Director of Schools

BACKGROUND

Dr. James "Jimmy" Sullivan became Director of Schools for Rutherford County on July 1, 2022 under a four-year contract approved by the Rutherford County Board of Education. 

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, and was the change agent who helped the school move from the brink of takeover status from 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.

Dr. Sullivan plans to be visible with educators, parents and students. He wants to focus on improved communications with all stakeholders, explaining expectations, and building a culture of mutual respect and success.