November 18, 2025
By JAMES EVANS
Rutherford County Schools
Dr. Larissa Westerfield has been named the next principal of Rock Springs Middle School, Director of Schools Dr. Jimmy Sullivan announced today.
Westerfield currently serves as the coordinator of Teaching and Learning for the district’s instruction department. She succeeds former RSMS Principal Stephen Wayne, who has been named the new principal of Siegel High School beginning in January.
“Dr. Westerfield’s previous experiences as a highly effective principal and as a coordinator at the district office will ensure that Rock Springs Middle continues to achieve success and build upon the school’s proud history,” Director Sullivan said.
Prior to joining the instruction department, she served as the principal of Stewartsboro Elementary School for five years. Previously, she was an assistant principal at Cedar Grove Elementary School for three years and was a teacher for Metro Nashville Public Schools for nine years.
“I am deeply grateful to Dr. Sullivan for the incredible opportunity to serve the students, families, teachers, and community of Rock Springs Middle School,” Westerfield said. “I also want to extend my sincere thanks to Dr. (Kelly) Chastain for the invaluable experience I gained during my time in the Instruction Department at our district office over the past two years. I am thrilled to join Rock Springs Middle School and build upon the outstanding legacy that Mr. Wayne has established over the last decade as principal.”
Westerfield has a bachelor’s in Sociology and Religion from Houston Christian University and a master’s in education with an ESL endorsement from Trevecca Nazarene University. She earned a doctorate of education in Organizational Leadership and Strategic Change from Lipscomb University.
“At Rutherford County Schools, our commitment to every student, every day truly sets us apart,” Westerfield said. “We believe all students deserve the highest quality education, and I look forward to contributing to that mission as principal of Rock Springs Middle School. It is both an honor and a privilege to serve this remarkable community. I am excited to build strong connections with the families, faculty, and staff of Rock Springs Middle School as we work together to support student success.”
Westerfield will begin as principal of the school on Jan. 1, 2026. There are no plans to fill the district office coordinator position at this time.