents and dynamic faculty. I am committed to ensuring a safe, meaningful and positive learning environment for our students.”

Fuller earned her Bachelor of Science, Master of Education and Educational Specialist degrees from Middle Tennessee State University.

All will begin their new roles on January 3, 2018.