August 8, 2022
By JAMES EVANS
Rutherford County Schools
It’s not uncommon to find Dr. Annie Ralston up at 4 a.m. heading out for a run before beginning her day.
Mornings are one of the few times she has for herself between her busy schedule serving students and spending time with her family on their farm in the Buchanan community — where they raise Llamas and “lots and lots of hay.”
Ralston will now be devoting her impressive energy and drive to leading the special education department for Rutherford County Schools.
“I could not be more delighted to be back in Rutherford County Schools and to serve the community I live in,” Ralston said. “The opportunity to work alongside such an amazing group of educators, parents and students is a tremendous privilege.”
She added: “As I begin this new endeavor, my focus will be on building relationships with principals and special education staff to ensure student success.”
Ralston has twice served as a school administrator overseeing special education.
She most recently worked as an assistant principal at Heritage Middle School in Williamson County, having previously served in the same role at Oakland Middle School. Before entering administration, she taught social studies at Oakland Middle and Lascassas.
“Dr. Ralston has 12 years experience and has served as the lead special education over two schools in two different districts,” Director of Schools Dr. Jimmy Sullivan said. “She is aware of what is needed with our special education department, and I’m excited to see the positive changes she brings to our teachers and students.”
Ralston will oversee a recently reorganized department, which includes four new supervisor roles to better serve the needs of the rapidly growing school district. The department also now falls under the newly created Special Populations division, which will be led by Mark Gullion in an expanded role.
“Dr. Ralston has great leadership qualities and a passion for special education,” said Gullion, as the new Director of Special Populations and Federal Programs for Rutherford County Schools. “She is highly organized and is looking forward to establishing great relationships with our schools.”