The Overton County Board of Education dedicated a portion of its recent meeting to celebrating educators and school communities, recognizing teachers who reached 20 years of service, honoring newly tenured teachers, and launching a new initiative to spotlight district schools.
Honoring 20 Years of Dedicated Service
The board first recognized teachers who reached an important milestone this year — 20 years of service in education. This honor acknowledges educators whose careers reflect long‑term commitment to students, schools, and the Overton County community.
District leaders expressed gratitude for the lasting impact these teachers have had over two decades, noting that their experience, mentorship, and consistency play a vital role in supporting student success and strengthening school culture.
Board members highlighted that reaching 20 years in the profession represents not only longevity, but also perseverance, adaptability, and dedication to continuous growth in an ever‑changing educational environment. Each honoree was thanked publicly for the contributions they have made to generations of students and families.
Allison Goolsby- Allons Elementary
Jimmy Miller- Livingston Academy
Shirley Savage- Rickman Elementary
Tammy Story- Rickman Elementary
Timmy Breeding- Allons Elementary
Janet Thompson- Board of Education
Teachers Earn Tenure Status
Following the service recognition, the board honored teachers who earned tenure status during the current school year, marking another significant professional milestone.
District leadership emphasized that tenure in Tennessee is not automatic. To be eligible, teachers must complete a probationary period, hold the appropriate teaching license, and demonstrate consistent performance with evaluation scores that meet state requirements. This includes earning an overall evaluation level of at least a Level 4 during the probationary period.
“This recognition reflects sustained effectiveness in the classroom, commitment to students, and professionalism over time,” board members shared during the presentation. “Earning tenure is an important milestone, and we are proud of the dedication these educators have shown.”
As each tenured teacher was recognized, principals in attendance were invited to join their educators to present tenure certificates, highlighting the partnership between school leadership and classroom teachers.
Allons Elementary- Haley Stover
Hilham Elementary- Leslie Schermerhorn
Livingston Academy- Marlee Sells and Jacob Tibbs
Reach Academy- Todd Wright
Rickman Elementary- Alyssa Blackmon, Karli Holland, Jae Oliver, Caitlin Scarlett
Wilson Elementary- Courtney Raines
New School Spotlight Begins With Wilson Elementary
The meeting also marked the launch of a new district initiative designed to strengthen connections with the community by highlighting individual schools at board meetings.
District officials announced that at each meeting, one school will be featured to share its history, culture, and the positive work taking place for students.
“Tonight, we are also excited to begin something new for our district,” Director of Schools, Kim Dillon, shared. “At each board meeting, we will highlight one school to share more about who they are, their history, and the great things happening for students.”
Wilson Elementary School was selected as the first school to be featured. The board welcomed Wilson Elementary principal Ms. Ashley Fisher, who shared information about the school and the learning environment being fostered for students.
Board members expressed pride in Wilson Elementary and appreciation for the staff and students who contribute to the school’s success and positive reputation within the district.
Celebrating Excellence Across the District
Together, the recognitions showcased the district’s commitment to honoring both individual educator achievements and school communities as a whole. From recognizing teachers with decades of service, to celebrating the professional growth of tenured educators, to spotlighting schools, the board highlighted the people and places that make Overton County Schools strong.
District leaders shared that they look forward to continuing these recognitions at future meetings as a way to celebrate excellence and build stronger connections with the community.