May 1, 2023
By JAMES EVANS
Rutherford County Schools
While many teachers and administrators were taking a well-deserved rest during spring break, Lorie Gober was busy writing an action plan.
The seven-point plan was part of her preparation for an upcoming job interview to become the next principal of Blackman Elementary School. It includes action items for school climate and culture, communication, curriculum and instruction, and parent engagement, just to name a few of the highlights.
Gober will now get an opportunity to fulfill her vision after Director of Schools Dr. Jimmy Sullivan has announced she will serve as the school’s next principal.
Gober succeeds long-time principal Dr. Cynthia Ford, who has served as the school’s principal since it opened in 2001.
“Mrs. Gober has a detailed plan to enhance academic achievement, recruit and retain the highest qualify staff members, and to foster the success that Mrs. Ford has built since the school’s inception,” Director Sullivan said. “Mrs. Gober will combine her experience serving as an administrator of a large school and her background working as an instructional coach at the elementary and high school levels for seven years.”
Since 2019, Gober has served as an assistant principal at Siegel High School, a school of approximately 1,800 students. She previously has worked as an instructional coach at Roy Waldron Elementary School, as an English Language Arts interventionist, and as an elementary teacher.
She holds an education specialist’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University, a master’s from the University of Alabama, and an undergraduate degree from Jacksonville State University.
“I want to go in there and build a culture with the community. I want to share a high level commitment of caring for teachers and students — along with the parents — everyday, while also providing rich instruction and a nurturing environment,” Gober said.
Even though Gober has served most recently as an administrator at the high school level, she said her heart has always been with elementary students.
“When this position came up, I felt like it was a calling for me,” Gober explained. “My top priority is to offer the best education to the students at Blackman Elementary. I just want to serve them.”
Blackman Elementary School serves approximately 1,100 students in grades K-5. Gober will begin her new duties at the school beginning July 1.