KINGSPORT, Tenn. - The Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) has announced Dr. Kelley Harrell, John Adams Elementary School Principal, as the 2024-25 State of Tennessee Principal of the Year at the TDOE's annual Excellence in Education celebration.

The Tennessee Principal of the Year award is awarded annually to a school leader for outstanding service in education and exceptional leadership that drives overall improvements in his or her school. 

"Dr. Harrell is committed to developing teachers by providing ongoing professional development, personalized coaching, and leadership opportunities," said Kingsport City Schools Superintendent Dr. Chris Hampton. "Her goal is to inspire educators to reach their highest potential and enhance the educational experience for all students. Congratulations to Kelley on this well-deserved recognition."  

"I have been so honored and humbled throughout the Principal of the Year process," said Dr. Harrell. "The opportunity to take time to reflect upon the successes of our school team was so fulfilling. I am fortunate to work in such a supportive school system and spend my days at John Adams with the best students, teachers and staff members around. This award is truly about the quality of people who I am fortunate to be surrounded by daily in KCS. A tremendous thank you to all of them for taking great pride in helping our students thrive!"

Dr. Harrell is in her 21st year as an educator, with five years in Kingsport City Schools. She previously served in Washington County Schools as principal at Ridgeview Elementary School and Boones Creek Elementary School; as an assistant principal at Boones Creek Elementary School and Boones Creek Middle School; and as a District RTI2 coordinator. Harrell was named Principal of the Year in Washington County in 2017-18. 

In addition, she has also served as a mentor principal in the Governor's Academy for School Leadership and the Tennessee Principal Pipeline Partnership. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from East Tennessee State University (ETSU), a Master's degree in Education Leadership and Administration from Tusculum College, an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University, and a Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from ETSU.

Past Tennessee Principal of the Year recipients for Kingsport City Schools include: Dr. Kyle Loudermilk, Sevier Middle School (2022), Dr. Chris Hampton, Dobyns-Bennett High School (2021), and Dr. Carolyn McPherson, Sevier Middle School (1995). To learn more about the Tennessee Principal of the Year and Supervisor of the Year Awards, click here. 

Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a public school district located in Kingsport, Tenn., serving students in Sullivan and Hawkins county. The district is comprised of 13 schools, including a Pre-K, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, a high school program of choice, and an alternative learning program; with a total enrollment of over 7,400 students.

KCS has been ranked the "#1 Best Place to Teach in Tennessee" by the 2023 NICHE Best Schools Ranking and the City of Kingsport has been voted as the "Nicest Places in America" in the October 2022 Reader's Digest.

For more information visit www.k12k.com, listen live on WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, or call the KCS Administrative Support Center at (423) 378.2100. We’re social too; follow us on Facebook (kcsdistrict), Instagram (kcs__district), and check out our YouTube Channel (@kcs__district).