May 8, 2026
By JAMES EVANS
Rutherford County Schools
Dr. Clark Blair has spent the past 21 years as the principal of McFadden School of Excellence, an academic magnet school serving grades K-5 and which has consistently been ranked as one of the top performing elementary schools in Tennessee.
He has now been selected as the principal of nearby Central Magnet School, which likewise has ranked consistently as the top high school in Tennessee and beyond. Director of Schools Dr. Jimmy Sullivan announced the appointment today.
Blair succeeds longtime Central Magnet School Principal Dr. John Ash, who was recently named the new Director of Schools for Smith County.
“Under Dr. Ash’s leadership, Central Magnet School has achieved extraordinary success, earning recognition as the number one school in the state and number three in the nation, with a consistent record of high achievement,” Director Sullivan said. “Dr. Blair is a student‑focused leader who values rigorous instruction, strong school culture, and meaningful family and community partnerships. As an administrator at one of our elementary magnet schools and at the middle school level for the past 20 plus years, he has the skillset, knowledge, and understanding needed to lead this population of our students.”
Sullivan added: “I am confident he will build upon the exceptional foundation established by Dr. Ash and continue the tradition of excellence that defines Central Magnet School.”
“I want to thank Dr. Sullivan for giving me the opportunity to be the next principal of Central Magnet — a school that is rich with history from its days as Central High School, then Central Middle, and now Central Magnet,” Blair said. “A lot of great people have walked those hallways over the years.”
Blair added: “My goal as Central’s next principal is to continue the great things Dr. Ash has achieved at the school. I look forward to serving the faculty, students and families by giving what the Central Magnet motto states, which is ‘Always My Best.’”
Leaving McFadden School of Excellence, which previously served grades K-8 until Central Magnet School opened, will be tough, Blair said.
“I mean, 21 years, you know, I love this place. I’ve always loved this place and it’s been a blessing to my family,” Blair said.
As an educator, the goal is always to help students succeed and help them fulfill the plans for their future, Blair said. That’s always been his intent at McFadden, and he plans to carry that same vision and purpose in his new role at Central.
“A teacher’s greatest joy is seeing student success,” Blair explained. “That’s all we want, you want to see people succeed.”