Published December 2, 2016 at 3:58 p.m.

KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Jim Wernke, Ross N. Robinson Middle School Assistant Principal, has been named a fellow for the 2017 cohort of the Governor’s Academy for School Leadership (GASL), on behalf of the partnership between Governor Haslam’s office, Vanderbilt University, and the Tennessee Department of Education. The program will begin in January and continue through December 2017.

The GASL is a unique partnership consisting of 20-25 assistant principals selected from across Tennessee who participate in a one-year leadership development experience aimed at growing school leaders through effective mentorship, in-depth feedback, and tailored training sessions.  As a program fellow, Wernke will have the opportunity to be trained in instructional leadership by some of the nation’s leading experts at Vanderbilt University, one of the nation’s top universities in educational leadership.

“This is an outstanding opportunity for Mr. Wernke and for Kingsport City Schools,” said Dr. Lyle Ailshie, Kingsport City Schools Superintendent. “We applaud his leadership and dedication to the students and staff of KCS, as well as his desire and potential to become a transformational school principal.  Our community is fortunate to have Jim as an integral part of our school leadership team.”

Prior to his current assignment at Robinson Middle School, Wernke was an associate principal at Sevier Middle School, taught at QSI Quality Schools International in Shekou, China, and at Roosevelt Elementary, Johnson Elementary, and Adams Elementary.  He has a B.A. in Art from Lincoln Memorial University, a Master of Education degree in Grades K-6 at Milligan College, and is pursuing his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from East Tennessee State University.

“It is an honor to be selected as a fellow for the Governor’s Academy for School Leadership,” said Wernke.  “I look forward to the collaboration with other assistant principals across the State and learning from my district mentor, Dr. Chris Hampton (Dobyns-Bennett High School principal).”  This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about effective instructional leadership from experts in the field.”

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 and a non-traditional school; with total enrollment over 7,300 students. The vision of Kingsport City Schools is to be, Student Focused … World Class.

KCS has been named the top school district in Tennessee as winner of the 2014 SCORE Prize District Award by the State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) and has earned the 2014 Achievement Award in the annual Excellence in Tennessee Recognition Program by the Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence (TNCPE).

For more information on KCS, visit k12k.com, listen live on WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, read our blog, We Are KCS, or call (423) 378.2100. We’re social too; follow us on Facebook (Kingsport City Schools), Twitter (@KCS_District) and check out our YouTube Channel (KPTSchools).

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