Director of Schools

BACKGROUND

Dr. James "Jimmy" Sullivan became Director of Schools for Rutherford County on July 1, 2022.

A product of Rutherford County Schools, he attended Walter Hill Elementary School for grades K-8 and graduated from Oakland High School. 

Prior to being named director, Dr. Sullivan served as the district’s assistant superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction (2019-2022) and was the founding principal of Rocky Fork Middle School in Smyrna (2017-2019). Before that, he spent five years as principal of Harris Middle School in Bedford County. He was the change agent who helped the school move from the brink of takeover status by the Tennessee Department of Education to a Level 5 school, the highest rank available for a school in Tennessee. 

Additionally, Sullivan coached boys’ basketball at Blackman Middle School in Murfreesboro from 2006 until 2011.

Sullivan received his bachelor’s degree and teaching license from Tennessee State University and completed his master’s degree in education administration from Middle Tennessee State University. He earned his doctoral degree from Lipscomb University in 2014 in Learning Organizations and Strategic Change while serving as principal of Harris Middle.

As Director of Schools for Rutherford County, he has led the district to earning Level 5 for growth for three consecutive years. He’s also bridged partnerships with the Rutherford County Commission to secure funding for multiple new schools, including Simon Springs Community School, Poplar Hill Elementary School, Poplar Hill Middle School, and expansive additions to Smyrna High School, Riverdale High School, Oakland High School, and LaVergne High School.