May 5, 2017
By JAMES EVANS
Rutherford County Schools
MURFREESBORO — Ashley Witt, currently an assistant principal at Blackman Elementary School, has been named the new principal of Buchanan Elementary School, Director of Schools Don Odom announced today.
Former Buchanan Principal Michael Hickman recently resigned as principal for a position in another county. Retired RCS Principal Lyndal Duke is currently serving as interim principal of Buchanan until a permanent administrator was named.
“She not only brings administrative experience but a strong background focused on effective instructional practices,” Director Odom said.
Witt has served as an assistant principal at Blackman Elementary School since 2009, having previously taught kindergarten and first grade at Blackman and kindergarten at David Youree. She also holds three degrees from Middle Tennessee State University, where she also teaches as an adjunct.
“Her Specialist in Education degree is in Curriculum and Instruction but she continues to share her skills as an MTSU adjunct professor through a course in ‘Literacy for Early Childhood Education,’” Odom said. “Students and teachers at Buchanan Elementary will benefit from her knowledge and experience.”
Witt expressed her appreciation and excitement for the opportunity to lead the school.
“Buchanan Elementary School is a National Blue Ribbon School, and it has a long history of community involvement and support,” Witt said. “I look forward to joining this strong community as we work together to achieve greatness.”
Buchanan Elementary School opened in 1980 and serves grades K-5. In 2015, it was one of only six schools in Tennessee to be named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.
A new assistant principal for Blackman Elementary School will be named soon.