May 16, 2018
By JAMES EVANS
Rutherford County Schools
The next transportation director for Rutherford County Schools has more than two decades of experience in transportation logistics and is a veteran of the United States Navy.
Jason Everett will begin as the next transportation director on July 1, Director of Schools-Elect Bill Spurlock has announced.
“Mr. Everett has an extensive background in the transportation sector and working with multiple independent contractors,” Director-Elect Spurlock said. “He also understands the importance of delivering students to and from school safely and will serve our families well.”
The school district’s transportation department oversees 268 bus routes that transport approximately 25,000 students daily, and those buses travel nearly 4 million miles each school year.
Rutherford County Schools uses an independent contractor model for providing transportation services, which involves contracting with individual bus owners who are managed by the transportation department.
“I like transportation, the challenge, working with independent contractors. It’s something I’m drawn to and excited about,” Everett said.
In the early 90’s, Everett served in the Navy during Desert Storm and then joined FedEx in an entry-level position before working his way up to a senior manager position overseeing four locations. He spent 23 years with FedEx, 14 of those in management.
Everett has a bachelor’s degree in Management and Human Relations from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville. He won multiple awards while with FedEx, including Ground Pickup and Delivery Manager of the Year in 2010 and 2011, and he was a recipient of the FedEx Ground Circle of Honor for three consecutive years.
After leaving FedEx, Everett wanted to pursue an opportunity to work with education and children or with military veterans, he said.
“Working here with the School Board, it couldn’t be any better, and I couldn’t be more excited to have that opportunity to safely pick up everyone and get them back safely,” Everett said. “That is the top priority.”
Everett succeeds Mike Snell, who is retiring June 30 after serving as transportation director for 13 years.